Wellington’s own slice of Buenos Aires. The ambiance, the delicious wine, the tapas and, of course, the ungodly amount of meat available on the Parrillada (a meat sharing platter featuring no less than 6 different cuts of meat) make this restaurant one of my very favourites in the city. Fear not, however, if you’re not the carnivorous to the point of bursting type, as el Matador has one of the most exciting and unique tapas menus on offer. The vegetarian Empanadas are an absolute must, and who wouldn’t like the sound of broad beans with prosciutto, cos lettuce and cream?

Having been on a few (read: many) awkward dates, which largely consist of sitting opposite one another discussing banalities such as the decor of the restaurant whilst the waiter silently cringes on your behalf, I firmly believe it is time to bring fun back to dating! And taking your flame to Kazu on Tory Street would be a good start. This Japanese offers tempura, sushi and sashimi, all from the comfort of the floor! Tatami mats are available, which add eccentricity and fun to the meal.

So often I find myself paying up for an okay but slightly unrewarding meal and ask whether the staff have derived any enjoyment doing their job and working their shift. More often than not, the answer is a resounding no, but Ortega Fish Shack does fun and fantastic food like no place else I’ve been to in Wellington. A mouth-watering menu, carefully matched wines and a vibrant restaurant make this place my other half’s and mine’s special treat. A little on the expensive side for my humble budget, but worth every cent.

Picturesque and sun-drenched outside in summer, cosy, close and warm in winter, this cool little retro cafe based on beautiful Oriental Parade. has it all. No better way to spend a chilled out day off than meandering along the waterfront before perching yourself at a table by the window to watch the sun set. Open 'til late, evening-goers are rewarded with delicious sweet and savoury fondue from 5.30, with the blue choose option not for the faint hearted! An inspired menu includes delicious sangria by the jug, feijoa mojitos and boutique beers. Rumour has it they've added winter cocktails to their menu too...

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.

As an outsider used to the hustle and bustle of the frantic pace of city life in the UK, Wellington is a serene slice of urban heaven. Gorgeous, accessible coastline coupled with green, inner city sanctuaries make this a desirable place to live. Escaping the occasional urban blues is easy in Wellington, with the Botanical Gardens on our doorstep. Picnic cafe is a gorgeous little spot to relax, read a book and enjoy the company of friends.

Surely the most fun way to enjoy Wellington’s waterfront.

Immerse yourself in a bit of culture. Head on down to one of the participating cinemas in town for the annual New Zealand Film Festival, which showcases some of the best independent documentaries and movies this year. A must-not-miss. Pop along to one of the day time sessions at the Paramount on Courtenay for just $14, and enjoy some post-movie sun on one of the sunniest balconies in the city. Currently serving delicious, fruity mulled wine, if you happen to attend on a not so sunny day.

Whilst Wellington's CBD is compact, diverse and culturally rich (ignore whatever John Key would have you believe), the most rewarding experience the capital can offer is, for me, not to be found in the bars or theatres of Cuba St, Lambton Quay or Courtenay Place. The lesser known Scorching Bay, Owhiro Bay and Seatoun are all worthy of exploration and thankfully all within 10 kms of the CBD, making Wellington ideal for day trips. The lovely fellows over at On Yer Bike can help you get out of that dull gym and onto the reasonably flat, bendy roads of the Miramar peninsula for just $20 per day. No guarantees about the Wellington weather can be made, but gazing out into the Cook Strait on a warm day from Owhiro Bay is truly memorable.

Located in the charmingly named Happy Valley, situated just past Island Bay, is Carlucci Land. I know what you're thinking but tired, cliched mini golf this certainly aint. Crafted in a scrap yard theme, the course is fun, well-designed and inexpensive. 18 courses are included for a reasonable $12 entrance fee. Perhaps in keeping with the suburb's name, an honesty box collects your pennies. Great fun. 

In a city near-synonymous with the flat white and the long black, a couple of Wellingtonian tea purveyors have helped to ingrain tea into the consciousness of the city. Conveniently located right in the heart of the city, this tea haven is a must for us enthusiasts. Combined with more refined versions of the Earl Grey, Green and English Breakfast classics are more experimental teas sourced from literally all over the world. Whether your tipple is a Chinese Oolong, a red African Roobio or a Turkish apple, T Leaf T stocks more tea than you could ever wish to taste. Samples starting from $2 make it tempting to try though! Check out the beautifully crafted teapots too.

Living just next door to this place last year, it's fair to say I got well acquainted with these nuts. Literally every different kind of nut you could list if you could be bothered. But not just that, for these guys are also specialists in spices and seeds. Must be seen to be believed. 

A carnivore’s dream. An ode to the lesser fancied animals and cuts, Big Bad Wolf is Wellington’s only dedicated Charcuterie restaurant. Find an incomparable selection of cured, smoked and salted meats in this truly gourmet eatery.

A real slice of Kiwiana. Pick up some of the beautifully crafted ceramics and pendants for your loved ones away from NZ.

The home of the stylish and the chic in the capital. NOOD is proof that, whilst Wellington is more renowned for its inner-city OP shops and retro furniture stores, the city can also do modern, elegant and twenty first century. Based in Te Aro, the showroom has an urban feel which exhibits products to furnish and enhance every room in the house. NOOD is not all sleek wooden dining tables and high-end sofas, however; it also tries its hand at more tongue in cheek items, destined to clutter your mantelpiece. 

So often I find myself paying up for an okay but slightly unrewarding meal and ask whether the staff have derived any enjoyment doing their job and working their shift. More often than not, the answer is a resounding no, but Ortega Fish Shack does fun and fantastic food like no place else I’ve been to in Wellington. A mouth-watering menu, carefully matched wines and a vibrant restaurant make this place my other half’s and mine’s special treat. A little on the expensive side for my humble budget, but worth every cent.

