La Bull

Far from just a road trip pitstop inundated with bovine puns, Bulls is home to an incredibly tight-knit hospo community, with La Bull being one spot that locals regularly flock to. Behind the name is a proudly Kiwi-owned operation with an unmatched connection with the locals, fuelled as much by regular faces as it is by strong coffee and hearty plates.

Inside, there’s a playful yesteryear energy to the fitout, summed up best by the owners themselves as “a load of bull”. Bull-themed touches pop up throughout the space, giving the cafe an offbeat personality that never takes itself too seriously - in keeping with the rest of the town - while still managing to feel warm and welcoming. Housed in a former bank, remnants of the building’s past remain, including a large vault that’s set to become home to deli goods, local wines, and cheeses. Even the walls have a story to tell - this was reportedly one of the first banks in the country to experience an armed hold-up, evidenced by a bullet fired into the wall.

The menu leans generously Kiwi, with comfort-food classics - think big breakfasts and rosti stacks - given thoughtful twists. The mince on toast has become something of a local favourite, elevated with parmesan and a drizzle of La Bull’s own bulls eye chilli sauce. The in-house pohutukawa and honey smoked salmon features proudly, while the cafe’s custom coffee blend and in-house condiment range add a further personal touch.

A real community hub, Sundays bring wood-fired pizza sessions, often accompanied by live guitar music, while the locals dining night hosted every Friday is a time-honoured tradition. Come for the comfort food and craft beers, stay for the sense of connection - La Bull is Bulls through and through.