Charcoal Chicken goooood!

Best value-for-money Asian dishes for big appetites

Best Fish’n’chips in Wellington

Like Habitual Fix, Kapai offers made-to-order salads, wraps and smoothies, a great option for busy office workers looking to squeeze a healthy and affordable lunch into their half-hour break.

Cafe Refuel at Les Mills Extreme keeps long hours and is open to non-members, serving a wide range of salads, pre-prepared meals, protein bars and smoothies. You can even get boiled eggs to go, and for those of you who follow a high-fat diet such as keto they’re the only cafe in Wellington (to my knowledge) that makes bulletproof coffee. Check out their prepared meal service too, which is able to be customised to suit various diets and only costs a reasonable $55.

You wouldn’t normally associate burgers with healthy takeaways, but Burger Fuel uses high-quality, organic ingredients and now, with the Low Carbonator option of lettuce leaves replacing the bread bun for just a small amount extra, it’s a great place to grab a convenient and healthy dinner when you don’t have time to craft something from scratch yourself. Just maybe pass on the chips, as good as they are!

Habitual Fix is a go-to for office workers looking to break up their 9-to-5 with a healthy lunch. It serves salads, sandwiches, wraps and smoothies, as well as a selection of drinks and comparably healthy sweet treats. If you go there often, make sure you grab a loyalty card for special deals.

Sushi’s never been bad for you, but now that St Pierre Sushi will make yours to order with brown rice for a dollar or two extra, it’s an even better option. Miso soup is one of the world’s healthiest foods, and a much healthier alternative to a hot chocolate or chai latte when it comes to warming up on a cold day.

Ara Sushi is great stop for lunch when you're in Petone for a lazy afternoon. They have sushi boxes made to order, or you can pick from individual pieces in the glass case up front to create your own. The avocado and cucumber roll here is amazing, even in winter. Nice avo is difficult to find in the winter, and expensive-- so any time I find an opportunity to order it in my food, I seize it. Try the seaweed salad roll for something a bit different.

With no food in my fridge after a long trip to Australia, I found myself hungry and tired on Courtenay Place a little past lunch time until something caught my eye. 2 for 1 margherita slices for $5? Within minutes, my belly was full of yummy pizza (topped with oregano and chilli flakes and dipped in chilli oil) and a classically American--and extremely rare--can of A&W cream soda. I don't know why I'd waited so long to test out the hype I'd been hearing about Tommy Millions. With crazy lunch deals every weekday, night owl hours, and plenty of room to park your bum along Courtenay Place or in Te Aro Park, you have no excuse to wait as long as I did.

Satay Kingdom delivers exactly what it promises: yummy food without dipping into your rent money. Go for the Roti Chanai-- for $6.50 you'll get a bowl filled with veggies and enough broth to dip your tall stack of roti to your heart's content. The location on Cuba St.'s Left Bank makes Satay Kingdom a great stop to refuel during a day of op shopping or before catching a show at Mighty Mighty.

If you're in a hurry (or take a later lunch in the CBD) stop into the Taste on Willis food court for Tulsi Takeaway. While the flavor here is comparable to its counterpart on Cuba St., the prices are not. Mains normally range from $6.50-8, but stop in after 2 pm for the really super deals-- snag any curry with rice for $5.50, or add naan and a drink for $10 ($9 if you go vege). While the vegetarian selection isn't expansive, the mix vege curry is a solid choice. And if they're all out of your favorite curry, no worries-- there are about a million other on-the-go options in this vast and varied food court.

Well-plated South Indian Malaysian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere, Roti Chenai is one of the best places to bring your mates for dinner in Wellington. With vegetarian and carnivorous options, everyone in the group will leave feeling warm and full. Try the vegetable korma (tomato-based, not creamy like most other places in New Zealand!) when you’re in the mood for Indian, or the vegetable murtabak with dhall curry if you’re craving Malaysian.

It may be hideously greasy, their advertising may be at best repellent and at worst unentertainingly evil, but there’s something vile-ly satisfying about a shameful late night pizza from hell. If you’re going to wreck your body, might feel as guilty as possible while doing it.

It’s locally-owned and they employ a lot of students, so morally they should be good but the amount of delicious lard they’re shoving into my veins makes them a little more questionable. Doesn’t stop me loving every bite though.

