Leuven is known for their kg pots of mussels but you can also get a variety of Belgian delights. With so much to choose from, taking your pick can be a bit of a chore. But I must say, in all my times here, I’ve never picked a dud or known anyone else to. Everything on their menu has a suggested beer match and on Sundays and Mondays and you can ‘double your mussels’! I often go here before a game at the stadium or for after work snacks if I don’t want to go up the other end of town.

Irashaimase! Is what the workers here yell as you enter the restaurant, it means ‘welcome’ and is heard everywhere in Japan. Once inside you can choose to sit at the traditional low tables, at the bar or at a table with chairs. The menu is full of a mixture of traditional and made-for-locals dishes. A few of my faves are - the agedashi tofu, which is deep fried tofu served in a light broth. The sashimi and avocado salad which has an incredible dressing And the spicy crab which the waiter agreed was delicious if not very traditional. I would say this was the most authentic of Japanese restaurants with their variety dishes and their Japanese speaking staff. They also have a great selection of Japanese drinks!

I think this place has one of the best fit outs in Wellington. So much attention to detail with sugar skulls and mosaics galore. I can’t go past the Jalapenos Rellenos (deep fried, cheese filled chillies) and their churros. They have a range of Mexican beers and tequilas if you’re feeling brave and of course they do a great range of margaritas too!

This Argentinian restaurant is a great place to go with friends. My group shared one of their steak plates, which was loaded with perfectly cooked meat and came with a side of their delicious chimichurri. I also highly recommend saving room for the churros, which comes with an incredibly moreish chilli chocolate dipping sauce. Muy bueno!

There’s so much to love about this family run restaurant. The service is excellent with great food to match. They also have an amazing deli where you can buy an array of cured meats and cheeses to recreate their tasty antipastos as home. They also do catering, classes and have a shop full of imported Italian foodstuffs. There’s so much to eat, drink and see, I could spend all day here!

This little Malaysian restaurant tucked away down Ghuznee street serves mouthwatering dishes appropriate for any time, any day. Nicknamed 'KK' by my friends and I, it is a regular visit. The value for money is astounding with all dishes $15 or less, portions often share-able. My all time favourite is the Chicken Roti Chanai, and by far the best one in Wellington. The chicken falls apart beautifully in the deliciously contrasted creamy and spicy broth. If you love your veges ask for a dollar worth to be added, pumping up the dish even more!

Thai food always has, and always will, make an appearance in my top five choices of dining experiences. This in mind, I have searched far and wide throughout the Wellington region for tasty Thai! Phu Thai Lanna not only fills this spot in my belly, but appeals further with affordable prices and B.Y.O. I would have to recommend the Chicken Pad Thai, a peanut noodle dish that is a great option for someone who fears spicy food. What makes this Pad Thai better than any other I have tasted is it's rich peanut flavour. The atmosphere during most week nights is peaceful, if dining out on the weekend be prepared to get amongst the party goers.

This Mexican themed restaurant is a great option for a first dinner date. The quirky rustic atmosphere makes for some last resort pre-dinner small talk if the date heads for an awkward start. True to the Mexican spirit the drinks menu comes with a list dedicated just to the famous margarita. To start, I recommend sharing the corn chips and guacamole. The corn chips are mouth-watering and home-made, like all homemade recipes, these corn chips are the best I have ever tasted. Another great starter to share are the chimichangas, these tortilla cigars are filled with your choice of either chicken or pork and cheese. Paired with a spicy creamy sauce they are sure to leaving you dreaming for more. After getting to know your date better, you can mull over the main menu together. The enchiladas are a delectable option, tubes of your picking and fill in one of four sauce options. Chocolate fan? Try the chocolate and chilli sauce. A note to the payer of the date: The prices are on the higher side of things, though the meals and ambience are worth those pretty pennies.  

This rustic restaurant has a tantalizing ambience, encouraging you to think you have been swept up and taken to the Mediterranean for a flavour infused meal. Every Sunday and Monday Cafe Istanbul has 241 main meals. Each meal comes complete with hummus, salad, pita bread and your choice of meat.

Great India on Courtney Place, provides great Indian. The aromas that engulf your taste buds are delightful. Each mouthful of smooth spicy curry is welcomed. Perfect for large group dinners, dates or even those ‘curry in a hurry’ lunches courtesy of their cheap lunch menu. I recommend trying the onion bhaji, some of the best I have ever tried.

