In case the massive queue doesn’t give it away, this sushi spot is arguably the best in the central city for a lunch on the go. They have an absolutely massive range of options for all tastes, at pretty standard sushi prices!

A great spot for eat in or takeaway sushi, ideal for people-watching. The sushi is always delicious and fresh.

Perfect for a takeaway lunch or dinner, or a sit-down meal. Their menu is huge - and they have heaps of sake! The seaweed roll and vegetarian dumplings are a must-try.

Tucked away upstairs on Courtenay Place, this is an ideal spot for a date or a group dinner. Try their five-sticks combos or nigiri.

A BYO dinner at Arashi is a great way to catch up with friends or start a night out, with a big sushi list and plenty of other options, including noodles, rice dishes and set menus.

A bit of a given, but there’s always something for everyone. Alternatively, get them all undies and socks, or vouchers so they can buy their own damn present.

Lush’s products may look and smell good enough to eat, but it’s recommended that you don’t! Instead, spoil yourself or someone you love with these delicious bathroom treats, including soap and other shower delights, hair and skin care, makeup and more.

From serious to quirky, Unity stocks just about every book your heart could desire. It’s an ideal spot for Christmas shopping, and if you can’t decide, just grab a gift voucher!

Urban 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.

Full of quirky gifts, from homewares to books, cards to collectables, Iko Iko is the ideal place to grab a slightly oddball yet homely gift, such as dinnerware, serving platters, coffee table reading or decorations.

This central fabric store has got you covered for every costume. For less than $20, you can get enough black polar fleece for a bat costume!

All your crafty costume supplies under one roof - fabric, pipecleaners, paint and much more!

Too lazy to make a costume? This place has every costume could possibly dream of!

Selling whole costumes (like banana suits!) or crafty add-ons (think pipecleaners, pompoms, masks, hats and much more), Wisebuys is a central city spot that meets your every need for original costumes.

Heaven for crafty-minded people! Fabric, accessories, paint, wigs galore - a must-discover for Halloween and dress-up parties!

The 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!

The haloumi and chicken salad (I order it sans-chicken) is excellent - a massive, vege-filled salad with squeaky cheese, dressing and garlic bread. YUM!

You 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!

Tucked 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.

Smash out one of the great haloumi burgers - starring beetroot, avocado and rocket, it’s a bit gourmet and 100 per cent tasty. Also serving up locally roasted Flight Coffee!

Best known as a politics pub, you might not pick chips off the massive, MP-themed menu. However, The Backbencher’s chunky potato chips rate among the best in Wellington - best served with a pint of one of their tap beers.

This new kid on Majoribanks Street is booming, with a menu including both standard and gourmet fish and chips options, plus salads, burgers and much more. Excellent chips, and the slaw is killer.

I love skinny chips - ones that are more like fries - and Starfish’s are ideal for my tastes. One of Wellington’s best fish n chip shops, hands down.

Ekim Burgers are to die for - hands down the best burgers Wellington has to offer, and well-worth a trip out to Lyall Bay. Heaps of options, including for meat lovers and vegos, plus the chips (with spesh relish) are also awesome. No burger is over $15 and most are around the $8 mark (the cheapest is $5!), making this an affordable option for a lazy pre-payday meal.

Just about anything on the menu here will help cure what ails you: nom a Po Boy, waffles (with fried chicken!), nachos, eggs, a burrito or even the mac n cheese, if you’re up to it. Get back on the horse with a cider or Bloody Mary.

A top spot to meet friends for after-work drinks, with lots of space for groups and a sunny top desk. Grab some tasting glasses or a bottle to share.

Offering tasting glasses, along with wine by the glass, pitcher or bottle, Arbitrageur is the best place to go for a fancy wine experience. Their big selection of champagne and delightful menu makes it an ideal celebration spot.

A 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.

A perfect, central spot for meeting up with a group or on a date with dozens of wine on the menu and delicious sharing plates (plus mains, if you don’t feel like sharing!).

Pages 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.