Hayes Common

First time visiting this place. We stopped by on our way to another city with two friends, and it turned out to be a great choice. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff were friendly, and the food was delicious. One of my friends who loves taking photos especially enjoyed the place. There was also plenty of street parking, which was a bonus. Highly recommend!

Friendly, welcoming staff. Our first time dining here and was not disappointed! Seated and served water which always makes me happy. They have table service, not many cafes do anymore so it was nice. It was busy but food didn't take long. Coffees were perfectly made. My grilled eggplant salad was so tasty and filling, best salad I've had in a long time. Hubby had scrambled eggs on toast with bacon (didn't get a pic). Large serving and delicious. We look forward to going back again.

Absolutely loved this place! Such a great spot to eat, and the coffee was absolutely delicious, definitely one of the best I’ve had in a long time! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a really relaxed vibe. From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with big smiles and genuine friendliness, which instantly made us feel at home. What stood out to me the most was how well the team worked together, you could see the staff laughing, chatting, and really enjoying what they do. You don’t see that everywhere, and it made the whole experience even better. The food was fantastic! I had the chili scrambled eggs with thick-cut bacon, and wow, perfectly cooked, packed with flavour, and beautifully presented. Every bite was delicious, and I’d go back just for that alone! As someone whose job takes me all over the world every week, I’ve tried a lot of cafés and coffee spots, and I can honestly say this would be in my top 10 coffees worldwide. Smooth, rich, and absolutely spot-on , a real standout, so well done to the barista, and whoever sources those coffee beans! Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. Amazing coffee, fantastic food, and such a welcoming team. Can’t wait to come back!

My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday. As expected, the place was quite busy and full of customers. Luckily, we got seated in one cozy corner after about 5 minutes. After our orders were taken, our coffees came in 20minutes. However, the rest of our orders were served after an hour. We did not complain though because we tried to understand and we really wanted to try their menu. I was wondering if all the diners had to wait for an hour like us. I hope the restaurant would try to improve on this aspect of their service. Because If I am a hungry customer I think I couldn't wait for that long. The food was tasty and well presented. Apparently, the pancake was not the traditional and fluffy one we imagined. But it's really nice and unique, a must-try.

A Delightful Brunch Spot Hayes Common is a charming restaurant café nestled in a quiet, friendly neighbourhood — the perfect place for a relaxed brunch. I ordered the Eggs Benedict, served on perfectly toasted English muffins with rocket hollandaise and roast mushrooms. The flavours were beautifully balanced, rich yet fresh, making each bite sumptuously delicious. My strong, full-bodied long black coffee paired wonderfully with the meal. For dessert, I indulged in a perfectly baked pain au chocolat — crisp, buttery layers with just the right amount of chocolate. The staff were attentive, warm, and accommodating, making the experience even more enjoyable. Calm and inviting, with a welcoming vibe that suits both solo visits and gatherings. Vegetarian options are available, and dietary adjustments are happily accommodated. It’s also kid-friendly, with plenty of easy parking nearby. A brunch here is a treat worth repeating.

We had brunch on a very busy day. Reserved a table and was called back around 10 mins. Venue is close to the river and playground, we had a short walk while waiting. We specifically request a table which was shaded, however we were placed in a partially shaded table, making us seated away from each other just to avoid the sun which was shining at the middle of the table, Before ordering, we requested to move once we saw a table wherein customers we just finishing and getting ready to leave, but was declined because the lady cleaning the table said it's already reserved which we think were not really reserved yet since customer hasn't left yet. Anyway ordering food and hot chocolate drink was served within 10 to 15 mins. Food was good.

On the cusp of King’s Birthday weekend—and on a slightly blustery day—I found myself enjoying a long-overdue catch-up with a dear friend at Hayes Common. We both took a delicious leap of faith and ordered the Agria Gnocchi: leek cream, lemon ricotta, Jerusalem artichoke crisps, cavolo nero, and pecorino. It's the kind of dish that could easily spark food envy—and it absolutely delivered! Perfectly pillowy gnocchi in a silky, well-balanced cream, complemented by the crunch of crisps and the richness of the nero. Simply put, it was divine. Add to that the warm and delightful service, and you’ve got a winning combo. Bravo to the Hayes Common team—this dish is a standout. We’ll be back!

Great food, nice atmosphere in a friendly community. Will def come back again

Great stop for breakfast in Hamilton! I loved the vegan breakfast plate (uncommoner) as there were many different aspects that came together well and were very filling. My partner loved the rosti Benedict as well. Tea selection was great and staff were very friendly

Great place, great atmosphere and great food. They had adequate vegan options and the food was delicious. I'd sure like to see more vegan options in the future. By the way, the coffee is delicious.

This is my local - In that I live not so far from here. For a neighbourhood cafe it's pretty stylish. The decor is tasteful, with cosy corner seating, long tables and two separate dining areas - one sort of bar the other cafe and also the outside seating. There's room for a bit more colour - It's so very tasteful! The food is really well prepared. Today I had a single Bao with belly pork and pickles. The pork was perfectly sticky, tender and delicious. I looked across at another table where they were eating a spectacular looking European raised pancake. I've seen them in books but not at a cafe before. The filling looked a bit fussy for my taste but still a dramatic brunch option. The apple tart my partner had was lovely too. Great presentation. Coffee very good. I had a cocktail seeing as it was the long weekend... that was nice. Other things to note - very well heeled clientele. Nice big bunch of flowers on one of the tables. Blankets for the knees if you're sitting outside and it's not a summers day.

Really great place for a Sunday morning breakfasts in the sun. The chia seed pudding with rhubarb was really tasty and wife's eggs bene was better than most.

Had a very pleasant brunch here this morning. After spending the night in Hamilton I went googling to find a decent cafe and came across Hayes Commons, which looked to have Auckland-yuppie hipster vibe, with a hint of industrial style... With high hopes we ventured out and were not disappointed with what we found. Good coffee, good food, good service. Recommend to any home-sick Aucklanders looking for a modern cafe in Hamilton, far surpassing the old fashioned cafes and lunchbars on the main street. (*Written by a patronising Auckland resident who ventured into the hinterlands one rainy weekend)

Great menu, welcoming staff and bustling vibe! Loved the decor and the range of craft beers too! Croque Madame and potato skins both major winners!! Great addition to the River Kitchen stable :-)

The 15 of us (adults youth and kids) walking in at 12:30 without a booking. The staff were super friendly and accomodating. The vibe is great, menu is interesting and diverse, coffee and food - fantastic ! Thank you!