Essen Espresso & Eatery (Formerly Zee)

43 The Boulevard, Pukete, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
+64 7 847 5666
$$$ cafe
(58 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Essen Espresso & Eatery, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Pukete, Hamilton. Formerly known as Zee, this café has quickly garnered a loyal following thanks to its commitment to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee that wafts through the air, inviting you to settle in and unwind.

Essen Espresso & Eatery is more than just a café; it's a haven for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The menu boasts a delicious selection of breakfast and brunch offerings, with standout dishes that include their renowned scrambled eggs—a crowd favorite that has been described as the best some patrons have ever tasted. Pair this with a perfectly whipped-up ice chocolate, and you’ll find yourself in a state of pure bliss.

But it's not just the food that makes this café shine—it's the people, too. Customers frequently rave about the friendly service, calling it a 'homely touch' where the owners and staff go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Lee Wilson, a satisfied customer, beautifully sums it up: "Lovely café in the middle of the industrial oasis. Great coffee and yummy food!" The café’s atmosphere offers a perfect backdrop for catching up with friends, enjoying some alone time with a good book, or simply savoring the delightful flavors of their freshly made meals.

Don’t miss out on their homemade Afghan biscuits, which are both generous in size and incredibly tasty. Debbie Campen's review captures it perfectly with her mention of the “huge” biscuits and “yummy milkshakes.” The creative touch in every dish reflects their dedication to providing a memorable dining experience.

Whether you're looking for a spot to start your day with an invigorating cup of coffee like James Blackbourn enjoys every morning or planning to indulge in a hearty spinach and cheese omelette as noted by Julz S, Essen Espresso & Eatery caters to all tastes. The café's combination of vibrant flavors, attentive service, and a relaxed environment makes it a must-visit destination in Hamilton.

So next time you find yourself in Pukete, let Essen Espresso & Eatery be your go-to place for fantastic food and coffee that starts your day on a positive note. Your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

58 Reviews
lee wilson

07 Oct 2025

Lovely cafe in the middle of the industrial oasis. Great coffee and yummy food!

samuel Vissha

27 Sep 2025

Food was absolutely incredible, best scrambled eggs and ice chocolates

James Blackbourn

02 Sep 2025

I get my coffee here every morning and it's brilliant, the owners are lovely they always know my order and start my morning on a positive note.

Debbie Campen

26 Aug 2025

Freshly made meals, homemade afghan biscuits (huge), yummy milk shakes and friendly service. Homely touch while enjoy our timeout and coffee

julz s

01 Aug 2025

I have visited this cafe twice now and both times was very happy with both the service, price and quality of the food. The first visit I ordered a spinach and cheese omelette, which was huge, and so light and fluffy- possibly the best omelette I have ever eaten. The coffee was yum and as I ate I people watched- the lady at front of shop was so lovely to all who came in. The second time I had an apple and cinnamon muffin which was perfect in texture, stuffed with apples and again huge. I have nothing but good to say about this cafe and would recommend it to anyone

Marc Hastie

01 Jul 2025

Got recommended from a colleague to come down and was not disappointed! $20.00 for a delicious and very sizable burger with fries. Beautiful tasting beef pattie and delicious bacon well stacked with onion rings, cheese and salad with a generous helping of BBQ sauce and an incredibly generous amount of hot crispy fries. Will definitely be coming back to try the chicken burger. Great service and delicious coffee too!

Ben Cooper

30 Jun 2025

Great menu, cabinet food looked great. fast fresh and delicious food, with very healthy serving size, lovely staff. Highly recommend this tucked away little gem !

Join the Essen Espresso & Eatery (Formerly Zee) Newsletter

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