Take a seat: Your guide to dining solo in Wellington

An empty restaurant brightly lit by the sun.

Looking to treat yourself to a meal away from home? Here are the best places to dine if you're alone in Wellington.

Words by: John Son 

Photos by: Anna Briggs

Dining solo can be one of the best ways to get to know an eatery. Free from distractions, you have the time and space to get immersed in the menu, the fit out, and the unique vibe of the place. As New Zealand’s culinary capital, Wellington boasts a plethora of cafés, bars and eateries that offer the perfect environment for dining solo. Whether it’s a quick brunch you’re after or a leisurely dinner, here are some of the best places in Wellington for treating yourself to a meal.

Customs

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39 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro

For a quick bite and a coffee in between meetings or before an appointment, Customs is hard to beat. Not only does it serve a fantastic range of Coffee Supreme blends along with its famed toasts, sandwiches, and donuts, it’s one of the best cafés in town for dining solo. Take your pick from the large communal table in the centre of the cafe, the high tables perfect for one, a window seat, or an outdoor seat.

Margot

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163 Riddiford Street, Newtown

A cosy little spot tucked away in a quiet Newtown street, Margot is a colourful wine bar that’s perfect for enjoying a nightcap solo. The tantalising, contemporary European menu offers a range of small bites to pair with your wine from their carefully curated list. Grab a stool by the window if you’re after a quiet moment, or take a seat at the bar to watch the kitchen in action.

Graze Wine Bar

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95 Upland Road, Kelburn

For a suburban option away from the noise of the city, check out Kelburn’s Graze Wine Bar. An intimate space with only 22 seats (including small tables and bar seats), it’s the perfect place to enjoy a quiet night out by yourself with a book in hand. Take your time choosing from the range of small pescatarian plates, accompanied, of course, with a choice from the wine list.

Highwater Eatery

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54 Cuba Street, Te Aro

If you want to add a touch of class to your solo night out, it’s hard to go past Highwater Eatery. The trendy spot at the foot of Cuba Street has wasted no time in establishing itself as one of Wellington’s most-recommended eateries, with exceptional menus to serve all meals of the day. Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, or dinner perched on a bar seat with views of the open plan kitchen to keep you occupied.

Swimsuit

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38 Dixon Street, Te Aro

Tait Burge’s renowned Swimsuit is another top pick for those wanting to enjoy a coffee alone while out and about. With single seats located by the walls and windows, as well as a handful of small outdoor tables, it’s a haven for introverts or those simply wanting a moment to themselves. Pull up a chair, order your favourite Peoples Coffee brew, and tuck into one of the best cheese scones in town.

A man ordering at the counter inside a small Chinese restaurant.

KC Café

39A Courtenay Place, Te Aro

Not only is KC Café a true Wellington institution, with one of the city’s longest menus, it’s also a very friendly space for solo diners. With well over 150 individual dishes, there’s something for everyone, from rice and noodle dishes to pho bowls and more. Grab one of the booths towards the back of the restaurant for complete privacy as you enjoy your selection.

Neat Wellington Places

The Library

A booth beneath a shelves of books at The Library bar Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Hidden behind an unassuming ground floor entrance, The Library is another well-known establishment that overlooks the go-go crowd of Courtenay Place.

Peoples Coffee - Lukes Lane

View of the wooden counter and cafe.
Place Wellington
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If you know Peoples Coffee in Wellington, you’ll know the business is much more than just a café and roastery.

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.

Ziggurat Fashion Exchange

Close up of shoes and suitcases.
Place Wellington
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A Cuba Street vintage shopping treasure trove.