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A local’s guide to eating & drinking in Wellington

She taught you how to travel without using any plastic, now industry pro Jess Flint is back with travel tips on how to experience Wellington as a local. As a […]

She taught you how to travel without using any plastic, now industry pro Jess Flint is back with travel tips on how to experience Wellington as a local.

As a proud born and bred Wellingtonian, I can often be found telling anyone that will listen that New Zealand’s capital boasts more cafes, restaurants and bars per capita than New York. A visit to the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ is not complete without sampling an array of hipster breweries, cosy cafes and long established institutions.

While you’re pretty much guaranteed a good meal or coffee wherever your exploring takes you, the below selection offers some tried and true options sure to please your palate!

 

Maranui Cafe – The Royal’s Choice

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Address: Level 1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay

If Harry and Meghan think it’s good enough for a visit on their recent trip, then it is certainly good enough for the rest of us! Sitting above the Maranui Life Saving Club and boasting great views of surf beach Lyall Bay, Maranui Cafe is the perfect stop on the way to or from Wellington Airport.

Check out the cabinet for fresh salads and tasty treats or choose from the breakfast inspired menu, served until 3:00 pm each day. This popular cafe can get busy, arrive by 11:00 am to beat the crowd!

Click here for more information.

 

Logan Brown – The Special Celebration

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Address: 192 Cuba St, Te Aro

A true Wellington establishment, Logan Brown has delighted diners with innovate food for nearly 22 years. The perfect place to spoil your tastebuds, the casual fine dining environment is great for a special event or a holiday treat. With a focus on the environment and sourcing local, organic and Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible, food doesn’t only taste good — it is good.

For a taste of New Zealand cuisine at it’s best, Logan Brown can’t be missed. Book for a 5:30 pm seating (must vacate by 7:30 pm) from Tuesday to Sunday to enjoy an early-bird special three course set menu.

Click here for more information.

 

The Old Quarter – The Capital’s Little Vietnam

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Address: 39 Dixon Street, Wellington

The perfect place for those who suffer from food envy, the sharing style menu means you can taste everything on offer. Based in the heart of the CBD and open for both lunch and dinner, this Vietnamese fusion restaurant not only offers fabulous food but creative cocktails too! Mekong Mimosa anyone?

Bookings are recommended, as this gourmet gem gets very busy. If you are visiting on a Monday you can enjoy the $10 bao + beer/bubbles special.

Click here for more information.

 

Louis Sergeant – Parisian Paradise in the CBD

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Address: 111 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Louis Sergeant is a ‘connoisseur of sweet,’ having trained in the art of French patisserie in Lille, Belgium and across Northern France. Melding modern gastronomy and French tradition to create delicacies almost too good to eat, ‘Louis Sergeant’ offers the perfect oasis after a busy day hitting the shops.

From edible works of art such as the ‘Marie Antoinette,’ to crunchy filled baguettes, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to France! Book the High Tea on a Wednesday or Saturday to take your visit to the next level. Bon appetit!

 

Scorch-O-Rama – For the Beaut Beach Day

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Address: 497 Karaka Bay Road, Karaka Bays

A visit to Wellington wouldn’t be complete without a drive around the bays to Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop. Luckily the perfect lunch spot isn’t far away, with Scorch-O-Rama located just eight minutes drive away from the Weta Cave.

Perfectly epitomising every locals favourite adage, ‘you can’t beat Wellington on a good day,’ Scorch-O-Rama is the ultimate sunny day spot with ocean views, plenty of outdoor seating and free sombreros and sunscreen. Whether you choose the classic Kiwi ‘Fush N’ Chips’ or ‘Arnold Chowdernegger’ the food lives up to the fun factor at this quirky seaside stop.

Click here for more information.

 

Garage Project Brewery & Taproom – The Hipster Hangout
 Brewery

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Address: 68 Aro St, Aro Valley
Taproom Address: 91 Aro St, Aro Valley

What do you do with an empty petrol station? Turn it into a brewery of course! That’s exactly what three mates did and their self-proclaimed ‘nano-brewery’ was born. A few years have passed but they are still committed to their original ethos of taking risks, having fun and trying something new.

Pop into the Taproom across the road from the brewery, grab a tasting paddle and sample some truely unique beers, such as ‘Cereal Milk Stout’ or ‘Texas Tea’. Beer is king here so best to grab a substantial meal elsewhere, however snacks, small plates and toasted cheese melts are available. The bar is snug and it can get busy, but you can usually hustle some space at the bar.

Click here for more information.

 

Field & Green – The Soul of the City

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Address: 262 Wakefield Street, Wellington

If European soul food isn’t enough to tempt you, Field & Green’s menu of 15 gourmet ice creams and sorbets should do the trick! With a menu that conjures up meals that your European Nonna would have made (if you’d had one and if they’d been a fabulous chef!), the food is at one time comforting and inspiring.

A great choice for dinner pre or post drinks at one of the many bars lining Courtney Place, or before visiting the ‘The Embassy’ cinema or ‘St. James Theatre’ for a show.

Click here for more information.

Have you travelled to Wellington? Tell us about your experience below.