Sweet Mother's Kitchen is kind of the trifecta: great food, good vibes, and perfect location. And while their dinner menu isn't too shabby either, nothing cures the 'mother' of all hangovers like brunch-- especially when that brunch is served all day (on weekends) and you're free to pull yourself from the depths of your bed as late into the afternoon as you want for as much eggs and potato hash as your stomach can handle. My go-to dish is Flossy's Favorite, which has a little of everything: potato, black beans, mushroom, eggs (poached is recommended), and hollandaise, plus two sturdy baguette halves. The berry waffles have also been known to go down nicely. But a word to the wise-- the slightly chaotic nature of the decor in Mother's extends to their style of seating tables. If a game of musical chairs might set your head aflame, skip the food and grab a Snickers shake to go.

A true Italian by heritage and nature, when winter comes around I crave pasta rather than soups or stews. Il Piccolo is the best place in town to satisfy this craving, especially on a budget. Start with the pane con olio-- the tomato pesto adds great taste to olive oil for dipping. Mains like the Penne con Pomodori or Ravioli della Nonna are hearty and wonderfully meat-free. Finish off with the most amazing tiramisu I've tasted outside of Italy. The atmosphere here is adorably Italian-kitsch, with checkered tablecloths and wine in fiascos (flasks with straw bottoms), and equally suitable for a date or dinner with friends.

Don't settle for burritos; at Viva Mexico on Cuba St.'s Left Bank, you can take your pick from an array of authentic Mexican dishes, including staples like tacos and enchiladas, and more adventurous choices like the sopa de tortilla or "exoticos" (wet tacos). Like most Mexican restaurants, finding vegetarian options is thankfully not a problem; alongside a variety of meat fillings, there are always vege, cheese, and bean options on hand. Don't worry if you're unsure about an item-- their new menus break down every aspect of the dish, eliminating any unpleasant surprises. A huge selling factor for me is their plentiful stock of Jarritos, an intensely sweet Mexican soda, in a variety of flavors-- try Mandarin (Mandarina) with your taco and ensalada.

A fun place to bring a crowd, Istanbul is a popular BYO restaurant on Cuba St. Be sure to make a reservation in advance or you may find yourself sitting on the floor at their authentic (and very low to the ground) table, complete with canopy. Try their pide bread, or the halloumi dish. Yum!

I wish I’d found this place sooner. Tucked away on Vivian St. next to Vic’s School of Architecture, the wooden structure adorning Ban Mai’s exterior is as charming as the food created inside. The noodles here are amply sauced, with a pad thai to rival my all time favorites from back home. Vegetarians will be delighted to find that almost every rice, noodle, or curry dish can be made to order with vegetables and/or tofu in place of meat.

Ombra is a great place to kick off a night on the town. The tapas style food is always amazing — try the grilled sardines with lemon and parsley — and the dink selection is good for those who are sober too. The place is always packed, which is a testement to how amazing the food and service is. Be prepared to wait for a table, it is worth it.

The thick aroma of wood-fire cooked meat is rich and delicious and will fire up your taste buds from the moment you walk into El Matador. Another great place to line your stomach in preperation for a night out on the town, this Argentinian style steak house is truely a wonder.

Nestled in the old Wellington Boot Company building overlooking Victoria street, WBC definitely doesn’t serve up old boots. The food here is a sort of tapas sorta mains sorta amazing kinda place. Doesn’t’ matter if you get mains because you’ll be so jealous of your compatriots meals that you’ll end up sharing anways. The sardines are to die for!

While the Phoenicians may be long gone, their cuisine lives on right here in the Capital. Not just kebabs and falafel this delightful eatery of Cuba, run by the awesome Elie, is serving up tapas. The baklava is always fresh and the shawarma are the best in Wellington.

This place is a little gem, once you have Stang House this will be your new fav Thai food go to! The Chicken Pad Thai is my favourite dish and it's just divine, with a price tag of $11.50 a bargain. I bet you will enjoy :)

I love Tulsi this is my favourite place to get a great butter chicken. They do the perfect spice mix of medium/mild for my rather sensitive taste buds.Yum when is takeaway night! There are great prices for takeaway options and you can make orders by text.

Fresh, fast & tasty. Every time I have ordered from here the food has been delicious and healthy, it doesn't feel heavy like some chinese takeaways. Good portion sizes which makes meals go a long way.

Curry puffs, curry puffs, curry puffs, these are only an entree but they are sooooo good. If you are ordering for a few people I recommend you get two lots as these go fast!

