Isabeau B.'s
Cheap snacks
- 110Burgers may not be the number one in terms of healthy food, but they could be in terms of taste. Burger Fuel on Courtenay Place is open from 11am - late to help rid you of those burger cravings. With a vast range of types and sizes of burgers, its any burger lovers heaven!
- 228Tommy MillionsWellington CentralNothing beats the wind down of a great night out, more than a slice of hot tasty pizza. I have never been sure why pizza tastes that much better after a boozy night out. Whether it is your body getting confused because it has been awake nearly 24 hours, or the fact that you're still not sober enough to handle the cold walk home. A serving of one of these deliciously topped thin-crust pizzas will fill that belly, soak up the alcohol and warm you up; inside and out. For those extra cold nights I like to munch down on a slice of the Pepperoni. With its generous sprinkle of chili flakes it certainly gets the blood pumping.
- 312Nic Nac'sTe AroThis Cuba Street candy store is a treasure chest of sugary treats. Pick and mix was pretty great back in the day when 50 cents would get you a mountain of colourful lollies, but Nic Nac’s takes it to a new standard of lolly choosing. Here you can grab a bag and a scoop and pick exactly how many of each type of candy you would like to savour (or gobble). Nic Nac’s also supplies a range of different types of ‘junk food’ from around the world.
- 49Sushi BiWellington CentralIf you are a fan of the the delicious rice and filling wrapped in seaweed, this is the place to do. Each piece has been crafted with care and is mouthwatering-ly good. One of the greatest things about Sushi is, that as a takeaway option it sits on the healthier side of things. Sushi Bi is well known for its half price sushi after 4pm, though I recommend lining up at 3.50!
Isabeau B.'s
Bars/Pubs that often have live bands
- 112El HornoTe AroThank god it’s Friday. Four little words with so much joy attached to them, so much joy it’s been abbreviated to TGIF that you can say it even faster and with more excitement. So it’s finally time to leave work on Friday and you’ve probably spent most the day thinking about the weekend’s festivities. For most people this includes some form of bar for some form of drinking. Why not change or even continue on from your ‘local’ down to El Horno. Famous for its jugs of Sangria served up in jars, and old school music, it’s a great place to waste the weekend away.
- 22Public Bar and EateryTe AroPublic is the perfect place to go watch the game if you aren't one for hanging out in a rowdy pub full of drunken youngsters. With its atmosphere that of a modern bar, where one might go just to eat and not drink, it's much classier than your average beer stained and ever so slightly grimy pub. The projector is large enough for all the patrons to be able to watch the game, and the outside/smokers area is complete with smaller screens. If you are feeling peckish while having a drink, or prefer not to drink, I recommend a bowl of curly fries. You can't beat a bowl of fries but in this case being double fried, crisp and delicious, you can't get much better.
- 320MatterhornTe AroMatterhorn is famous for its impeccable, mouthwatering food and cocktails to make your taste buds tingle. Whether you prefer the Cuba Street or Courtney Place scene, this hidden away restaurant-turn-bar is a great place to stop for a drink of the fancy sort.
- 46JJ Murphy & Co TavernTe AroIf you're not afraid of getting messy or not looking respectable while eating out, then try your hand at JJ's 241 ribs on a Tuesday night. Great for any meat lover, or a fan of a great pub meal. These juicy meaty bones, dripping with sauce appeal to anyone not faint at heart. Tuesday night is also JJ Murphy's quiz night, who knows you may even win yourself a prize!
- 540Southern Cross provides a relaxed dining experience. Famous for it's 241 stone grills on both a Monday and a Tuesday, you have to get in quick to avoid missing out. Stone grill is a clever way to make the customer cook their own meal while dining out. However, watching your meat (or vegetarian option) of choice cook away provides satisfaction when it reaches the mouth.
Isabeau B.'s
Cafes with the best music
- 15Poquito Cafe & BarTe AroThis hidden treasure is new on the coffee scene. Poquito makes up for its smallness in size with its relaxed quirky atmosphere. This slim coffee shop also poses as a bar with an impressive selection of spirits and liqueurs stacked across the back wall of the counter. Whether you're escaping the winter blues, need that caffeine hit or are trying to beat writers block, I would recommend coming here. The gentlemen that served us were friendly, chilled out and left us to chat without bugging us every 10 minutes to order another coffee or bite to eat. If you are not big on coffee I would suggest you opt for a cup of good old English Breakfast Tea. Served in cups that look like something your grandma might own and antique spoons with dainty little pictures on the handle. If you like your tea with milk you will find it provided alongside in a miniature old fashioned milk bottle.
- 249Fidel's CafeTe AroNamed after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.
