Caro D.'s
Best Vegetarian and Vegan
- 113Pranah Vegetarian CafeNewtownPranah Cafe is an environmentally friendly haven for vegetarians in Newtown. Entirely meat-free, with many vegan and gluten-free options, choosy eaters will find exactly what they crave. Go for brunch or lunch, as the cafe sadly closes by 4 pm daily. Vegetarians and omnivores alike will delight in the banana pancakes, poached eggs, and smoothies. Check the glass case up front before making your decision from the menu; rotating goodies, including pies and pilafs, shouldn't be missed.
- 236Midnight EspressoWellington CentralWhen I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.
- 37Kapai Courtenay PlaceTe AroIn the States, takeaway salad restaurants were a dime a dozen. But here in Wellington, I've found them harder to come by-- making them so much more valuable when you stumble across one. Looking for all intents like any regular cafe from the outside, Kapai is actually a secret haven for some serious greens. Look for them in the expansive salad bar, but also in your drink-- their green smoothie is tasty enough to make me wonder whether they pour straight sugar in with the fruit (though I suspect the answer to that would be a resounding no). With locations across the city and the option to eat in or take away, you'll have no excuse not to meet your daily serving of fruits and veges by lunch time.
- 420An extremely popular Malaysian restaurant on Cuba St., everything on the menu is vegan and accommodating choosy eaters is a cinch. Their abundance of meat substitutes (including bbq gluten and mock duck) are both yummy and endlessly entertaining, and will even keep the carnivores in your group satisfied. Try the mee goreng or laksa. With a good selection of dishes starting at $12.50, you’ll fill your belly and bring home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
- 54Hare Krishna Higher Taste RestaurantWellington CentralThe most perfect buffet-style restaurant in Wellington, fill up a small ($9), medium ($11), or large ($14) plate with as much yummy Indian food as you can fit. Grab up to 4 puris free, but add $2 per paneer square. Everything here is vegetarian or vegan, of course. Located downstairs at the back corner of the Old Bank Arcade, Higher Taste is a great spot for a big lunch or low cost dinner. Plus, you can’t beat their taste in music!
Caro D.'s
Best Op Shops
- 14St. Vincent de Paul's is a staple in the opportunity shop circuit in New Zealand, with the Wellington region alone boasting at least six locations. While the main shop in Newtown is bigger (and, admittedly, has a larger range of furniture for it), the Vinnies tucked away in Aro Valley is the cosiest. A very short walk up Aro St. from Arobake, this Vinnies is housed in a former post office, and many of its accents--the glass blocks, the floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bench at the front of the store--are relics of the building's history. This location gets the most donations and is best known for its unexpected offerings. I've come across everything from a zany pair of knitted leggings to an antique camera to early editions of classic books here, and the store manager is extremely personable. Have a look in the next time you're browsing at Aro Video, I doubt you'll leave empty handed.
- 24The main branch of Vinnies shops in central Wellington, this St Vincent de Paul in Newtown is well stocked, large, and covered with friendly bargains. From oversized floral mugs to vintage NZ-made dresses, you'll find something each time you visit. It may be the central branch, but this shop has plenty of quirks; pop upstairs for a browse through rows of beautifully worn furniture, then giggle when you realize staff members have to carry the furniture up and down a narrow flight of stairs each time a purchase is made or a new acquisition comes in. A must-try any time I find myself up on Riddiford St.
- 31The Salvation Army MiramarMiramarThe Salvation Army in Miramar is easily their best shop in Wellington. With a lovely NZ-made clothing section, rows upon rows of shoes, a back room of furniture (including some lovelies dangling from the ceiling!) and stacks of books and tapes, this place is always stocked with the best. Check out their new line of handmade pillows; prints include a lovely saffron and cute kiwiana. I’ve never been able to stick to my budget here– be prepared to leave with a quirky new mug or vase at the very least.
- 43Boasting one of the largest and best selections of furniture of any op shop in Wellington, this Salvation Army store on Taranaki is most useful for its affordable selection of mirrors, wardrobes, and office chairs. A word to the wise: be prepared to make snappy decisions. People know when the new stock comes in, and furniture is bought up fast. Although I’ve no complaints about my current wardrobe (listed as a ‘Genuine Narnian Portal’ on Trade Me), I still get pangs of regret at passing on a beautiful one I saw here in February that had already sold the morning after we spotted it.
- 51Mary Potter Hospice Shop KilbirnieKilbirnieOne of the best op shops in Kilbirnie, and all of Wellington. You never know what you’ll find tucked away here. Have a look through their extensive yet concise kitchenwares corner, or nip upstairs to scour through their patterns and blankets. With merchandise as varied as polka-dot dresses to offbeat mugs, sketchpads to novelty raincoats, and toaster ovens to granny slippers, I’ve never been disappointed after a visit to Mary Potter in Kilbirnie.
