6 of Our Favourite Wellington Brunch Spots Right Now

People eating at Fidel's Cafe on Cuba Street in Wellington.

From ocean vistas to inspired menu offerings, there’s never been a better time to get brunch in the nation's capital.

Words by: Ashlyn Oswalt

Photography by: Neat Places

Wellington locals have a special love for brunch, and why shouldn’t they? Whether the warm sun is shining and they’re basking in a courtyard, Bloody Mary in hand or hunkering down in a cosy space sipping expertly crafted coffee while the Roaring Forties roar. There’s no way to go wrong. With options catering to all diets, all across the city, there’s never been a better time to do brunch. 

Comes & Goes

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259 Jackson St, Petone, Lower Hutt

Located in Lower Hutt, Comes & Goes is well-worth a trip out of town. With a Scandinavian-inspired interior, the minimal, airy approach will leave you feeling at ease. Their brunches are known to cause a line, so start your wait off with a Bronut (a hybrid between a brioche and a donut) and a coffee. Once seated, you’ll note that their menu takes inspiration from all around the world, including a few kiwi classics like bacon benedicts and banana waffles. With a menu catering to vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike, it’s a great place to bring a whole group together.

Highwater Eatery

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54 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington

Another Te Aro favourite is Highwater, which celebrates sustainability through their weekend brunches. Their menu focuses on local produce, ethically raised meat and plenty of delicious, in-season options to keep you coming back for more. You’ll sip your coffee while admiring the exposed brick walls and gazing at the chefs prepping your Tora octopus brunch in the open-plan kitchen. Nary an eggs benedict in sight, you won’t find staples on this menu — only inspired, unique and sometimes wild dishes here.

Fidel's Café

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32a Wigan St, Te Aro, Wellington

A favourite among Wellington locals on Cuba Street sits Fidel’s. With a reputation for a legendary brunch and hangover-curing milkshakes, Fidel’s funky 1950s Cuban-inspired decor is as imaginative as the food. They excel at brunch sandwiches, Cuban burritos and large breakfasts that will sop up any beer tastings to be had later in the day. The atmosphere is bright and fast-paced, so order another single-origin coffee and enjoy.

Neo

132 Willis Street, Wellington

Neo rocks their brunch menu of seasonal offerings dotted with artisan products from around the region. With plenty of selections on the menu, everyone from the eggs benedict lover to the adventurous pumpkin-buttermilk-pancakes-lover will find something on Neo’s menu. Their airy space is perfect for sipping a Supreme coffee.

Wooden tables and chairs inside a brightly lit restaurant.

Loretta

181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Gaining strong decor influence from light and airy Melbourne cafes is Cuba Street’s Loretta. Their fun, funky menu has crowd-pleasers like waffles and crumpets, as well as surprising additions such as a porchetta continental breakfast. Loretta knows that a good brunch isn’t complete without a little something special, so there are Bellinis and Bloody Marys alongside coffee and teas. This is the kind of place you’ll want to stay awhile, so order another round.

Maranui Café

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Lvl1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington

A Wellington institution, the Maranui Cafe is a must-stop for all visitors to the city. With incredible views of Lyall Bay, you’ll quickly agree with the locals that this place is worth standing in line for. Once inside, visual oddities and blasts from the past are at every turn. With vintage red booths and plenty of surf kitsch to keep any kiwi satisfied, the delights don’t stop with the decor. Feast your eyes on the menu filled with classics, but just be warned that these meals are meant to fill hungry surfers — you’ll want to come on an empty stomach.

Neat Wellington Places

Seashore Cabaret

View from inside the first floor Seashore Cabaret cafe out to their deck area where people are dining with a view across the harbour to Wellington city beyond.
Place Hutt Valley
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This café definitely takes the title for best view of the city, and doesn't do anything by halves.

Dough Upper Hutt

Bakery interior with royal blue tiles and a cabinet filled with delicious baked goods
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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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.

Peoples Coffee

Inside Peoples Coffee in Newtown, looking through the steel frame opening to where customers are dining.
Place Wellington
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Championing ethical and sustainable coffee from its Newtown cafe.

Amuse Snack Bar

Front counter and coffee machine at Amuse Snack Bar.
Place Wellington
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With a delightful menu that evolves throughout the day, Amuse Snack Bar on Wellington’s Willis Street blends European aperitivo with Australasian coffee culture for an...