If you havent tried Kilim then you are in for a treat, the Chicken Meze is a great place to start its a dish that has it all. If you're a haloumi lover like me then ask for ask for a little extra yum! A bonus is they do takeaway coffee.

If you're into americana and all day breakfast, Five Boroughs might just be your cafe-soulmate. Five Boroughs is new, but the service runs so smoothly that you wouldn't guess that were the case. The food is all incredibly delicious, and you'll love the presentation!

The decor here is lively to say the least, and the food matches that perfectly. With jugs of margarita, and insanely delicious tacos, what more could you ask for! They offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, just ask the super knowledgable staff and they will be happy to oblige!

If you want the taste, minus the cruelty, Aunty Mena’s can provide you with a delicious fried chicken alternative. The mock chicken at Mena’s is not only delicous, but it’s better for your health, the planet, and the animals.

The curly fries at Sweet Mother's are to die for. Literally even. The staff are kooky, and always happy to help, and the pie cabinet is jam packed with delicious southern inspired treats, like pecan pie.

Tequila and Tex-Mex cuisine, what is there not to love! Tequila Joe's offers up delish food, at super reasonable prices, with specials every other day. This is home to some of the best fried chicken around!

THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE. The food is INSANELY good! I had the best burrito I've ever had in New Zealand when I was there a few weeks ago - it was off the chain. They have a sweet array of hot sauces too - nailed it. The staff and the place are cool too!!

This place is incredible, the food is so so so damn good! The hot and spicy hapuka, the black chilli chicken, the salt and peper squid, and the garlic vegetables are my favorites - but everything I've ever tried here is amazingly delicious!  You should book if you're with a large group - this place is ALWAYS busy! And make sure you buy a bottle of wine or some beers to take with you if you drink - it's BYO only! 

Sake Bar 601 is the best place in Auckland to find Sushi, Sashimi, and all the other delicious Japanese treats you can imagine. The tempura vegetables are amazing! And you can watch the chef make all the food fresh right in front of you! YUM!

This place is one of Auckland's best kept secrets. Don't be put off by the bright fluorescent lights and minimal decor, the food here will blow your mind. It's all vegetarian, and  it's all delicious! Make sure you try the paneer dosa, and the paneer curry - both are AMAZING!! Finish the night off with some Gulab's from the dessert section...mmmmmm.

Delicious Dumpling. Exciting Eggplant. All the delicious nibbles! All the eggplant dishes are wonderful! And the spicy dumplings are a must-do! 

The uninspired decor of The Beijing belies a Newtown institution since 1996. The restaurant serves Northern Chinese food, and is best known for its Peking duck fare. If duck isn’t to your taste, it’s also known for its pork in Beijing sauce. The Beijing can cater to big groups and is often packed, so it pays to book on popular nights.

Newtown’s full of Indian restaurants, but few are as busy, as often, as Planet Spice. With extra seating available upstairs, it’s a great choice for big groups looking to dine in and BYO, but be sure to book. (If Planet Spice is packed, Curry Heaven, a few doors down, is another popular choice.)

It seems if you’re not a fan of Malaysian or Indian food, your options for BYO restaurants in Wellington are lacking. But if you can’t go past a good mee goreng, Cinta – on the Courtenay Place end of Manners St – is a great choice, especially for parties of up to eight. Its smaller size means it’s less likely to attract big groups of uni students on the weekend, too.

El Matador Cafe, Asador Grill & Bar is best known for its meat dishes, barbequed and grilled Argentine-style, but it’s also a great choice for brunch – especially if you don’t feel like competing with the throngs that gather at Floridita’s, Fidel’s or Olive before noon every Saturday and Sunday. Like any good brunch destination, El Matador serves eggs any way you want them, but be sure to add some bacon or chorizo to your order: you’re not making the most of what El Matador has to offer if you order vegetarian.

A bunch of Mexican restaurants have sprung up in Wellington over the past 18 months, but to my mind Viva Mexico on Left Bank is still the best. The servings are enormous and there’s an authentic feel to it; be sure to try the stuffed jalapenos and Mexican cola. It recently expanded its menu to include breakfast, with eggs served Mexican-style.

Outdoor taco trucks, blaring Latin American music, amazing Mexican food and lovely staff. On a warm evening, Viva Mexcio Newtown is a must.

