Dinner and a Show: Where to Eat, Drink, and Be Entertained in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
Kai Tahi
Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.
Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street
When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.
Glou Glou
Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...
La Bella Italia
Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.
Bellbird Eatery
Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.
Kilim Petone
A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.
Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters
This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.
Miss Fortune's
Lower Hutt’s industrial precinct isn’t exactly where you’d think to head for a slice of quintessential Wellington hospitality, but at Miss Fortune’s, you’ll find one of the region’s most charismatic little brunch spots.
Tartines French Cafe
Tartines offers a small slice of French culinary delight, with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.
Trade School Kitchen
Described as the ‘living room of the Naenae community’, Trade School Kitchen is a not-for-profit community based cafe doing what it can to give back to its people.
Keihei Chicken
A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.
Seashore Cabaret
This café definitely takes out the title for best view of the city.
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Fig Tree Café
Nestled in the leafy green suburb of Heretaunga, the Fig Tree Cafe has made its home in a converted church.
Viva Mexico
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 Mexican in the Hutt.
Abandoned Taproom Petone
The upcycled furniture, the bike frame fence, and of course, the walls covered ceiling to floor in graffiti (literally, there’s writing on the ceiling).
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The Dutch Shop
The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly for those with a penchant for cheese.
Twenty Eight
Named for their address on Cornwall Street, Twenty Eight is a modern, well lit and welcoming Lower Hutt cafe serving up interesting cabinet food, a thoughtfully crafted...
Cake & Kitchen
Cake & Kitchen is a cafe in Upper Hutt, bringing people together over delicious food and coffee.
Cars Inc.
What started out as simply a young boy with a passion has turned into a lifelong project for car enthusiast Paul Boden, and the opening of Cars Inc.
House of Good Fortune
Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon the House of Good Fortune.
Baylands Brewery
Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.
Jean's
Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...
Brewtown Eat & Drink
Widely regarded as Wellington’s premier craft beer destination, Brewtown isn’t just a mecca for beer lovers, but also for those who simply appreciate good food...
Comes & Goes
Comes & Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.
Dough Upper Hutt
Come for the art, stay for the coffee and doughnuts at Dough Bakery in Upper Hutt – conveniently located in one of the town's most popular cultural haunts.
Forage Merchants of Wellington
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.
Gerry's Charcoal Chicken
On a small side street in the sleepy suburb of Elderslea, you’ll find what appears to be an unassuming - if not slightly dated - takeaway shop.
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Tricky's Sandwich Co
It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – and Tricky’s Sandwich Co is a family-run sandwich joint that have made it their business to be unbeatable.
Montfoort
Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.
The Salt and Wood Collective
A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt and Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.
Joe & Joy
Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.
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Bus Stop Cafe
Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret, a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.
Long Beach Tavern
The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.
The Lockup
Situated a stone's throw away from the beach at Paraparaumu, The Lockup is the ultimate ocean-side cafe, complete with a large outdoor area and a chilled vibe.
Penray Gardens
Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.
Peoples Coffee Roastery
Head to Newtown, venture a bit further past the chaotic and colourful Riddiford Street, and you’ll stumble across Peoples Coffee’s roastery HQ café, the...
Noble Rot
Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.
Willis Lane
Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.
KC Café & Takeaway
An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.
Indian Alley
Just a short stroll from Oriental Bay in Wellington, Indian Alley is a classy little restaurant that offers something new and exciting to even the most seasoned enthusiasts...
Squirrel
Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.
Dark Horse
Dark Horse Coffee Co. has been providing the people of Kāpiti Coast and beyond with delicious artisan coffee since 2016.
The Raumati Social Club
Raumati Social Club is a bit of an institution at Kāpiti Coast.
Eat, Play, Explore: A Family Weekend in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
Courtenay Precinct might be well-known as Wellington’s go-to for nightlife, but it’s also packed with plenty of family-friendly fun.
With its mix of food, entertainment, and outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled family weekend in and around Wellington’s bustling Courtenay Precinct.
Passo
You wouldn’t necessarily expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to...
Duncan's Brewing Company
Even though Duncan’s Brewing Company’s production warehouse and off-licence in Paraparaumu is tucked down an alleyway, keep your eyes peeled for a full wall...
50-50
Located in the heart of the township of Paraparaumu Beach on Kāpiti Coast, 50-50 is a destination restaurant that offers a dining experience not to be missed.
