Laura M.'s
Feeling fancy dinner spots
- 114Hummingbird Eatery & BarTe AroA fancy and delicious destination for lunch, dinner or drinks. The set menus are excellent, as is the range of meal and drink options, expertly crafted by super chef Glen Taylor. It’s also a great people-watching spot at any time of the day or night.
- 26Boulcott Street BistroWellington CentralPages and pages of wine to match with scrumptious, well-crafted menu options. Drink it by the glass or by the bottle, with dozens of cellared options. Boulcott St Bistro will definitely impress.
- 320Logan BrownTe AroNothing says "fancy lunch/dinner" like Logan Brown. It’s a must-try for Wellingtonians and visitors, offering an a la carte or bistro menu, plus long degustation menus if you want to try something unique and amazing. The staff are surprisingly friendly for such a flash spot.
- 418Capitol RestaurantMount VictoriaIt took me eight years living in Wellington to finally go to this hugely popular spot, and now I can’t wait to go back. The staff are incredibly friendly, and if it’s too packed for a table or a seat at the bar, they’ll call you when there’s a space. The menu was delightful and well-priced, and the atmosphere was lovely for a romantic night out.
- 520MatterhornTe AroOne of the swankiest spots in town and great for a drink, with a huge cocktail list plus wine, beer and more. There are heaps of vege options on the dinner menu - and very good prices - so everyone will be happy!
Laura M.'s
Hidden gems
- 119Golding's Free DiveWellington CentralDon’t let the name put you off - this bar, based on American dive bars, is all about beer (and tasty food, including pizza from nearby Pizza Pomodoro). Golding’s has no brewery ties, just a massive selection of craft beer, and other alcohol options.
- 27Vivo Enoteca CucinaTe AroA huge wine selection (600 bottles!) and incredibly tasty menu for affordable prices. Try the garlic buns, they are killer. Plus their pasta is always delicious.
- 34Funicular EateryWellington CentralTheir caramelised apple French toast is easily the best in town - but all of their menu and cabinet food is delish! They also have smoothies and milkshakes if you’re that way inclined, plus great coffee (get a takeaway with a muffin for a pick-me-up morning tea). Find them tucked away above The Body Shop on Lambton Quay.
- 414LamasonWellington CentralLamason’s cheese scones are probably the best you’ll find in Wellington, and an excellent accompaniment to their delicious Peoples Coffee.
- 54WBCTe AroYou’d never even know it was there, if reviewers and your cool mates weren’t raving about it. Created by the brains behind Capitol, WBC is a tasty, swanky bistro with a big snack menu, awesome bruschetta (try the beetroot one), lots of seafood and live oyster shucking. There’s also a huge range of daily specials, including cocktails. Such a cool place for a dinner out with friends.
Laura M.'s
When you're on a health buzz
- 110Les Mills ExtremeTe AroMy gym of choice - the classes are excellent, especially if you suck at self-motivated exercise. Challenge yourself at Pump, Combat or Grit, give one of the many gym rooms a whirl (there’s a women’s gym, plus a cardio cinema and several others over three levels), or try your hands at boxing in an Impact class!
- 22Wellington’s biggest and best supplement shop, selling a massive range of proteins, pills and powders to get you buff. Their prices rival any on the internet!
- 34Health 2000 Lambton QuayTe AroI’m a huge believer in vitamins - people ask if I’m sick because I have so many different bottles on my desk. But there’s nothing better than smashing some Vit C + Echinacea when you’re sick, or a multivitamin for everyday health. Health 2000 has every kinda vitamin under the sun to help keep you well.
- 42You’d be crazy to miss out on Rebel Sport’s regular sales on top-brand sportsgear and accessories. I buy pretty much all my gym (read: gym bunny) gear here - they’ve got the best prices in town.
- 52Hot Yoga of New ZealandTe AroIf you’ve thought about giving yoga, or hot yoga, a go, this is the best spot in town. Your first class is just $8 - try the Wednesday night sampler to see what style you like best.
Laura M.'s
Play while you eat!
- 140Ideal for brunch, a get-together outside or in a private room (friends favour it as an engagement party venue) or a giant jenga battle. Cruise in on a Tuesday or Thursday for a quiz, grab some tasty snacks and a pint, and you’re set!
- 228MontereyNewtownThe burgers on offer at Monterey are incredible. My favourite is the one with halloumi and onion rings - crunchy, squeaky and delicious. Enjoy doodling on the paper-covered tables or play a board game while you wait!
- 319A super chill central city bar with a massive menu, whether you’re after a cocktail, wine or something a bit stronger in a cosy lounge atmosphere. They also have 2-4-1 drinks and dessert deals on different weekdays.
- 419Golding's Free DiveWellington CentralDon’t let the name put you off - this bar, based on American dive bars, is all about beer (and tasty food, including pizza from nearby Pizza Pomodoro). Golding’s has no brewery ties, just a massive selection of craft beer, and other alcohol options.
- 524Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroYou won’t be able to get enough of their sliders and fries! My pick is a haloumi burger and either cajun spiced fries, or parmesan and black pepper fries! Team it with a locally-brewed beer or their locally-made, famous sodas!
Laura M.'s
Removing hair, hair, everywhere
- 12WaxnlaserWellington CentralWaxnlaser boasts the best waxologists in town. In fact, they’re so sure of it, they’ll give your money back if it’s not the best wax. Getting body hair ripped out sucks, but the friendly, skilled staff here make it so much more bearable!
- 22Illusions Beauty SanctuaryWellington CentralBlissful massages, facials and other treatments in an inner-city location, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Lambton Quay. They have monthly specials, perfect for treating yourself to something new.
- 31Beauty101LambtonClaiming the title of "best threader in town", Beauty101 also offers a full range of other hair removal options, along with more relaxing beauty therapies. There’s also a florist in-store - kill two birds!
- 49East Day Spa - WellingtonPipiteaThe full package when it comes to treating yourself. This sanctuary starts you off with a cup of tea on a day bed before your treatment - a massage (choose your own oil from a range of relaxing or invigorating options), facial, scrub, wrap, mani/pedi or many more options.
- 54Forme Spa WellingtonWellington CentralIf you’re in need of spa treatments and feeling a bit fancy, this is the place to go. Forme offers heaps of luxury spa packages - ideal for yourself or a loved one - plus a full range of treatments from hair removal to massage, facials and mani/pedis.
Laura M.'s
Wellington's best hash browns
- 122Beach BabylonOriental BayOne of Wellington’s best-loved brunch locations - because of its awesome menu, sunny location and dog-friendly stance (order a meal for your dog!). I highly recommend eggs, rosti (some of Wellington’s best) and haloumi with hollandaise.
- 28The Lido CafeTe AroThe big breakfast at Lido is affordably priced and incredibly tasty - I don’t know how they make formerly frozen hash browns taste that good. It’s perfect for brunch for one or more - grab one of the many weekend newspapers to keep you company if you’re dining alone. The chips are also crazy good (and the salsa that goes with them!!) - a perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine or beer after work.
- 349Fidel's CafeTe AroThe haloumi and chicken salad (I order it sans-chicken) is excellent - a massive, vege-filled salad with squeaky cheese, dressing and garlic bread. YUM!
- 417Cafe PoloMiramarSo worth the trip to Miramar for brunch or dinner - but it’s pretty hard to choose between so many tasty-sounding menu options! The hash browns here are excellent.
- 533Perfect for a date or a group night out. Share a heap of small plates (or don’t - the gnocchi is so good you won’t want to).