The Local Pour - Kohi Beach Café

Kohimarama is a loved stretch of Auckland’s shoreline, with the beach just across the road and the sea always in view. At the heart of it sits Kohi Beach Café, which has become much more than a place to grab a brew. It is where locals stop in every day, where names are remembered, and where small conversations turn into connections.

For Menu Manager Nacha, originally from Chile, that sense of belonging is what keeps the place alive. We sat down with her to talk about the café, the community, and why their brews feel different here.

What makes Kohi Beach Café unique in the local area?

This area has a lot of little beaches. We have Mission Bay, we have St Heliers, and this place is just in between. We are actually the only café here in Kohimarama. We felt that this was the place we wanted to create for our community.

What does community mean to you and the café?

We’ve seen a few couples that when they started being together, then they got pregnant, and now they have kids. The family definitely starts growing. And because they feel part of us as well, they’re happy to share those moments with us. We’re definitely happy to be in those moments with them.

How would you describe the experience you want people to have?

Coffee is a lot about the vibe. We try to be that friendly space for everyone, that safe space. That place you want to go with your friends for a coffee, that you know that you're going to have that good experience, and you're going leave happy with a smile on your face.

What role does the beachside setting play?

I feel that it’s a place you can definitely go if you want to have a good time. Have good food, good coffee, a good drink and just a good time… have a little break from reality. Especially the beach, the views just across the street.

Why have you chosen to partner with The Alternative Dairy Co.?

We are always looking for good quality products. It’s in our food, it’s in our drinks. One of the main things we do as Kohi Beach Café is our coffee, and we need a good partner. Milk is half of a good coffee.

How do your customers respond to plant-based choices?

Customers are very happy that we actually sell alternative milks, because not every place serves every alternative milk. Coconut and oat are the most popular ones. But when they see that we also have almond, they get quite excited. Almond is definitely the top notch.

Who would you most like to share a coffee with?

My family hasn’t been here yet, my parents. So I would definitely love them to come and grab a good cup of coffee with me here. I would definitely choose my family to come here and share this with me.

Kohi Beach Café is more than a café by the sea, it’s a place where community, connection and craft come together. And we’re proud to be part of every cup poured.