Luzie L.'s
Best European Restaurants
- 17Pravda Restaurant & CafeWellington CentralFor those feeling a little fancy, Pravda offers lavish, european bistro-style dining just off Customhouse Quay. The warming winter menu includes decadent chocolate truffle figs, and Pappardelle with duck, hazlenut and Valdeon cheese crumble. Not to mention the consistently great service, and amazing cheese platter.
- 214OmbraTe AroOmbra is always super busy, which is nothing if not an indication of how good the food is. Venetian style tapas, a highly curated selection of imported liqueurs and wines, and Garage Project beer (Yum!). The noisy, bustling atmosphere is not for the faint hearted, but the Kumara gnocchi makes it worth it. The rich feeling, wood and linen decorated interior gives Ombra an authentic feel, and the food compliments this perfectly.
- 332OliveTe AroOlive is very different day to night. That's not to say that either day, or night dining here is preferable. Either way, you're in for a real treat. Brunch, or lunch is to die for, particularly if you're lucky enough to be sitting in the stunning courtyard. Dinner is more formal, table service, and a decadent Mediterranean/european menu. Try the Duck or the Pear tarte tatin.
- 45Charley NobleWellington CentralIf you're after something a bit fancier, the house pot-pie at Charley noble is nothing less than a Wellington classic. Served with a salad (to off set the health effects, presumably), these pies are never anything less than amazing.
- 533Duke Carvell's fairy light studded outdoor area cannot be beaten for winter ambiance. Mix and match small plates full of seasonal offerings, and soak up the old-wordly decor. The Missisippi mama cockatail is a top notch warming winterey aperitf, I highly recocomend. .
Luzie L.'s
Wellington's Best Bars
- 112I would sincerely like to high five the genius that decided to put heated seating in the courtyard at Ancestral. On top of their extensive whiskey menu, Ancestral is a delight to visit, nothing less than opulent. The Shanghai inspired garden bar, and sumptuous dining area are a far cry from what you would typically expect of the Courtenay place location, prepare to be enamored.
- 221Havana BarTe AroHavana bar is that place you go to one night, then never find again because you went there when it was dark and forgot exactly which turn you took to get there. But thats part of it’s charm. Havana is one of a kind, tucked away in a side street within two (albeit re-decorated) historic cottages. The tapas-style menu is amazing, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with energy. Highly reccomend.
- 33Laundry on CubaTe AroLaundry is such a good time, from the delish craft beer on tap to the weekend DJs. The food is super good, with vegetarian and vegan options available, I highly recommend the tacos. The decor is superbly kitsch, and the staff are always friendly and there is a really cute courtyard.
- 433Duke Carvell's fairy light studded outdoor area cannot be beaten for winter ambiance. Mix and match small plates full of seasonal offerings, and soak up the old-wordly decor. The Missisippi mama cockatail is a top notch warming winterey aperitf, I highly recocomend. .
- 52ThiefWellington CentralThis gorgeous little wine bar is exactly what Wellington was missing. Delicious wine selection, sultry atmosphere, amazing, knowledgable staff, whats not to like? The tapas style menu is also worthy of a mention, with the Arancini being the standout.
Luzie L.'s
Local Fashion
- 13The Service DepotTe AroThe Service Depot has a beautifully curated selection of both local, and international designers. You'll be sure to find something interesting and edgy, likely in a super luxe fabric and super well made. The Jewellery range is also very impressive, it is very hard to visit without buying absolutely everything actually.
- 29Recycle boutique has a genuinely awesome business model. You can sell and buy good quality used clothing, and accrue store credit or actual money. The displays and selection is curated, and always chic. This is where you will find those one off vintage designer pieces that you'll never find anywhere else, and all for a reasonable price too!
- 316Good As GoldTe AroA little on the fancy side, Good as Gold is where you will find quality, on trend attire. Good as Gold stock a wide range of brands from both New Zealand and overseas, including Karen Walker eyewear and Wunderkammer Jewellery. The staff are all incredibly well dressed, and friendly.
- 42RUBY WellingtonWellington CentralRuby is an amazing New Zealand boutique. Located in the Old Bank arcade, Ruby stocks a discerning selection of both clothing and accessories by their namesake label, and a curated selection of other NZ and international labels. Check out the MYDEERFOX bags, they are beautiful.
- 55Hunters and Collectors has a super diverse selection of vintage clothing of all sorts. Like Ziggurat, it is highly curated so you don’t have so sift through acres of junk to find one amazing piece. The window displays are always a treat as well!