Fittingly, the only other contender holding a torch to Tony at Phoenician Falafel’s efforts is his son Elie, over on Cuba Street at Phoenician Cuisine. Building on Tony’s model, Elie brings a younger eye to the proceedings, in the process giving us something remarkable, a kebab restaurant which is truly the work of a Lebanese New Zealander. Expect to see more intersections like this in the future; things look (and taste) good.

Scopa has the deadliest, thickest, most opulent hot chocolate in Wellington. Approach with caution however, addiction occurs quicker than one might expect, and something which tastes that good is best enjoyed in moderation, and as with many things, after an appropriate anticipation building wait!

Gluten free African food, halal as well for those who need it. Need I say more?

French Vietnamese filled baguettes…French Vietnamese filled baguettes! If you’ve sampled these savory treats before, I need say no more. For those who haven’t however, the intersection between French and Vietnamese cuisine is a wonderful thing. Health conscious vegetarians and meat lovers are well catered to here.

The best quesadillas in town. Check out the funky decor, delicious food and enjoy the laid back feel with the obligatory Sol. If you have no time to soak in the Mexican beats, ask for takeaway.

Peckish after 9 30? Restaurants closing, about to resort to generic, bland fast food? Chow is the answer. Located on Tory Street and open every night until midnight, this Asian Fusion, informal restaurant is a hit. Tapas style bites, flavoursome curries and salads bursting with fresh herbs are all on offer. 2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesdays and Saturdays only add to the allure. Take always also available if you wanna take the party home. The salt and pepper squid is sensational!

Perennially popular, Enigma ticks every box you'd want from a cafe. Funky decor, inexpensive yet impressive cabinet and menu food, delicious gelato and strong, tasty coffee. Add on the late night liquor license and you have yourselves an all-day winner. And the best part is that the (pictured) eggs benny will only set you back $13. And be sure to bring a dollar for the pinball machine. 

There is fierce competition when it comes to Thai restaurants in the capital. Off the top of my head I can think of 5 restaurants squabbling for own hard earned within 5 minutes walk in my particular part of town. Having frequented most of these, Phu Thai is the one I return to most often. Their Pad Thai is to die for, whilst the spring rolls are fresh, light and flavoursome. Housemates regularly come back with a takeaway, whilst BYO is also available. Perhaps more suitable for a group booking, as evidenced by the large groups dining away on weekends, yet weekdays are more intimate. Would definitely recommend taking your own plonk, however, as their drinks list is nothing to write home about.

Who knew fish and chips could be so complex? Choose your fish (obviously), your chips (less obvious) and your batter (freakin’ awesome). The agria chips are sensational, whilst I’d recommend getting whichever fish you go for tempura-style. Definitely worth the extra dollar or two. No longer will we accept greasy fish and oily chips; like every other food genre, the humble old chippy has had to evolve to fit our needs and fads. Expect to see then, therefore, an ever-changing, seasonal menu reflective on what’s been caught that day. Even have your Akaroa salmon fillet grilled; how gourmet is that.

I absolutely love Ichiban, especially when with a group of friends. It's BYO, so I purchase a few bottles beforehand and their tables are huge so can seat practically 20 around them. Set menus are good and a cheap option costing each person between $20 to $30 depending on what they choose. The best part of this is that the chef's cook right in front of you, and once they've finished cooking up your yum meal - it turns into a game where you have to catch the bowl full or rice, or an egg in your bowl!

Open late, Little India is a great location for group dinners.

Located just out of the Hutt Valley, Chapelli's is a great bar and restaurant to have your next social shindig. With an array of alcohol and a delicious menu on offer, Chapelli's is owned by locals, for locals.

I love Thai food and I love fast food. Not takeaways, I like food that is quick to get to my table once ordered. Thai Express 6 are awesome for this. We are always amazed at how quickly they actually serve up the food and how decent the portions are. Some of the best roti I have ever tasted is from here.

A really spacious Japanese BYO with a mix of large and small tables, perfect for groups or a date. There’s also a huge set menu if you can’t quite make up your mind!

You rarely have to wait for a table in this big Turkish restaurant, and the food is awesome and fast - even in a big group. I strongly recommend the falafel or spanokopita.

One of my top places for a big birthday BYO. The menu has something for everyone - my pick is the vege dhal.

Perfect for smaller groups, Satay Village’s food is speedy, tasty and filling - and super cheap! I recommend the vegetable curry or mee goreng.

A BYO dinner at Arashi is a great way to catch up with friends or start a night out, with a big sushi list and plenty of other options, including noodles, rice dishes and set menus.