Russmans - Whakamaru

Pizza, Coffee, Sandwiches

Russmans

★ 3.5 / 5 (514 reviews)

Tucked near the Waikato River Trails, this charming, hardwood‑lined café serves reliably good coffee, comforting dishes (notably bacon hock soup, burgers and curries), vegetarian options and free fast Wi‑Fi. Patrons praise the clean space, welcoming atmosphere and accommodating service near closing, but experiences vary: portions and pricing sometimes disappoint, pizzas and desserts have been criticized, and staff consistency and timing can be hit or miss. Overall a pleasant, convenient stop for walkers and groups, with occasional lapses in service and value.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: viv

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★ 3.5 / 5 from 514 reviews

Was David Adams at Russmans a mag?
Our food was served quickly, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious traditional bacon hock soup, which was piping hot, along with some tasty wedges and good coffee. View all feedback.

What Jan Wairua dislikes about Russmans:
Salmon served in a dessert/ soup plate on a bed of ordinary lettuce with small amount of tomato and red onion. Pasta dish nice and desserts served on bread n butter plate. Minimal icecream. Certainly overpriced! Waitress needs a course in hospitality. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: NZ$40–50 View all feedback.

Owen

12.01.2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The atmosphere is very pleasant. Even though I only stopped by briefly this time, I look forward to returning for a longer visit and a meal. I've heard wonderful things about this restaurant!

Steve

12.01.2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Super friendly service, and they got us our meals fairly quick. I got the BBQ chicken pizza and my wife got the burger. The ciabatta bread was awesome and the pizza was one of the best I’ve had in New Zealand. Building was nice and clean and they have free WiFi! Would definitely come back.

Harris

12.01.2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Really tasty gourmet sandwiches, good portions and value. Even during a pandemic lull in business, and my partner and I being the only customers inside at the time, the food was all fresh and the service was friendly. Would definitely stop in every time when passing through.

viv

14.01.2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A nice lunch in-between our trout fishing trolling trip with grand son Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5

Leisa

14.01.2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Our group had the bacon hock soup, nachos, Thai chicken curry and chicken burger. All the meals were tasty although not served at the same time. The person who served us needs to develop the ability to better engage with customers rather than present as customers being a nuisance. We would have ordered more but were put off by the attitude. Hard working chef and great setting. Service: Dine in

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