Feast on the Fly: Our Guide to Wellington's Best Takeaway Food

A person holding a plate of grilled cheese and tuna toasted sandwich.

Need a quick - but quality - meal to keep you going? Wellington has an astounding range of top-notch takeaways.

Words by: John Son 
Photos by: Anna Briggs

An impromptu lunch, a craving for something specific, or the mysterious disappearance of cutlery from the flat kitchen - there are many reasons why you’d want to get a takeaway.

Fortunately, Wellingtonians are blessed when it comes to options for a short and sweet meal. Next time you can’t muster the will to get creative in the kitchen, try heading to one of the below takeaway spots.

Willis Lane

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1 Willis Street, Wellington Central, Wellington

Starting the guide with a global mix, enter Willis Lane. Wandering through the vaulted brick archways of this historic underground precinct, formerly a subterranean shopping centre, will reveal a foodie utopia with many a mouthwatering meal option. From juicy Nashville-Korean-cross fried chicken to Japanese, Mexican to Malaysian, there’s plenty to keep you coming back, donut cheeseburgers at the very least.

The Oatery

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8 Left Bank, Te Aro, Wellington

Takeaways don’t always have to be about greasy, fried snacks - for a quick brunch on the more guilt-free side, check out The Oatery at Left Bank. Choose from an innovative range of beautiful, oat-based dishes you can eat on the go - from porridge and granola to bircher muesli and more. With a range of loaded toasts also available, The Oatery serves up plenty of options for a wholesome takeaway.

Fred's

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149 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A splash of white and bright orange in the heart of Cuba Street, Fred’s has been a firm favourite since it first opened. And it’s not just because of its eye-catching fitout - you’ll find some of the best sandwiches in town here. Try the ever-popular Romesco and Buffalo Mozzarella sandwich, or the equally tantalising Panko and Togarashi Crumbed Chicken.

Dough

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6 Lombard Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Bread lovers in Wellington are blessed with an abundance of top-notch bakeries, and Dough is among the finest. Choose from an eclectic range of loaves to take home, and treat yourself to their fantastic sandwich range before finishing off with one of their delectable donuts.

LUCKY

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105 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington

The home of some of Wellington’s most legendary burgers, Lucky is the first name that comes to many people’s minds when looking for a takeaway. The compact menu belies the taste sensation you’re rewarded with here - pick from a chicken burger, a halloumi burger, or one with the whole lot. 

A close up of curry and other types of Indian food in a buffet counter.

Taste of India

19 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro

A favourite haunt for students looking for a cost-effective meal, Taste of India has a formidable reputation that draws people from all walks of life to its little hole in the wall. You’ll find all the regular classics here, dished out constantly by an efficient team. As for standout curries, you can’t go past the chicken tikka and rogan josh, mopped up of course with a garlic naan.

Three people sitting around a wooden table holding hot chips next to a box of deep fried fish.

Mt Vic Chippery

5 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria

Unassuming Majoribanks Street, deep in the Courtenay Place end of town, is chocka with hidden foodie gems - including a Wellington fish and chips institution. You’ll find far more than your usual two-fish-and-a-scoop combo here, with a menu including a staggering choice of fish, other seafood bites, burgers, and salads. Grab a lunch special and make the short walk to Oriental Bay for a quintessentially Wellington meal.

A plate of noodles on a white table near a window.

KC Café

39A Courtenay Place, Te Aro

It’s hard to find a word to describe the hold that KC Cafe has on the hearts of Wellingtonians. Standing proudly at the heart of Courtenay Place, the bustling Asian restaurant has forged a history of drawing hordes of people at all times of the day and night. Explore what is possibly the largest menu in Wellington and treat yourself to a hearty rice or noodle dish to go.

Falafel, salad and chips in cardboard boxes.

Kilim

19 Manners Street, Te Aro

Let’s face it - when you’re after a solid takeaway without the bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with a good old kebab. Kilim on Manners Street (along with its excellent sister shop in Petone) is one of the best places in town to grab a kebab, whether it’s in a wrap or on rice, whether it’s packed with chicken, lamb, or falafel. Don’t forget to grab a Turkish coffee and Turkish delight to go.

Photo: Stock (by Nancy Zhou)

Neat Wellington Places

City Gallery

Exterior of Wellington City Gallery
Place Wellington
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The hub for art-life in New Zealand’s capital, City Gallery Wellington is a contemporary art gallery with a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events.

Bicycle Junction

Close up of a woman on a bike.
Place Wellington
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Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists”.

La Bella Italia

The exterior of La Bella Italia on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
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Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.

Toi MAHARA

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Toi MAHARA is the district public gallery for the Kāpiti Coast. It stands in pride of place in the heart of Waikanae in a purpose-built building designed by Athfield Architects.