Eat Your Heart Out: Culinary Delights in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct

How do you make a bakery even better? Make it South American. For those in the know (and those willing to learn more), you’ll find all the Latino pastries you could want at Aurora Argentinian Bakery. We're talking empanadas, medialunas, cañoncitos and so much more, narrowing your choices down will be your biggest challenge.

From chunky sandwiches to even chunkier donuts, Dough is your one-stop shop in Te Ngākau for all your carb-fuelled needs. Struggling to take your pick? Go for the burnt lemon cheesecake croissant for a one-of-a-kind treat that won’t let you down.

Tucked into the heart of Te Ngākau Precinct, Pickle & Pie brings a delicious twist to the classic New York deli experience. Known for its house-made pastrami, stacked Reubens, and rich chicken soup, this modern eatery blends nostalgia with local flair. Alongside the savouries, their cabinet of sweet treats is a standout and you really can't leave without trying a slice of pie or one of their heavenly filled doughnuts.

A cosy restaurant that highlights the best of Wellington’s Asian cuisine, you’re truly spoilt for choice at Asian Kitchen. That’s because they don’t just specialise in one kind of cooking - in fact, you and your party can be treated to dishes from Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and more. For a tried and tested classic, you can’t go past the Hainanese chicken, a light but flavoursome favourite that’s steeped in history.

This hidden haven is one of Wellington’s most popular craft beer bars (and yes, we know there are plenty of them here). A truly all-occasions, all-weather venue, there’s outdoor seating for those who want to catch the breeze, as well as all sorts of cosy nooks and crannies indoors for when it gets a bit colder. Among a star-studded pizza and burger menu, the fried chicken burger is a top pick. Featuring a Southern fried chicken thigh, ranch and chilli sauce, bacon, pickles and beetroot slaw, it’s the perfect pairing to any drink.

This institution, located on the ground floor adjacent to the City Gallery, has served inspiring breakfast and lunch plates using local ingredients for over twenty years. Their signature kedgeree is a flavourful blend of smoked fish, rice, herbs, eggs, and spices. It's a comforting, hearty dish that has become a beloved favourite among regulars and visitors alike. Access points are limited due to ongoing Te Ngākau Civic Precinct works, and you can no longer enter Civic Square from Victoria Street. However, you can still get there via Harris Street or over the City to Sea Bridge.

A timeless Asian spot that caters to virtually every Wellington demographic, from students looking for a cheap feed to busy city workers after a quick lunch. The expansive, no-nonsense menu will have you sorted, from plenty of Asian classics to salads, fish and chips and other fried snacks. The pho range is hard to beat - go for the spicy beef soup for a real winter warmer.

Head along to Cin Cin for no-frills, delicious Italian eats in a prime location in town. With an extensive sharing menu (who can’t say no to a good antipasto platter?) and a top-notch range of both pizza and pasta, it’s an excellent choice for a large group. For a guilty, cheesy treat, try the quattro formaggi pizza, which packs all the mozzarella, parmesan, provolone and gorgonzola you can handle.

A restaurant based in an art deco boot factory? Why not. WBC (Wholesale Boot Company) is a neat Asian fusion eatery tucked away upstairs on Victoria Street, overlooking the busy fashion stores downstairs. An inventive menu packed with fresh and flavoursome dishes is sure to delight - go for the Goan raw fish curry or the Jimbaran style barbecued fish with sambal matah.