Luzie L.'s
Best Spots For Dogs
- 12The Barking LotWellington CentralWhether you have a pooch yourself, or just like to stare at Wellington’s best groomed hounds through a glass window, from Weimaraners and Dalmations to Chihuahuas,The Barking Lot may be one of the happiest places in Wellington. Visiting this place elicits the same warm fuzzies that I assume people experience when visiting Japan’s cat cafes. The Barking Lot is a doggy day care service, but they also offer grooming and training classes, and free entertainment for those of us canine enthusiasts.
- 215Wellington WaterfrontWellington CentralParade your pooch for the world to see along the Wellington waterfront. Not only is the walk beautiful, but you’ll be sure to attract a lot of attention which will make you feel popular. Grab some gelato at Kaffe Eis at Frank Kitts park, and check out babes on stand up paddleboards, what a treat!
- 31Tanera ParkBrooklynWhat better place to play fetch with your furry friend, and with a beautiful view of the city to boot! Ohiro park is a great central location for your dog to get some exercise without having to worry about pesky cars or leashes.
- 46Lyall Bay BeachLyall BayLyall bay beach allows dogs roam free, without the annoying constraint of a leash. Your pooch can partake in some doggy play time, whilst you enjoy a romantic evening seaside stroll. Lyall bay is also one of Wellington’s few surf spots, if thats your thing.
- 58Rogue & VagabondTe AroRogue & Vagabond is a very dog friendly craft beer bar in Glover park. Home to a particularly phlegmatic bull dog, Bruce, the bar sets up bean bags out on the grass on sunny days, where your pooch is free to play. The curly fries and pizzas are also worthy of a mention, delicious food and beverages all round.
Luzie L.'s
Best Places for Organic Food in Wellington
- 113Where else can you buy a bamboo toothbrush, organic grains, kombucha and vegan wine. I mean, does everyone not live like this? No. They don't because Commonsense is pretty expensive actually. But also, It's a great place to buy staples, and they do have almost everything under one roof.
- 21Organic BoxesWellington CentralOrganic Boxes is a delivery service that brings fresh, wholesome, high quality organic produce right to your door. The boxes range in size, and each contain a selection of fruit and vegetables. You order which size box you would like, as well as any additional dairy products, eggs, or coffee, pay for it online, and it appears magically to your doorstep! What a dream.
- 36Yan's SupermarketMount CookThough you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, Yan’s is a treasure trove of cheap, organic finds, from exotic rices and grains to teas and medicinal mushrooms (most mushrooms are inherently organic due to their sensitivity to pesticides). Yan’s is always a treat to visit, regardless of your reason for being there; you’ll always find something interesting and delicious.
- 414People’s coffee offers a wholesome, feel good coffee experience, right down to the friendly, knowledgable staff. Specialising in fair trade organic coffee, made with Zany Zeus organic milk to boot, People’s is just a great business. The flagship store is tucked up on Constable street in Newtown, but you can find the delicious coffee at numerous cafes around the Wellington region, such as Milkcrate, and Vicbooks cafe.
- 528Little Bird OrganicsGraftonLittle Bird Organics is coming to Wellington! Ok, don't get too excited, it's just for on weekend, for the merrymaking that is Wellington on a Plate. Disappointingly short though their stay is, you can get in on the deliciousness via ticketek, for one of the multicourse, undoubtedly amazing showcases at Prefab Hall on the 15th-16th of August.
Luzie L.'s
Best Secondhand Dealers in Wellington
- 19Recycle boutique has a genuinely awesome business model. You can sell and buy good quality used clothing, and accrue store credit or actual money. The displays and selection is curated, and always chic. This is where you will find those one off vintage designer pieces that you'll never find anywhere else, and all for a reasonable price too!
- 27David N White GalleryTe AroThis treasure of a store is an experience in itself. Brick a brack, and every other miscellaneous item you never knew you needed piled right up to the roof. Seriously, to the roof. Whatever it is you are after, whether it be clothing, glassware or tribal artifacts, you are bound to find a one of a kind bargain somewhere in the depths of this Abel Smith street store.
- 33Super central location, and always a huge selection of fairly priced furniture (which they can deliver for a small fee!). The only downside with this store is that you have to be super quick as all the new stock gets pillaged by bargain hunters super quick. You can sometimes get crazy good deals on kitchenware also!
- 47Ziggurat has an absolutely amazingly curated array of vintage clothing of all eras, shapes and sizes. This is where to go if you are after a sequinned 60s get up, or a pair of 50s tennis shorts. Everything is super well preserved and georgeous. Go with a full wallet though.
- 55Hunters and Collectors has a super diverse selection of vintage clothing of all sorts. Like Ziggurat, it is highly curated so you don’t have so sift through acres of junk to find one amazing piece. The window displays are always a treat as well!