Squirrel
Monday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Tuesday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Wednesday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Thursday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Friday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Saturday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
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. Housed in a century-old space that was once part of the bustling Wellington vegetable markets, the café boasts a fresh, bright space that blends the contemporary with the rustic.
White brick walls provide the perfect backdrop for the tables crafted from upcycled vintage wood, blonde Thonet chairs, and modern ply cabinetry. The flagship brand colour - a cheerful orange - is used as a subtle highlight throughout, tying all the elements together. The fresh flowers on each table and the home and interior magazines strewn around the café are just a couple of the little touches that make Squirrel feel like a home away from home.
‘Simple, done well’ is Squirrel’s motto, and it shines through in their carefully curated menu. The café works hand-in-hand with some of Wellington’s most loved household names, keeping the selection of food on offer fresh, seasonal and irresistible. Indulge in their daily toasts and sandwiches, crafted on-site using Wellington Sourdough bread, or savour the fresh salads prepared daily by Queen Sally's Diamond Deli. The avocado and mozzarella toast has literally won awards, while the sourdough crumpets have blown up on TikTok. The cabinet is further complemented by an enticing array of tarts, filos, soups and sweet treats to satisfy every craving.
Make sure you treat your eyes to a feast as well by heading to Small Acorns, the sister homewares store next door. With plenty to see, eat and drink, along with space for your furry friends too, it’s no surprise many locals have embraced Squirrel as their go-to.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
4 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Nearby Places
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.
Puffin
Welcome to Puffin, a “wine bar with a focus on organic and minimal intervention wines”.
Sustainability Trust
An organisation with a big heart, working for a greener city and a fairer community.
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.
Similar Places
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.
Heyday
A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.
Kai Tahi
Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.
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.