Cafe Zen Upper Hutt

Monterey Cinemas 68/70 Queen Street, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand
+64 4 528 5590
$$$ Cafe
(21 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're looking for a delightful retreat in Upper Hutt, look no further than Cafe Zen, nestled within the inviting atmosphere of Monterey Cinemas on Queen Street. This charming cafe not only provides a cozy spot to relax but also serves up a menu rich with flavor and variety, catering to both casual diners and movie-goers alike.

The moment you step into Cafe Zen, you're welcomed by a warm ambiance filled with cheerful decor and the tantalizing aromas of freshly brewed coffee and delectable dishes. Whether you're there for a quick bite before catching a film or looking to unwind with friends over lunch, the vibe is both relaxed and inviting.

The menu boasts an enticing selection that caters to a range of tastes. From their renowned Zen Burger, a deliciously crafted burger paired with perfectly crisp chips for just $24, to the delightful chunky monkey milkshake that one customer called "one of the best in all of Upper Hutt," the culinary team here takes great pride in their offerings. Vegan options are plentiful, ensuring that everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings. The mini pizzas, although they might have experienced a little hiccup in preparation, are a testament to the staff's dedication to quality and service, as noted by Stephen Andrews, who appreciated the extra effort made by the team in replacing his burnt order.

Cafe Zen also shines in its commitment to customer satisfaction, with reviews highlighting the friendly and accommodating nature of their staff. As Selma Jeanette Britz remarked, the chicken is "cooked to perfection" and the presentation of the meals is equally commendable. The cafe's commitment to creating a welcoming environment is evident in the attentiveness of the staff, who strive to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Beyond just food, the cafe’s atmosphere is enhanced by the perfect background tunes, setting a pleasant tone for dining. Although some, like Mathilda Hartzenberg, felt the music was a touch loud at times, many customers, including Kylie T, have praised the music selection as fantastic, contributing to the cafe's relaxed vibe.

Cafe Zen is more than just a cafe; it's a community gathering spot that blends culinary delight with an enjoyable atmosphere. So whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or planning a leisurely lunch with friends, you can expect a satisfying experience from beginning to end. With glowing reviews from visitors like Ella Rose, who simply enjoyed the "super cute" design and tasty food even when not headed to the cinema, it's clear that Cafe Zen is a must-visit destination in Upper Hutt.

Next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to indulge in a meal that promises comfort and satisfaction, all within the cozy enclave of Cafe Zen.

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

21 Reviews
Stephen Andrews

24 Sep 2025

Omgoshness, i went there for a little lunch and drink and i was not disappointed I got their chunky monkey milkshake and i have to say its one of the best in all of upper hutt I also got one of their mini pizzas, after little of waiting they did come out and tell me it got burnt, so they are made another one and they gave me both of them which was so nice them but they both tasted great (one a little burnt ) And there was plenty of seats to choose from, some outside aswell and they have this nice planet in the middle of the room which is just lovely And the staff were amazing very friendly

Ella Rose

21 Sep 2025

Super cute cafe part of the Monterey Cinema, food is tasty! Staff very friendly too a lovely cafe to visit even if you arn't planning on watching a movie but it is a bonus of course!!

Selma Jeanette Britz

29 Aug 2025

We had a lovely meal, 10/10! Ahmed, the chicken was cooked to perfection and the presentation brilliant. Well done. The milkshake was delicious a bit runny but great flavor. We will absolutely be back. Love the decor and space.

Billy Richardson

16 Aug 2025

The food was delicious with plenty of vegan options. Great friendly service and super quick to serve. Can definitely recommend and I’m sure we’ll be back.

William Hope

14 Aug 2025

This cafe is part of the cinema is accessed from the upper car park by the mall in the city centre. Possibly the best cafe we have found in Upper Hutt. Great coffee and the $24 Zen burger and chips is superb, large portion and all the elements of the burger were very fresh. Friendly staff too. Sit indoors or al fresco, on the covered balcony.

Mathilda Hartzenberg

12 Aug 2025

Me and my friend thought we will try something new. I have not enjoyed such a nice plate of food in a long time. Food was well prepared and so yammy Service was excellent and it was very relaxing. Music was just a bit too load. Thank you

Debra McCarthy

16 Jul 2025

Went there for lunch on Sunday and the food, service and the background music were awesome. They went the extra mile for me too. There were six of us and we all very much enjoyed our food.

Kylie T

14 Jun 2025

Fantastic service, coffee was great and the zen burger was really good. The music playlist was awesome too! We will be back.

Join the Cafe Zen Upper Hutt Newsletter

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