Seashore Cabaret

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Tuesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Wednesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Thursday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Saturday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Sunday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.

160 The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt

04 566 6274

Across the harbour and overlooking the city is Seashore Cabaret, a café housed in the Petone Rowing Club building that most definitely takes the title for best view of the city. The café’s name comes from the space’s history – it once was a dance hall.

Seashore Cabaret is a cacophony of colour, sound and energy. The café is decked out with colourful tiled ceilings, vintage-style signage, industrial-style lighting and furniture, and booths that look like rugged seaside bach walls. But best of all, the space is packed out with old-school pinball machines. As if the harbour and city views weren’t enough…

On the food front, there’s a solid breakfast menu that caters to all dietary requirements, an impressive lineup of fresh cabinet food from the in-house bakery, and come 11 am, there’s everything from fish tacos to burgers and more. The café opens late into the evening Thursday through Sunday, and has firmly cemented itself as the favourite spot for local craft beers, cocktails, and stunning sunsets on this side of the city. There’s also a lineup of homemade sodas and milkshakes. 

Seashore Cabaret still runs their crazy popular Thursday night 2-4-1 burger deal, a happy hour on Friday, and 2-4-1 desserts on Sunday evenings. On weekends, the well-loved downstairs kiosk provides gelato, takeaway coffees and freshly made carnival doughnuts to people enjoying the Esplanade.

A café that certainly doesn’t do anything by halves, Seashore Cabaret is good fun and high octane. It’s constantly teeming with people, so do expect to wait for a table – though the staff are attentive and good at keeping things moving. Seashore Cabaret is a Wellington institution.

Words by Johnny Gibson & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

160 The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt

Nearby Places

Schrödinger's Books

Male worker behind the counter of an independent bookstore in Petone Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt

The winner of NZ's Best Bookshop award in 2021, Schrödinger's Books will hold any bookworm captive with its well-curated selection housed in a beautifully restored space in Petone.

Gear Street Union

Pick up truck as part of the interior of Gear Street Union.
Place Hutt Valley
Restaurants key icon.

A riotous hub of colour, outrageous eats, and good times, Gear Street Union has quickly forged a reputation as a go-to social spot for Petone locals and visitors alike.

Comes & Goes

Coffee brewing equipment on the counter at Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Cafes key icon.

This café offers a captivating fusion of Asian and Kiwi delights, an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.

Wanda Harland Design Store

Colourful clothes and candles displayed inside Wanda Harland in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Fashion key icon.

A clothing, decor, homewares and jewellery store in the heart of Petone that balances fun and frivolity with sustainability.

Similar Places

Keihei Chicken

A plate of fried chickens and burgers.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
Restaurants key icon.

Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this corner of Upper Hutt.

Forage Merchants of Wellington

Interior of an artisan food shop with chilli oil on shelves, retro lampshades and antique chairs and table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Goods key icon.

With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.

Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters

Waiter putting coffee and muffin down on cafe table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Cafes key icon.

This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.

Viva Mexico

Interior of Mexican restaurant with exposed brick walls, Mexican skull mosaics and Day of the Dead decor
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Restaurants key icon.

This is not the place to be ordering chili con carne or hard-shell tacos. At Viva Mexico, you'll be treated to a true taste of Mexico in the Hutt.