Swimsuit

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 – 4:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Saturday9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Sunday9:30 am – 3:00 pm.

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

04 260 0045

Renovated in just 19 days from its previous life as Memphis Belle, owner/operator Tait Burge had plenty of help from talented mates to turn Swimsuit into the soft, fresh, young hang-out café it is now, and describes it as a bit of a ‘community project’ at the time. Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, deep in newspapers in the outside area and all with impeccable coffee in hand. There’s a hint of retro about the place too, a polaroid camera sits on the front counter and customers are encouraged to add to the wall of snaps growing behind the baristas at work.

The name Swimsuit came from a poster the young entrepreneur saw on a poster near his South Coast home and works in with his ethos of moving away from any flashy stereotypes about premium coffee and instead making this café all about welcoming whoever walks through the door, whether they’re a coffee guru or not. But in saying that, if you are a guru, the Peoples Coffee that’s filling cups here is seriously good, and beans are also available to take home. For the hungry visitors there’s four types of scone, two versions of house-made baguettes and a meat or vegan toastie option to see you through the day.

Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.

RUBY Wellington

Customers at the counter in RUBY, Wellington.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Fashion key icon.

A New Zealand favourite brand is well at home in Old Bank Arcade.

Puffin

Bar sign in a dark hallway.
Place Wellington Wellington City Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

Welcome to Puffin, a “wine bar with a focus on organic and minimal intervention wines”.

KC Café & Takeaway

A close up of a plate of duck on thin noodles with steamed greens.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Similar Places

La Bella Italia

Italian food in jars on shelves at La Bella Italia.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Goods key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.

The Ram

A dish on the table at The Ram.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

Rubbing shoulders with Cuba Street institutions, The Ram is a classy, contemporary bistro that blends sophistication with an unmistakably laid-back Wellington vibe.

Kilim Petone

Turkish postcards and colourful beads on wall
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Kai Tahi

The dining area inside Kai Tahi Porirua.
Place Porirua Porirua
Cafes key icon.

Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.