Caro D.'s
Best Burgers
- 128MontereyNewtownBurger joints aren't all that difficult to spot in Wellington, but finding one with a classic diner twist can be. Monterey tops the list-- any place serving fried pickles in New Zealand immediately screams Americana to me. While you're waiting for your meal, flex your drawing skills on the paper tablecloth while Paul Simon persuades you to call him Al. Try the float, combining any Six Barrel Soda with vanilla bean ice cream. The halloumi burger is a must for any vegetarians (and many non-veges, too, I suspect-- it's that good!), or go with the salad for a healthier version that doesn't leave anything out on taste.
- 210A vegetarian-friendly fast food burger shop? Burger Fuel has you covered with two vege patties to choose from. And they're mighty tasty! Go for the Beetnik GT, a mushroom, kumara, and chickpea patty loaded with beetroot, lettuce, and aioli. You might as well make a meal of it, adding fries and a soda at a bit of a discount. They were already centrally located on the corner of Taranaki St., but the recent addition of a store on Cuba St. (right next to the Fringe Bar) makes their burgers practically unavoidable.
- 325Mt Vic ChipperyMount VictoriaIt is tradition that every Friday night my significant other and I get takeaways. There are always a few contenders, but at least fifty percent of the time we decide on Mt. Vic Chippery. With its grand opening earlier this year, Mt. Vic is certainly not the longest standing fish & chip shop in Wellington, but with its fresh look, relatively reasonable prices, and generous portions, Mt. Vic Chippery is quickly becoming a favorite. The shop is always bustling, and with a seemingly ever expanding/changing menu reflecting seasonal availability, Mt. Vic Chippery keeps two vegetarian fish and chip-minus-the-fish enthusiasts very happy. Give the vege burger a try, or if nothing else come in for the chippery's eponymous wide variety of chips. From crinkle cut to kumara, you really can't go wrong. They take orders online now, too: http://www.mtvicchippery.co.nz/
- 424Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Co. is a haven amidst stormy weather in Wellington. While Six Barrel can be seen perched above Hope Bros. on Dixon St., the entrance to this bit of carbonated heaven is actually just up Eva St. Once inside, you're literally above all the drudgery of Courtenay Place. If the height doesn't make you giddy, the sodas will. Stick to classics like vanilla cream, raspberry & lemon, or (my new favorite!) kola nut, or get a bit more daring with a seasonal offering. Six Barrel is great for lunch or a light dinner, as its miniature kitchen proves more than adequate for whipping up an incredible halloumi burger. As the name suggests, these burgers are mini, so go for the two burger combo if you're feeling starved. Pickle slices and a recent upgrade to sea salt fries (rather than crisps) finish off the meal. Bring a book or choose from the stack on hand if you're in an introspective mood. A thoughtful space filled with light wood, rows of bottled syrupy goodness, and an expanse of windows filtering in whatever sun peeks between the clouds, Six Barrel never disappoints.
- 54Penthouse Cinema & CafeBrooklynThe cafe at Penthouse is the perfect location for a first date. Not your average cinema cafe, Penthouse has a full menu and plenty of tables (though you may want to call ahead to reserve one-- they're quite popular!) Their salads are top-notch--try the halloumi or corn fritters--and they stock plenty of sweets for sharing. Plus if the date is going well, make it dinner and a movie... you're already at the theatre!
Caro D.'s
Cheap Eateries
- 128Tommy MillionsWellington CentralWith no food in my fridge after a long trip to Australia, I found myself hungry and tired on Courtenay Place a little past lunch time until something caught my eye. 2 for 1 margherita slices for $5? Within minutes, my belly was full of yummy pizza (topped with oregano and chilli flakes and dipped in chilli oil) and a classically American--and extremely rare--can of A&W cream soda. I don't know why I'd waited so long to test out the hype I'd been hearing about Tommy Millions. With crazy lunch deals every weekday, night owl hours, and plenty of room to park your bum along Courtenay Place or in Te Aro Park, you have no excuse to wait as long as I did.
- 29Satay Kingdom CafeTe AroSatay Kingdom delivers exactly what it promises: yummy food without dipping into your rent money. Go for the Roti Chanai-- for $6.50 you'll get a bowl filled with veggies and enough broth to dip your tall stack of roti to your heart's content. The location on Cuba St.'s Left Bank makes Satay Kingdom a great stop to refuel during a day of op shopping or before catching a show at Mighty Mighty.