- 311Floriditas screams class with everything to its beautifully created interior to its mouthwatering menu. Open for breakfast through to dinner, it always has patrons. Not only is the food delightful but the range of cupcakes and slices are to die for.
- 436Midnight EspressoWellington CentralAs the name says so itself, this little Wellington hot-spot is open until past midnight, till 3am seven days a week. Famous for its great range of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options it’s a great place for all to stop by for a late night snack. A huge favourite of mine is the caramel slice. Thick thumb sized layers of chocolate biscuit, caramel and chocolate icing its both delightful and decadent as anything.
- 521Famous for strong roasts and some of the best coffee Wellington has to offer, this coffee house is a great spot for avid caffeine drinkers. On the edge of Te Aro park it’s a great takeaway option if you want to soak up some sun on the grass.
Isabeau B.'s
Best Cuba Street takeaway options
- 16Wellington Sea MarketTe AroYou 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.
- 26Kapai Cuba MallTe AroIt 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.
- 37Phoenician FalafelMount VictoriaOf 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.
- 43Hell Pizza Cuba StTe AroOut 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.
- 58Little India Cuba MallTe AroEven 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.
Isabeau B.'s
Best burger spots
- 15Joe's Garage WellingtonWellington CentralJoe’s Garage has the relaxed feel of a beachside restaurant, with a modern twist. The menu comes complete with an array of burgers, filled rolls, and hot dogs. All items on the menu are simple, tasty and made in front of you in the open kitchen. If American-diner style food isn't for you, why not treat yourself to pancakes for dinner or even porridge if it takes your fancy. I recommend trying the frankfurter roll, at $11.80 it is sufficient enough to fill you up without leaving you too bloated with a food baby.
- 22Public Bar and EateryTe AroPublic is the perfect place to go watch the game if you aren't one for hanging out in a rowdy pub full of drunken youngsters. With its atmosphere that of a modern bar, where one might go just to eat and not drink, it's much classier than your average beer stained and ever so slightly grimy pub. The projector is large enough for all the patrons to be able to watch the game, and the outside/smokers area is complete with smaller screens. If you are feeling peckish while having a drink, or prefer not to drink, I recommend a bowl of curly fries. You can't beat a bowl of fries but in this case being double fried, crisp and delicious, you can't get much better.
- 340Southern Cross provides a relaxed dining experience. Famous for it's 241 stone grills on both a Monday and a Tuesday, you have to get in quick to avoid missing out. Stone grill is a clever way to make the customer cook their own meal while dining out. However, watching your meat (or vegetarian option) of choice cook away provides satisfaction when it reaches the mouth.
- 47The Crafty TavernTe AroThe Crafty Tavern, originally known as The Craftsman, is one of those places on Courtney Place that always appears to be open. Not only do they provide endless daily specials and drink deals, but tasty cheap food. A great place to go for a burger and beer, the seasoned fries are just delicious.
- 510Burgers may not be the number one in terms of healthy food, but they could be in terms of taste. Burger Fuel on Courtenay Place is open from 11am - late to help rid you of those burger cravings. With a vast range of types and sizes of burgers, its any burger lovers heaven!
Isabeau B.'s
Best cupcakes
- 149Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club CafeLyall BayThis delightful sea-side cafe is in remembrance to the life saving club that burnt down in 2009. The beautiful food and old school atmosphere leaves for the cafe’s patrons waiting up to an hour during prime Sunday brunch time. The food and drink is well worth the wait, and I have never known of someone who has left disappointed. I recommend splashing out and treating yourself to a full breakfast.
- 249Fidel's CafeTe AroNamed after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.
- 336Midnight EspressoWellington CentralAs the name says so itself, this little Wellington hot-spot is open until past midnight, till 3am seven days a week. Famous for its great range of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options it’s a great place for all to stop by for a late night snack. A huge favourite of mine is the caramel slice. Thick thumb sized layers of chocolate biscuit, caramel and chocolate icing its both delightful and decadent as anything.
- 411Floriditas screams class with everything to its beautifully created interior to its mouthwatering menu. Open for breakfast through to dinner, it always has patrons. Not only is the food delightful but the range of cupcakes and slices are to die for.
- 510Martha's PantryTe AroWalking into Martha’s Pantry is like walking into an old fashioned ladies tea room. This little cafe has a lovely calm and homely feel to it with its carefully crafted cakes and cabinet food and mixed-matched cups and spoons. The tea menu is extensive and the tea itself is served in a large tea pot with a colourful knitted tea cosy, just like nan would have. High tea is also available for approx $28 per person, but well worth the cost for a delicious afternoon of treats and tea.