Chic surroundings at this mysterious beauty on the wrong side of Courtenay. Heated seats and fabulous cocktails make this elegant bar perfect for post work drinks on those long winter evenings. The East Asian/Chinese menu is a must! Try the  twice cooked chicken.

Osteria del Toro's menu is a whirlwind tour around the culinary delights of the Mediterranean in microcosm; fragrant Paella sits happily alongside lamb Souvalaki skewers, whilst the awesome Charcuterie platter wrestles it's Continental neighbours for your attention. The Italian offering, however, is stealing a march on the rest with the sublime, so-authentic-you-could-be-in-Rome, Pizzeria. Crafted in front of your very eyes, the pizza at this lavishly decorated restaurant on Tory Street is to die for. Meataly through to Pear and Gorganzola, the pizza here is amongst the best I've tried in Wellington. Gluten free pizza is readily available, as well as white pizzas (no tomato sauce base.) Perhaps the most alluring feature of the Pizzeria is that up until 5pm on weekdays, Osteria del Toro run a 2 for 1 promotion. Cheery, cosmopolitan wait staff only add to the feel good factor, whilst all the quintessential Mediterranean cocktails are available. Lunch for 2 for a measly $23 dollars has never been better.

A carnivore’s dream. An ode to the lesser fancied animals and cuts, Big Bad Wolf is Wellington’s only dedicated Charcuterie restaurant. Find an incomparable selection of cured, smoked and salted meats in this truly gourmet eatery.

Despite 90% of the produce being way out of the range of my modest budget, I’ve still found myself on the odd occasion perusing the "foodie" section of Kirkcaldie & Stains, perhaps the most historic of the all the CBD stories. The "Harrods" of Wellington has an astonishing array of food and drink from the Wellington area and elsewhere.

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.

As an outsider used to the hustle and bustle of the frantic pace of city life in the UK, Wellington is a serene slice of urban heaven. Gorgeous, accessible coastline coupled with green, inner city sanctuaries make this a desirable place to live. Escaping the occasional urban blues is easy in Wellington, with the Botanical Gardens on our doorstep. Picnic cafe is a gorgeous little spot to relax, read a book and enjoy the company of friends.

Picturesque and sun-drenched outside in summer, cosy, close and warm in winter, this cool little retro cafe based on beautiful Oriental Parade. has it all. No better way to spend a chilled out day off than meandering along the waterfront before perching yourself at a table by the window to watch the sun set. Open 'til late, evening-goers are rewarded with delicious sweet and savoury fondue from 5.30, with the blue choose option not for the faint hearted! An inspired menu includes delicious sangria by the jug, feijoa mojitos and boutique beers. Rumour has it they've added winter cocktails to their menu too...

Mention the words 'Strawberry Fare' to any sweet-toothed Wellingtonian foodie and chances are they'll regale you with wide eyed tales of banoffi pies and sticky date puddings. Wacky, over the top and firmly tongue-in-cheek, an 80s vibe pervades both food and decor. Genuinely pleasant staff add to the feel good factor. Main courses and lunch are on offer here too but it is impossible to look past the endless choice of sweet goodness on offer here. Strawberry Fare has a firm sense of identity and is, for me, one of the most memorable dining spots in the city. 

Located just behind the Basin Reserve on Adelaide Road, this is the takeaway choice for many Newtown and Mt Victoria folk. Authentic Chinese style dishes augment a diverse menu ranging from basics such as toasted sandwiches and cheeseburgers to sublime noodle soups. Basic decor but the incessant flow of regulars through the door underline the quality of the food and friendliness of the staff. The pork and pickled cabbage noodle soup comes high recommended, as do the rotis. 

Perhaps the hippest little cafe on Cuba, serving inexpensive gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian treats until (very!) late. As you might expect, the Havana coffee served here is amongst the best in town. There is a mind-boggling amount of choice here, if you're anything like me you'll need a good five minutes to take it all in. All day brunch is a winner, the vegan hash brown stack being an absolute high point, whilst you really should believe the nacho hype. Hipster and student friendly.

The cafe of choice for an under-caffinated part of the city, Salvation Coffee is quite the surprise. Stumbling upon the cafe by chance, the most striking, and pleasing, aspect of the cafe is the temperature; you're ushered to keep out the cold as soon as you enter. A really decent selection of reading material here, too, means you might stay a little longer than you first thought. 

Picturesque and sun-drenched outside in summer, cosy, close and warm in winter, this cool little retro cafe based on beautiful Oriental Parade. has it all. No better way to spend a chilled out day off than meandering along the waterfront before perching yourself at a table by the window to watch the sun set. Open 'til late, evening-goers are rewarded with delicious sweet and savoury fondue from 5.30, with the blue choose option not for the faint hearted! An inspired menu includes delicious sangria by the jug, feijoa mojitos and boutique beers. Rumour has it they've added winter cocktails to their menu too...

Aro Bake will always hold fond memories of my time in Wellington. Scaling the impossible peak of Aro Valley was always a hardship, although such a feat was invariably made easier with an Arobake in hand. Freshly baked, artisan bread as well as more patisserie than you can shake a stick at is at your disposable. This lovely little bakery catches some awesome early summer, afternoon sun; perfect for a lazy few hours.

The flagshack cafe of the ubiquitous brand Caffe L’affare. As one would expect, the coffee here is first-class, served in a spacious environment while the stream of people coming in and out of the door is almost a fixture. Perhaps avoid coming here mid-morning over the weekend, but pouring over their extensive magazine selection with a brew in hand on the tables outside on a good day is an inner city treat.