Josh L.'s
Best first date spots
- 15Tequila Joe'sTe AroThe new kid on the block. Wellington can lay claim to a host of Mexican restaurants, yet the attention to detail shown by the staff here makes this little bar worth a visit. Pictured is the most detailed hot chocolate I have ever tasted. Awesome-tasting, themed cocktails (the frozen margarita is amazing!), sultry lighting and Tex-Mex style tapas cooked right before your eyes make this place a sure-fire hit to woo the night away. And if your date is going all pear-shaped, a measure or two of Tequilla should break the ice and set pulses racing...
- 25Motel BarTe AroLaying claim to being the darkest bar in Wellington is a bold claim indeed, but Motel might just take the crown. A hipster joint with bartenders who know their Manhattans from their Mint Juleps, the concoction of potent liquor and the ambience of the place should mean you’ll be here for more than just the one drink.
- 322Beach BabylonOriental BayPicturesque 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...
- 46Kazu RestaurantTe AroHaving 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.
- 517Bangalore Polo ClubTe AroDark, ambient and broody, the Bangalore Polo Club is a must-visit for any hospitality aficionado in Wellington. Awesome cocktails, surreal decor and hearty, winter dishes combine to create quite the impression. Undoubtedly the most inviting of all the restaurants on Courtenay Place, BPC offers full restaurant service or the option to leisurely enjoy a post-work drink by one of the fires. Oh, and did I mention the free nuts?
Josh L.'s
Where to buy gourmet goods
- 113Commonsense Organics is a must-visit for any wannabe foodie. Beautiful, locally sourced veg sits alongside gourmet, NZ made pestos and cheeses. Stocking their shelves in keeping with the seasons, this little hangout is in keeping with the 21st century philosophies of environmental sustainability, fair trade and supporting local business. All of this results in some of the freshest looking produce you're likely to see. Take advantage of the online shopping option and share the green-tinted love with friends or family.
- 20Big Bad Wolf CharcuterieTe AroA 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.
- 35T Leaf T Dukes ArcadeTe AroIn 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.
- 425Hashigo ZakeWellington CentralA mecca for craft beer lovers. The most incredible display of international bottled beer I have ever seen. The ever-changing beer list means there'll be something new literally every time you go. Live DJs on Saturdays if you can shift yourself out of that beer-induced, cosy little place and get those feet working.
- 521Kirkcaldie & Stains LimitedWellington CentralDespite 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.