Sunday Cantina
Adding a splash of colour and fun to the Poplar Ave corner at Raumati South, Sunday Cantina is in the business of providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful...
Dinner, Dessert & Dancing: An After-Dark Guide to Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
Olde Beach Bakery
Olde Beach Bakery pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
Salty's Diner
Salty’s is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.
Beach Road Deli
On the main street of the cute seaside township of Paekākāriki, you’ll find Beach Road Deli – a bright and beachy café offering great coffee and quality...
Customs
Some of the finest coffee in town since 2010, Wellington's Customs is the flagship café co-owned by Coffee Supreme and their long-time employee, Tim Norriss.
CGR Merchant & Co
Look for an unassuming red door in the heart of Courtenay Place in Wellington and you’ll be whisked away to one of the city’s best cocktail lounges.
Margot
Tucked away in the heart of Newtown in Wellington is the little restaurant, Margot.
Dough
It may trace its roots to Upper Hutt, but Dough has certainly made a name for itself among bread lovers in Wellington’s city centre.
Graze Wine Bar
Wellington’s central city eateries are revered across the country, and for good reason.
Huckle & Co
The perfect summer afternoon doesn’t exis… oh wait, it does, and you’ll find it in Seatoun in Wellington.
August Eatery
August conjures many things in the minds of Wellingtonians: the last throes of a bitingly cold winter, the promise of warmer days ahead, the prospect of the country’s...
Kisa
Middle Eastern dining revolves around sharing - of food, conversation, and good times.
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Mabel's
When it comes to evoking a sense of identity through spatial design, few restaurants in the capital do it better than Mabel’s.
Belén
The vision for Wellington bakery Belén was simple: to prove there are no limits to what can be created with plants.
Fred's
Wellington loves a little food bar and a small but punchy Cuba Street shop simply named Fred's might just be the hottest place in town to grab a sandwich.
The Oatery
Having built a reputation for feeding Wellingtonians healthy breakfasts on the go, it was only a matter of time before food caravan The Oatery set up a permanent shop.
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Myrtle
Offering a local taste of New York chic, Myrtle is the spinoff bakery everybody wanted from one of Wellington’s most revered suburban eateries.
Monkfish
A cosy refillery and off-licence that’s strictly about good vibes, Monkfish is your Vivian Street stop for your beer, wine, and spirits needs.
Next Door
Positioned right next to neighbourhood favourite Margot, Next Door makes up one...
Dragons
A name synonymous with yum cha in Wellington, Dragons is an institution in the capital’s Asian dining scene.
Duck Island Wellington
It was only a matter of time before Hamilton’s Duck Island ice cream came knocking on Wellington’s door.
Fortune Favours
A giant wooden hand reaches out from the side of the building, beckoning passersby with a simple proposition: Fortune Favours the brave.
Wilson Barbecue
Wilson Barbecue has a new permanent home after wowing Wellingtonian's with their food truck delights and pop-up stints. Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation.
Los Banditos
Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.
Bottega
Authentic Italian delicatessen Bottega is borne from a desire to bring a taste of home to the neighbourly suburb of Berhampore,
Zelati
From the texture to the rich, bright flavours, their range of sorbet and gelato offerings are impressive on the palate and pleasing to the eye.
Six Barrel Soda
Summer is officially here, and local favourite Six Barrel Soda has opened their Lukes Lane soda factory to the public for a cellar door experience.
Fidel's Café
Fidel's is a Cuba St institution and a go-to for those in search of great food, sharp service and good vibes in the heart of the city.
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Puffin
Welcome to Puffin, a “wine bar with a focus on organic and minimal intervention wines”.
Highwater Eatery
This new eatery combines its efforts of sustainability with celebrating the good times - meaning you can eat and drink and have a great time with the knowledge that you're supporting the good guys.
Taste of Home
This place has a cult following simply due to word of mouth - proof that the flavours here are something Wellingtonians just can’t get enough of.
Swimsuit
Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, and all with impeccable coffee in hand.
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Ascot
Hotdogs and wine might seem like an unlikely combination, but at The Ascot, no one’s going to judge you holding a glass of wine in one hand and a saucy dog in the other.
Peoples Coffee - Lukes Lane
If you know Peoples Coffee in Wellington, you’ll know the business is much more than just a café and roastery.
Betsy
In a suburb that seems like it’s perpetually on holiday, easy-going modern deli Betsy feels right at home in Island Bay.
Charley Noble
A favourite spot for nearby business people, don't be surprised to see Charley Noble buzzing with guests even early in the week right through from breakfast till dinnertime.
