Honest Kitchen

44 Ridgway Street, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand
+64 6 345 0899
$$$ Cafe
(195 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Honest Kitchen, a delightful café located at 44 Ridgway Street in Whanganui, New Zealand. This charming spot prides itself on providing a warm and inviting atmosphere where community members and visitors alike can enjoy wholesome, well-prepared meals that feel like a comforting hug for your taste buds.

At Honest Kitchen, you can expect a menu that emphasizes fresh, hearty dishes made with love. Their culinary offerings are diverse, beginning with a standout kumara orange salad that bursts with vibrant flavors. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a delightful blend of earthy sweetness and zesty brightness. For those who prefer something more substantial, the critically acclaimed stuffed chicken breast delivers juicy tenderness complemented by robust seasoning that leaves a lingering taste of satisfaction. And let’s not overlook the beef casserole, a rich and hearty dish that warms the soul with its homely flavors and generous portions.

Honest Kitchen doesn’t just cater to traditional tastes, either. They understand the nuances of modern dietary preferences, offering excellent keto, vegetarian, and even take-home meal options. One reviewer, Karen Taylor, enthusiastically notes how the café offers “delicious take-home meals with a home-cooked flavor” that provide a healthier, more economical alternative to typical takeaways. Meanwhile, the selection of sweet treats invites you to indulge a little after your meal—because who can resist a delicious dessert?

The ambiance at Honest Kitchen enhances your dining experience, making it perfect for a quick bite during a busy day or a leisurely lunch with friends. The café is well-kept and clean, ensuring that you can enjoy your meal in a pleasant environment. Accessible parking adds to the convenience, making visiting this gem of a café a total breeze.

Although some reviews mention that staff can occasionally seem less than cheerful during busy periods, it’s widely acknowledged that the service remains efficient and polite. A local patron, Charis Oneil, praises the consistently good food and the dedication of the staff, even when the café is bustling with business. This consistency in delivering quality food and an overall pleasant experience is what keeps visitors coming back time after time.

In summary, Honest Kitchen is not just a café; it's a local haven for comfort food with a twist on modern health-conscious choices. Whether you're dropping in for a delicious salad, a hearty casserole, or a sweet treat, you're bound to leave with a satisfied palate and a brightened day. Stop by and experience the magic of Honest Kitchen for yourself—you’ll see why it has become a beloved spot in Whanganui!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
No toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

195 Reviews
Charis Oneil

01 Oct 2025

The food here is amazing, I got a kumara orange salad which was very tasty, the stuffed chicken breast-delish and a well seasoned, well proportioned , very well made beef casserole! Their food is consistently good and the staff are always polite and friendly even when they are busy, which is regularly!

Karen Taylor

30 Sep 2025

Excellent for a delicious take home meal with a home cooked flavour. A good selection of dishes available, including keto and vegetarian options. Sweet treats too! Healthier, tastier, and more economical than takeaways

Cheryl

05 Sep 2025

Every time I am in Whanganui I will call in here. THE BEST salads.

Cheryl Rapira

22 Aug 2025

Wow! Great selection, variety, presentation Clean shop Good parking Win. Recommend

Kelly Jordan

17 Aug 2025

Food good, service quick, but staff don't seem very friendly

Levana Wright

14 Aug 2025

My second visit to your amazing kitchen and did not disappoint at all. Food was just as amazing as I remember from my 1st visit and the service is always exceptional!!! Such an amazing place to visit and I absolutely love and appreciate the keto options.

Adéla Balůsková

11 Jul 2025

If you're looking for best place in Whanganui for a coffee and snacks, you've just found it! We had amazing drinks and sweet and savoury treats. Service was super warm. 5 stars aren't enough

Join the Honest Kitchen Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.