Small But Mighty: Porirua's Petite Spots That Punch Above Their Weight

Baking and trading out of a bright pink, bite-sized slice of Waitangirua Mall, Sweet & Co. is a proudly Pacific-owned bakehouse. Guerrilla trading hours and locations are often part of life as a small operator in Porirua, and for this crew, regular hours are just Fridays and Saturdays. They're worth a follow on social media to check when and where they might pop up around town, as well as to enjoy unlimited eye candy of their regularly changing and ever-delicious menu.

It doesn’t really get any smaller or mightier than a converted shipping container. Perched on Mana Esplanade in all its soft olive-painted prettiness, Little Green Olive pairs a range of filling snacks with coffee with a conscience and fantastic harbour views. Healthy options abound here, with a focus on plant-based food, and dishes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables and real, unprocessed ingredients. From organic sourdough bacon toasties to famous scones, chia pots, and generous Buddha bowls, all fare is created with a strict focus on sustainability, minimal waste, and prioritising local suppliers.

Another wee spot, barely a stone's throw from the water's edge, Aloha Friday is the perfect caffeine pit stop before a stroll down the beach. Take your pick from pastries, tarts and scones, and if you time your visit for a Saturday, there'll be fresh bread from Aro Bake waiting. Aloha Friday also serves as the gallery for co-owner and former Tall Fern Tania Tupu, renowned for her jewellery design and making prowess. A homely little place where the locals come to kōrero, Aloha Friday perfectly epitomises the character of Tītahi Bay.

One of the Wellington region's most-loved ethnic restaurants, popular Polish bistro Topor sits at the end of a block of small shops deep in Porirua suburbia. Exuding a cosy neighbourly feel from the outside, complemented with a touch of elegance the moment you step in, dig into all the pierogi, bigos, and gołąbki you can handle and wash it down with expertly matched Topor's Own vodka. Or, if you want to go all out, just ask for the vodka tasting paddle. Plimmerton may not be where you'd expect to find an authentic and immensely popular Polish restaurant, but that's Porirua to a T.

Porirua's go-to for show-stopping celebration cakes that taste as good as they look, Neverland Cakes is a neat little family-owned and operated cake shop that calls The Works commercial park in Elsdon home. Another sweet spot with limited trading hours, in addition to their cakes, they have a knack for decadent NYC-style cookies, brownies, and reimagined childhood classics. Again, monitoring their socials will pay dividends in sugary goodness.

It doesn’t get any more Porirua than a beloved food truck parked in a bit-sized warehouse, and Elemental Eats in Kenepuru is just that. This family affair is quietly renowned for good vibes, great coffee, and, amongst other iconic eats, their signature pies. Alongside a range of locally made products, you can find bags of freshly roasted Elemental Coffee, ready to take home, or, better yet, brewed fresh for one of the best cups in town. A little spot where authenticity, affordability and a touch of quirkiness make for a mighty impression.

Our second converted shipping container on the harbour's edge is the Blue Bell Club, and although it might be tiny, its bold turquoise exterior dotted with floral motifs is practically impossible to miss. A neat little operation showcasing quality, handcrafted Pasifika-inspired goods, take your time browsing the cushions, bed covers, jewellery, bags, lampshades and catalogue of additional items, hand-crafted by either Pip or Ramona or another local creator. With every inch of the space exuding passion for Pasifika and supporting local talent, this small shop is Porirua's very own slice of Pacific paradise.

As far as breweries go, The Beer Engine is definitely on the small side but it sure does pack a punch in terms of output! Located in Tītahi Bay, a buzzing and thriving corner of Porirua, this little bar brings plenty of character and spirit to the area. In addition to top beers from some of the best breweries around Aotearoa, here you’ll find outstanding wines from smaller producers along with locally crafted spirits from Wellington through to Kapiti. And a cracker food menu too, something for everyone to enjoy!