Wooden Spoon

As the Waikato’s only dedicated coeliac-safe café, Wooden Spoon is a welcoming refuge for anyone living without gluten. Forget the process of menu scanning and simply enjoy, knowing every plate is crafted with equal parts flavour and peace of mind.

The café’s physical home has its own charm at the base of the long-standing Waikato Farmers Trust building. Inside, it’s warm and bright, with a signature splash of sunny yellow that instantly lifts your mood. The all-day menu flows seamlessly from golden, fluffy French toast and wholesome granola in the morning, to hearty burgers and their much-talked-about fried chicken come lunch. Just inside the door, a sunlit cabinet greets you with stacks of house-made focaccia sandwiches, fresh salads, decadent slices, cinnamon rolls and scones. The garlic, cheese and chive scone, in particular, has become something of a local legend since its Waikato Times feature, so beloved that regulars often buy them by the dozen to squirrel away at home. And if you ask around, many will tell you the fried chicken gives the Colonel himself a run for his money.

Hannah’s vision stretches beyond great coffee and irresistible bakes. She wants Wooden Spoon to be the place where gluten-free doesn’t feel like a compromise, but a delicious, effortless norm. It’s about creating a space where coeliacs can relax, and where their family and friends, gluten-free or not, can all enjoy the same table without a second thought. In a landscape where specialty eateries can feel isolating, Wooden Spoon is a reminder that good food is universal, and hospitality can still feel like coming home.

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