All you need to know about this place is that deliver when everyone else is closed and their delivery drivers are really good at not looking like they’re judging you when bringing you noms at 3am.

It feels odd to include sushi, otherwise far from a worst food, on this list but we are so lucky to live in a city where we can barely move for excellent, artisan sushi and St Pierre’s sterile but filling, cookie cutter city-dominating sushi, earns itself a place on this list not by being horrible but by simply lagging behind its competition but still being so wonderfully eatable. There is something about it that makes me okay with ticking only Want to Eat, rather than both Want to Eat and Be Good, on my food requirement list.

The Pizzas at Pomodoro are heaven on a thin crust. Authentic italian style, with fresh tomato bases and stretchy mozzarella. They also do free delivery on Mondays, to kill the start-of-week-blues.

Ram’s is probably the best Asian takeaway in wellington, always super tasty, and the wait is never too long. The menu is super extensive, so all tastes are undoubtedly catered for. The chilli oil dumplings are always a favourite, as is the Ma Po tofu.

Sushi Bi sushi is so incredibly delicious that it is hard for me to even walk past. They do half priced sushi from 4pm, but be quick because there is always a line. The best part is, they don’t have pre-made trays, you choose your own pieces and make up your own tray, which is especially exciting. Love the tempura options, they are always excellent.

Rustic style, hand cut Fish n’ chips. While a little on the pricey side, the extra few dollars are definitely worth it. You can choose the fish you’d like, and everything is made to order. The kumara chips are out of this world amazing, and the staff are super friendly. Highly recommned.

Aunty Mena’s provides solid Vegan Malaysian and Chinese takeaways at a reasonable price. Everything on the menu is super delicious, and you get extra bonus points for not harming any animals for your dinner! The Tom yum soups are my favourite, with or without dumplings or noodles, and I wouldn’t say no to the wontons either.

You can tell that this Cuba street fish market is a great place for fresh fish and great takeaway as it’s busy on a regular basis. Even the fried takeaway fish is much more succulent than any other fish and chip shop, tasting fresh and crumbling in your mouth with every bite.

It has been drummed into us since we were little that takeaway food is not healthy for you. However, thanks to modern times where fad diets, nutritional food options, and raw food are all the craze these healthy takeaway options are only increasing. Kapai provides its customers with tasty eat in or takeaway options with just the slightest bit of naughty, and a whole lot of nice. With a Subway type cabinet setup you can pick your healthy treat from a range of wraps, salads, puku (pita bread of sorts) and baked potatoes. Not like your average grease-dripping takeaway, this you can eat in front on the telly and not feel guilty afterwards. On a cold day I favour the baked potato, filled with pumpkin, avocado, pine nuts, feta, and topped with a dollop of sour cream. 

Of all the kebab places in all the cities that I have tried, this rates number one. I rarely get the chance to try food so traditional and fresh tasting. I recommend the chicken Shawarma with added falafel. Rumour has it that these guys that run the store, make all the ingredients themselves.

Out of all the pizza chains in New Zealand, Hells is by far the most superior. With endless options of pizza toppings and interesting sides, its a menu that wont disappoint. Hells always has some great money saving option providing the consumer with large amounts of food, and has a decent delivery option for those lazy Sundays.

Even moving into spring, Wellington is unfortunately blessed with cool crisp nights. Nothing helps to warm up a chilly evening than a nice steaming hot curry. Little India provides an endless array of mouth watering spice-filled dishes for take away or eat in. The staff are effortlessly friendly, and the food leaves nothing to complain about.

The pizza and staff at Tommy Millions rule. I love the four cheese and the mushroom pizza, topped off with chilli oil. They also offer gelato and subs, and the staff are always super friendly and rad!

A takeaway burrito or quesadilla from this wee hole in the wall on the waterfront is ideal for a summer day’s lunch. Their food is delicious - but eating it can get messy!

In case the massive queue doesn’t give it away, this sushi spot is arguably the best in the central city for a lunch on the go. They have an absolutely massive range of options for all tastes, at pretty standard sushi prices!

Don’t judge a book by its cover - Daniel’s offers the best burgers and wraps in the CBD. The falafel burger (add cheese) is my fave, and you get a huge selection of salad and sauce options.