Heyday
A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.
Parrotdog Bar
A brilliant retro-fit bar that welcomes tradies, business folk, families, children and even dogs.
Maranui Café
A café housed in a heritage surf lifesaving building that once had a close call with a fiery fate
Queen Sally's Diamond Deli
A Lyall Bay mainstay, Queen Sally's is the amazingly kitsch and eclectic café which services the residents of, and visitors to, this rather lovely Wellington suburb.
Frank's Newtown
Frank’s Newtown is a little replica of its sibling café on The Terrace and has found itself to be a quickly loved part of Newtown culture.
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Ombra
Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.
Staple Espresso
Sleek and simple, Staple Espresso speaks volumes about letting a product do the talking – and in this case it’s the coffee that’s got people chatting
LUCKY
Keeping things simple, LUCKY takes its vibes from the West Coast skate scene, where doing your own thing comes with a hint of rebellion.
Pickle and Pie
After many a lunchtime spent hankering for just a ‘good old sandwich’, Tim Tracey and Mia Freeman decided to take matters into their own hands.
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Hillside Kitchen & Cellar
Without any conventional marketing, Hillside’s profile has been built by partnering with great local producers like Six Barrel Soda, Fig & Fog, Two Sisters wine, and Noble Estate Olive Oil.
Olive
Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.
Black Coffee
A coffee shop, music shop and art gallery all in one, Black Coffee has quickly cemented itself as one of the favourite Newtown hangouts.
Scopa Pizzeria
A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.
Best Ugly Bagels Wellington
Located in the lively neighbourhood of Te Aro, they serve what they do best, delicious bagels accompanied with classic Havana coffee.
Moore Wilson's Tory Street
If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.
Empire Cinema & Eatery
Empire is fitting for a cinema that pre-dated ‘talkies’ when it played its first reel in 1925, but as far as movie theatres go, this one is more for those who’d pick pinot over popcorn.
Cicio Cacio
You might try Cicio Cacio before a gig next door but the food in itself is worth a quick 10-minute bus trip or Uber from the city.
Crumpet
Crumpet on Manners Street is a quaint café / bar and quite possibly Wellington’s best kept secret.
Wellington Chocolate Factory
A dangerously delicious spot for your hot chocolate and sweet treat fix.
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Hanging Ditch
Hanging Ditch, for those who are yet to visit, is Leeds’ Street best little slice of stealth.
Havana Coffee Works
This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.
ParrotDog Brewery & Nice. Takeaway
Exuding 70’s retro vibes, ParrotDog’s cellar door (‘Nice.
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The Library
Hidden behind an unassuming ground floor entrance, The Library is another well-known establishment that overlooks the go-go crowd of Courtenay Place.
Meow
Live music, slam poetry readings, stand-up comedy and a thumping happy hour make Meow a versatile venue.
Mystic Kitchen
You have no doubt heard of this café’s laid-back vibes, easy-going staff and damn good food.
Rich Coffee Roasters
Although the relative new guys on the block, Rich Coffee Roasters are by no means amateurs.
Ortega Fish Shack
A favourite amongst Wellingtonians, Ortega Fish Shack is a must go-to seafood restaurant within the city.
Havana Bar
Part restaurant, part bar, Havana is an absolute essential in every sense of those two words.
Rogue & Vagabond
A great spot for meeting friends, socialising or just watching the Wellington crowd do their thing.
Garage Project
Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.
Deluxe Espresso Bar
Open till late in the evening, this has, for years, been a popular coffee spot with young and old, hipsters and working folk – anything goes.
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Tomboy
A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.
Bicycle Junction
Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists”.
Little Beer Quarter
With 12 craft beers on tap and over 100 bottles of beer from New Zealand and around the globe this inner-city pub truly is a gem.
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Mr Go's
A happy mix of West meets East, pink meets green, and beer meets bao, Mr Go’s is proof that an eatery needn’t stick to one concrete theme.
Hawthorn Lounge
The service at Hawthorn Lounge is impeccable, in the sense that they're attentive without being overbearing. It's novel enough to make you realise that most places have forgotten the hospitable out of hospitality.
Commonsense Wellington City
For all things organic, Commonsense Organics is the place to visit – and luckily for Wellingtonians there are four stores to choose from.
Baker Gramercy
It’s the kind of simplistically stylish bakery you’d expect to find on a New York avenue or down a European side street.
