Laura M.'s
Top coffee spots
- 133Flight Coffee HangarTe AroFlight Coffee’s arrival in Wellington has shaken up the coffee industry, first with Memphis Belle, just down the road, and now The Hangar. The cool kids behind the counter offer espresso from their marriage equality-themed Slayer or different brew methods like Chemex, along with a heap of single origins flown in by Flight Coffee. Flight Coffee co-owner Nick Clark is also NZ’s top barista, recently placing fifth at the world champs. He and the other staff are super friendly, super babein, rad people who round out your epic coffee experience.
- 23Coffee Supreme Wellington CentralWellington CentralI’ve saved an insane amount of money (say, two coffees a day at $3.50 each?) since purchasing a Swiss gold (about $40) and brewing my own long blacks with Supreme coffee. Along with saving money, I’m also saving the environment by not using takeaway cups! The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and can teach you all about coffee, and grind Supreme beans for your brewing method of choice.
- 314LamasonWellington CentralTrying a new coffee brewing method can be a scary, overwhelming - even scientific (what IS a Chemex anyway?) - experience, but Dave Lamason and his team are welcoming and knowledgeable, and can teach you all you need to know about coffee and how to drink it. I highly recommend getting a siphon and watching it be made - it’s like magic!
- 421The original Flight Coffee house, this friendly little space on Dixon Street draws in coffee connoisseurs, hipsters, gym bunnies and many other groups who gravitate to great coffee and service. Let Bink and his team choose you a single origin or alternative brewing method, and catch up on the gossip with these cool, smiley kids.
- 58Havana Coffee WorksTe AroTucked away on Francis Place (next to where you retrieve your undelivered mail) is Havana’s cafe and roastery - which you can tour to learn more about the coffee process. The cafe staff are awesomely friendly and it’s a great spot for a relaxed cuppa or breakfast, or to meet up with friends or contacts, just slightly away from the busy city.
Laura M.'s
Best brunch spots
- 149Fidel's CafeTe AroMy number one choice for brunch, whether I want small cabinet food, eggs or something sweet. The scones, muffins and friands are awesome, as is the range of vegetarian options, including big breakfast or waffles!
- 29FincTe AroThese ricotta and blueberry hotcakes with berry compote, vanilla bean syrup and creme fraiche are, hands down, the best pancakes in town. Light and fluffy, sweet and filling, you can't go past these bad boys for a weekend or weekday breakfast/brunch/lunch. Finc is also home to the best date scone you will eat in your life: super sticky with whole dates, crusty on the outside, and warm, soft and moist on the inside. They're a perfect pre-gym snack, if you're cakily inclined.
- 324Nikau CafeWellington CentralTucked in behind City Gallery, Nikau is the perfect spot for a meeting or brunch date. Its menu offers fancy food at friendly prices - try their wintertime soups or the highly-recommended kedgeree - while the open atmosphere is a great space for creative discussions.
- 411An excellent spot for meeting up with friends, with lots of space and lots of menu options. I like to grab avocado with lemon and black pepper on five grain, then add some eggs… and maybe hollandaise. The Zany Zeus Greek yoghurt with fruit (varied depending on the season) and coffee are also excellent. And they never do holiday surcharges!
- 549Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club CafeLyall BayWell worth a short trip out of the central city for these breakfast/brunch options, followed by a stroll along the beach. Their cupcakes are also excellent, and the staff are super friendly.
Laura M.'s
Gourmet food shopping havens
- 133A must-discover for every Wellingtonian - grab a bargain on fresh (and some unusual) produce, from fruit and veg to meat, cheese and bread, explore the bulk food section and home solutions, or stock up on wine, beer and liquor from the massive selection on offer
- 21Urban HarvestMount VictoriaUrban Harvest stocks heaps of locally grown and produced fruit and veges, meat, artisan cheese, dairy, spreads and deli products, breads and sweet treats, along with pantry staples. You can also shop online and either get fresh, tasty ingredients, meals and treats delivered to your door or someone else's (ideal birthday/Christmas present!). They also offer recipes and host chefs to teach you how to cook with their latest additions. Their artisan cheese section is outstanding and gives suggestions for how you should best accompany your cheesy feast.
- 36On Trays Food EmporiumPetoneThis deli of all things desirable is worth a trip to Petone. Choose from a massive selection of imported and local products, sample the meats and cheeses behind the counter and stock up on favourites, well-known names or quirky items (ostrich sausage, anyone?) you haven’t tried before.
- 414City MarketTe AroWhile the waterfront market on Sundays is always full of low-cost veges and gourmet delights, the City Market in the Chaffers Dock Building offers freshly-made or cooked treats from the likes of La Boca Loca, Martin Bosley, Yellow Brick Road and House of Dumplings, plus a different local restaurant/cafe/brewery/winery or cooking class each week!
- 56Mediterranean Food Warehouse Lower HuttLower Hutt CentralHoon over to Newtown for a visit to this massive space packed full of imported Mediterranean treats - including pasta, cans and jars of all things tasty, oils, sweet treats and packages of herbs and spices. Pick up some fresh food from the deli and complete your visit with a stop in at the pizzeria and cafe for pizza, salad, dessert and more!