- 325Mt Vic ChipperyMount VictoriaIt is tradition that every Friday night my significant other and I get takeaways. There are always a few contenders, but at least fifty percent of the time we decide on Mt. Vic Chippery. With its grand opening earlier this year, Mt. Vic is certainly not the longest standing fish & chip shop in Wellington, but with its fresh look, relatively reasonable prices, and generous portions, Mt. Vic Chippery is quickly becoming a favorite. The shop is always bustling, and with a seemingly ever expanding/changing menu reflecting seasonal availability, Mt. Vic Chippery keeps two vegetarian fish and chip-minus-the-fish enthusiasts very happy. Give the vege burger a try, or if nothing else come in for the chippery's eponymous wide variety of chips. From crinkle cut to kumara, you really can't go wrong. They take orders online now, too: http://www.mtvicchippery.co.nz/
- 420An extremely popular Malaysian restaurant on Cuba St., everything on the menu is vegan and accommodating choosy eaters is a cinch. Their abundance of meat substitutes (including bbq gluten and mock duck) are both yummy and endlessly entertaining, and will even keep the carnivores in your group satisfied. Try the mee goreng or laksa. With a good selection of dishes starting at $12.50, you’ll fill your belly and bring home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
- 54Hare Krishna Higher Taste RestaurantWellington CentralThe most perfect buffet-style restaurant in Wellington, fill up a small ($9), medium ($11), or large ($14) plate with as much yummy Indian food as you can fit. Grab up to 4 puris free, but add $2 per paneer square. Everything here is vegetarian or vegan, of course. Located downstairs at the back corner of the Old Bank Arcade, Higher Taste is a great spot for a big lunch or low cost dinner. Plus, you can’t beat their taste in music!
Caro D.'s
Best Cafes
- 124Nikau CafeWellington CentralNew Zealand currency may not have a penny, but if it did, the halloumi and salad at Nikau would be worth every single one. If you're hesitating to cross the threshold from the City Gallery into this adjacent cafe, please take the plunge. Prices are high, but so is quality. I let out an audible "Yum" while taking a bite of bare halloumi. If you can fit more into your belly, don't leave without a creamy donut. Coffee and scones are also not to be missed.
- 26CrumpetTe AroCrumpet on Manners St. has atmosphere in spades, complete with jazzy music and faded prints of dreamy ladies on the walls. Located right next to the Opera House, walking into Crumpet feels like taking a step back in time. Coffees are well executed while the hot chocolate is tall and lovely. The crumpets themselves come in a variety of tastes, sweet and savory, and all unique-- the pear and ricotta is worth a try. Come in for a cozy place to read (though the lighting can be a bit dim) or slide in at the bar for a chat with one of the Boon brothers themselves.
- 336Midnight EspressoWellington CentralWhen I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.
- 418Enigma CafeTe AroEnigma is my go-to spot when I need a bit of a break on my walk home from Thorndon. Steer clear of their massive salads and sandwiches in favor of a heaping bowl of wedges, affordable at $6 and perfect for sharing. While I’m not usually a fan, the iced mocha at Enigma is a bit addictive– watch out.
- 549Fidel's CafeTe AroOne of the first cafes I ever visited in Wellington, Fidels remains a favorite. Keep it simple with nachos or fries to share, or suck down a massive Snickers thick shake if you dare. While I haven’t taken them up on it yet, I’ve heard only good things about the pizza and beer deal. If the weather is good, grab a seat outside at one of their picnic tables.
Caro D.'s
Best Brunch Spots
- 117Scorch O RamaKaraka BaysScorch-O-Rama, perched right at the edge of Scorching Bay beach, is the perfect Wellington summer brunch spot. Sit at one of the spacious rimu picnic tables inside if the wind is brisk, or hop across the street for a brightly colored chair when the sun is out. Splurge on the deluxe shake (pick the milkshake flavor, ice cream, and a choc bar.) The eggs benedict is a solid choice, with a good amount of fluff and nice flavor. The views are picture perfect, so be sure to leave some time for a relaxing walk along the coast after.
- 228MontereyNewtownBurger joints aren't all that difficult to spot in Wellington, but finding one with a classic diner twist can be. Monterey tops the list-- any place serving fried pickles in New Zealand immediately screams Americana to me. While you're waiting for your meal, flex your drawing skills on the paper tablecloth while Paul Simon persuades you to call him Al. Try the float, combining any Six Barrel Soda with vanilla bean ice cream. The halloumi burger is a must for any vegetarians (and many non-veges, too, I suspect-- it's that good!), or go with the salad for a healthier version that doesn't leave anything out on taste.
- 345Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroSweet 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.
- 424Nikau CafeWellington CentralNew Zealand currency may not have a penny, but if it did, the halloumi and salad at Nikau would be worth every single one. If you're hesitating to cross the threshold from the City Gallery into this adjacent cafe, please take the plunge. Prices are high, but so is quality. I let out an audible "Yum" while taking a bite of bare halloumi. If you can fit more into your belly, don't leave without a creamy donut. Coffee and scones are also not to be missed.
- 513Pranah Vegetarian CafeNewtownPranah Cafe is an environmentally friendly haven for vegetarians in Newtown. Entirely meat-free, with many vegan and gluten-free options, choosy eaters will find exactly what they crave. Go for brunch or lunch, as the cafe sadly closes by 4 pm daily. Vegetarians and omnivores alike will delight in the banana pancakes, poached eggs, and smoothies. Check the glass case up front before making your decision from the menu; rotating goodies, including pies and pilafs, shouldn't be missed.