Ekim Burgers are to die for - hands down the best burgers Wellington has to offer, and well-worth a trip out to Lyall Bay. Heaps of options, including for meat lovers and vegos, plus the chips (with spesh relish) are also awesome. No burger is over $15 and most are around the $8 mark (the cheapest is $5!), making this an affordable option for a lazy pre-payday meal.

If you can get a seat in this bustling little restaurant you’re in for a delicious time.

Bahn mi: the greatest goddamn filled roll you’ll ever have.

Domo Sushi looks unassuming but it is the most authentic sushi you can get in Wellington and great value.

Hankering for a sunday roast, but it’s not Sunday and you don’t have an oven (or chicken)? Then head into Charcoal Chicken, good cheap wholesome food.

Whether you want a pie for lunch or a filled roll, the Cozy Cake Shop will fill your tummy on the cheap.

Aside from the incredible fish they serve, these guys do an amazing selection of fries - chunky, skinny, crinkly, the list goes on. A small box of them is pretty huge as well. Tasty + value for money = Eureka!

The owners at Kanti’s are lovely, and the selection is great. They have a wonderful selection of flowers, and yes, smiles are free.

All of the cheeses, all of the ham, olives, homemade chicken stock, fresh pasta, local and imported grocery items, great baked goods and so much more. The staff are friendly, the service is gentle, and above all, the environment is casual and relaxed. Great for eating in or taking essential items away.

This place is a class act. Incredible decor, mouth watering seafood, on point staff and a great drinks selection. I’d go here all the time if I could financially justify it. If you have a big date coming up, this could be a place worth splashing out at!

Deluxe Cafe has a fantastic range of sweet counter food, usually with gluten free or vegan options available as well. If you’re down Courtney Place, Deluxe is the move.

Yum indian curries that deliver right to your door for a small fee.

If you're after some delicious turkish goodness, Cafe Pasha now deliver to you.

With delivery to your door, Thai Chefs is perfect and ideal for those cold nights when you just want to curl up in bed.

Delicious pizza delivered to your door, perfect for a hungover lazy Sunday.

The title sums it up - delicious chicken burgers and wraps, with multiple sides of your choice, in a nice, bright orange store, well-lit and lots of seating. I recommend the wraps, the chicken was tender and juicy and delicious. Not to be missed.

Morena, gym bunnies. Kapai is the best place to get your health food freak on, and can't be beaten for a healthy take-out. It's always popular at lunchtime and it's easy to see why. Grab a customised salad, wrap, baked potato or daily soup special, add a smoothie or a fresh juice and be on your way. Lots of stores around Wellington too, so you won't have to walk far to get your healthful kick.

It's a feast for the eyes and the taste-buds at Enigma Café, conveniently located on Courtenay. The walls are decorated with funky street art and long mirrors, there's space to sit inside - and outside in a courtyard for the smokers. What's even better is the food - fresh, large portions, paninis, filos, an extensive hot menu, a huge drinks menu and a gelato cabinet! The friendly staff at Enigma will sort you out.

This is a cosy, super tasty Korean on Dixon. Check out a tempting menu in the window to see their specials, hot plates of all sorts starting at $15-16. Karaoke upstairs and always busy on weekends. Easy to see why.

Chill out before your movie and grab a delicious ice-cream - no end of flavours, cool staff in funky hats who like to chat and lots of seating beside the cabinets. Delish!

Wellington Sea Markets deliver a good selection of fresh fish for you, with their locations on the top of Cuba Street with a store down on Lambton Quay as well. It’s a simple stop of for your fresh fish buying, with a wide variety on offer. Meaning you can be assured of getting something that will taste great!

Now called the harbourside markets, go check it for all your fresh produce needs, with a fresh fish stall most weekends offering up good deals on some really good products. Great location and in the middle of an awesome market, go down and check it out every Sunday on the waterfront.

Wellingtons coolest fish and chip shop now stocks fresh fish filets to sell, go and ask the staff there what’s good and get out and home to cook it however you like. With its super central location it’s a key spot for those over in the Oriental Bay, Mt Victoria area.

If your out in the Hutt Valley a good stopping point is Johns Fish Market, with some of the freshest catches you will find in the valley. On the esplanade rolling in, a great place to stop in on your way home for your night’s dinner.

With a range of fresh fish to collect, Newtown’s fish fins offer up a great place to go and get the nights dinner from, right in the heart of Newtown’s shopping area, go and check it out if you live out that way, well worth a stop!