The Best Brunch in Wellington: 8 Cafés to Try (2026)

The much-loved Egmont Street Eatery site now belongs to Völco, and it’s a warm, relaxed spot to drop into at any time of day. Concrete-rendered walls, handmade yellow tiles and warm timber set the scene for top-tier pastries and excellent coffee that won’t break the bank, making it an easy, delicious start to a Te Aro weekend.

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.

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.

Behind its shimmering floor-to-ceiling windows on Taranaki Street, August Eatery serves homely, hearty Mediterranean soul food. Rich burgundy walls and plenty of warmth make it a cosy brunch pick, even in the harshest Wellington weather.

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.

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.

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.

Inside the Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket-casual café that’s sleek yet laid-back enough for a daily visit. A living plant wall greets you at the door, and the considered menu and coffee make it a stylish place to settle in for brunch.

More Wellington: the best cheap eats in Wellington, Wellington’s best op shops and all our Wellington cafés.