Upon arriving in New Zealand’s fun little capital, it will not be long before you stumble across your first Wellington café, and that is because they are everywhere.
Rumoured to have more cafés, bars and restaurants per capita than New York, the café scene in Wellington punches well above its weight on the world stage.
It would be rude not to immediately partake in drinking some of the best coffee around, so once you have stepped off the ferry or plane, make your way into the CBD and get your hands around a cup of the good stuff. Hosted by fun-loving, cheerful waitstaff, cafés in Wellington are a huge part of what makes the city tick, and if you wanted colour, entertainment, quirky decor and top rate food and drinks, then you have come to the right place.
Watch the inner city come to life as commuters make their early morning dash to the local for a scone and long black, or sit in at lunch next to University students from up the hill who come to have their study breaks in the form of caffeine and carbs. A city that really likes to eat out means that the food on offer at Wellington cafés is really something else, and with a growing number of different dietary requirements, you can expect to see plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free options.
The outer suburbs may be slightly quieter in nature, but that does not mean the cafés there are lacking in quality. In fact these tucked away eateries often have loyal followings of their own simply because they do what they do so well. From Miramar Peninsula to Island Bay, Lyall Bay and Newtown, these cafés take their job seriously and can be found bustling with visitors from early til late.;
An overarching ethos of supporting local means you will often find Wellington cafés stocking products from neighbouring businesses, and collaborations between creative food and drink makers are constantly on the cards. Look out for some of Wellington’s favourite coffee roasters; Flight Coffee, Peoples Coffee, Supreme, L’affare and Havana, and if you are not staying for long it pays to buy a big bag of beans to take home too. Experts in the subject mean they also stock some of the best gear around for grinding, preparing and pouring your own, so be sure to talk to those behind the counter for the top tips on how to brew the perfect cup at home. Whether you are settling in for a Wellington brunch, taking your in-laws out for a Wellington lunch, or simply passing time before your next meeting, the Wellington café scene welcomes everyone with their (quite literally) open door policy.
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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.
Fig Tree Café
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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.
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Cake & Kitchen
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This café definitely takes out the title for best view of the city.
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This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.
Cars Inc.
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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.
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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
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The Lockup
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The Raumati Social Club
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Beach Road Deli
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Olde Beach Bakery
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Sunday Cantina
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Dough
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Fred's
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The Oatery
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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.
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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.
Peoples Coffee - Lukes Lane
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Betsy
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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.
Maranui Café
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Queen Sally's Diamond Deli
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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.
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
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.
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.
Olive
Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.
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.
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.
Rich Coffee Roasters
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Located in the lively neighbourhood of Te Aro, they serve what they do best, delicious bagels accompanied with classic Havana coffee.
Havana Coffee Works
This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.
Tomboy
A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.
Mystic Kitchen
You have no doubt heard of this café’s laid-back vibes, easy-going staff and damn good food.
Bicycle Junction
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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.
