Domo Sushi looks unassuming but it is the most authentic sushi you can get in Wellington and great value.

This innocuous little diner down Bond Street is one of Wellington’s gems. The Fisherman’s Plate serves up some of the best chips in Wellington as well as a selection of amazing fresh Vietnamese dishes. All amazing.

Rahzoo is no secret for those who work down the end of Lambton Quay. If you don’t want to wait in line then make sure you get there before midday, but when it’s $8.50 for a three salad choice, even a little wait is totally worth it for a tasty, filling and healthy lunch.

This is a great venue that slots right between huge stadium spectacular and small gig.

You know exactly what you are going to get with Puppies, set lists are always advertised, there is always free entry after midnight and the music is always great.

We are lucky in New Zealand that our smaller population means that we often see some really amazing live acts in a smaller intimate setting. San Fran host a lot of really amazing world class gigs.

Vinyl, and not the type you wear as pants. The musical kind has made a big resurgence and Slow Boat is the place to get old and new tunes on the stuff.

Tucked away in a back alley, this unassuming cafe is a favourite spot to camp out on a rainy day and drink a pot of tea and read the paper. It dark and warm and the atmosphere always has a little buzz which makes it easier to concentrate on what you’re doing. Come a sunny day it’s good to pop outside too and enjoy the sun.

$4 bottomless coffee, this is the perfect place to sit in the window and watch the world go by.

Tommy is a pizza genius. The dough is amazing and the wide selection of toppings makes this a must eat. Also they sell icecream: delicious delicious ice cream!

The gelato mad minions flock to this hotspot on Courtenay looking to get their fix of icey delight. Huge range of flavours and the fun staff are always happy to give you a taster to help you make your mid up.

The damson plum gelato will make you say "damn, son!": it’s flavour pops in your mouth. The interesting range of flavours from chipotle chili and coca nib to licorice will keep you guessing.

The team down at The Flight Coffee Hanger definitely know how to make a coffee and how to make you feel welcome. The best baristas in New Zealand and the best coffee in Wellington keep me coming back.

People pride themselves on organic and fair trade, so you can feel better about your life choices when sipping on one of their expertly made coffees. (other good life choices also include their insanely good cheese scones and buying beans to take home).

Cute little shop and roastery making a name for itself in Petone and even playing with the big boys in Wellington.

This dark roasted coffee bean is a Wellington icon, situated on upper Tory, the roastery is a hub for coffee afficionadios.

Smooth chocolatey coffee, great branding and packaging have made this coffee loved by Wellingtonians and others across the country (and even across the ditch)

The only place in Wellington to watch films. The comfortable seats let you relax as the Dolby Atmos sound system makes your ears bleed. Also a pretty good selection at the candy bar.

The laid-back but intimate atmosphere at Light House means your movie watching experience is more like snuggling up in your lounge with friends to watch a good movie. And they only have good movies, none of this bad movie stuff! The staff are ultra cool too and they have a good selection of snack foods to munch on while you enjoy the flicks. It really is a beacon of cinematic enjoyment.

The Paramount is your go to cinema when you are show those little hidden art house gems that you have read all about making a splash at Cannes this year.

If you have not tried the hot chocolate here, you should. If I could order a bathtub of the stuff it would still not be enough.

When you walk into Hawthorne Lounge it’s like stepping back in time to a 1920s speakeasy. The open fire and the felt-topped tables lend themselves to intimate games of backgammon over classy drinks made by the knoweldgeable bar staff. Also you can toast marshmallows. SO GOOD.

This expansive bar is great as an afterwork meet up spot. You can grab a drink and sit out on the balcony and enjoy the crisp Wellington evenings. Also: check out the toilets. So cool.

The only place in Wellington to watch films. The comfortable seats let you relax as the Dolby Atmos sound system makes your ears bleed. Also a pretty good selection at the candy bar.

Luxury is what you’ll experience when you stay at the Museum Hotel. It’s a great place to stay for a decadent holiday or a dirty one nighter. Also, if you want to be impressed by a toilet, check out the loos on the groundfloor.