Outdoor taco trucks, blaring Latin American music, amazing Mexican food and lovely staff. On a warm evening, Viva Mexcio Newtown is a must.

French Vietnamese filled baguettes…French Vietnamese filled baguettes! If you’ve sampled these savory treats before, I need say no more. For those who haven’t however, the intersection between French and Vietnamese cuisine is a wonderful thing. Health conscious vegetarians and meat lovers are well catered to here.

Scopa has the deadliest, thickest, most opulent hot chocolate in Wellington. Approach with caution however, addiction occurs quicker than one might expect, and something which tastes that good is best enjoyed in moderation, and as with many things, after an appropriate anticipation building wait!

Gluten free African food, halal as well for those who need it. Need I say more?

Fittingly, the only other contender holding a torch to Tony at Phoenician Falafel’s efforts is his son Elie, over on Cuba Street at Phoenician Cuisine. Building on Tony’s model, Elie brings a younger eye to the proceedings, in the process giving us something remarkable, a kebab restaurant which is truly the work of a Lebanese New Zealander. Expect to see more intersections like this in the future; things look (and taste) good.

Fidels do it all really, and aside from the coffee, the decor, the menu food, they also have a pretty nifty afghan on deck, and if that isn't around, they'll have some other great oversized chocolate themed biscuit available.

Nine times out of ten, Milk Crate has some remarkable sweet baked goods on the counter. Paired up with great coffee, they’re always a good option.

The best lil cafe in Berhampore. It might be the only cafe in Berhampore, but I’m pretty sure that even if there were a few more it would still be the best. They serve delicious and healthy open sandwiches (vege, meat, sardines and beyond), mouth melting baked goods, off the hook coffee, and some of the raddest decor in town. Damn, I used the word rad, what is this? 1993 all over again?

Prefab is a class act. Affordable menu items, amazing coffee, super attentive and friendly (but not too attentive staff), off the hook counter food and delicious bakery takeaway items. On a Saturday morning, no matter how busy they are, Prefab never dissapoints.

Excellent salads amongst other gluten free options. Maranui does it well.

Poached eggs and slow cooked corn beef on a bed of soft polenta! Small, yet perfectly formed, this dish is remarkably filling, and not so remarkably given the contents, tasty as a pretty tasty thing. Once you’ve sampled their polenta delight, move onto the rest of the menu - always accompanied by strong coffee!

Nine times out of ten, Milk Crate has some remarkable sweet baked goods on the counter. Paired up with great coffee, they’re always a good option.

Deluxe Cafe has a fantastic range of sweet counter food, usually with gluten free or vegan options available as well. If you’re down Courtney Place, Deluxe is the move.

These guys have a record player, and a record collection; and they rarely skip a beat when it comes to playing the right stuff. Best place for consuming coffee in the whole city as well.

Hands down the strongest coffee spot in Newtown. And sure, you can’t really go there for food, but with cups this good, just keep drinking coffee until you don’t want to eat anything anyway! Wonderful decor as well.

Cubed polenta fries! Cubed polenta fries! Okay, I’m going to calm down now, but if you’ve had deep fried polenta cubes or slices, you know why I’m getting worked up - and if you haven’t, please try them out - but not too often!

Aside from the incredible fish they serve, these guys do an amazing selection of fries - chunky, skinny, crinkly, the list goes on. A small box of them is pretty huge as well. Tasty + value for money = Eureka!

A brother business of sorts to Sweet Mothers Kitchen (or at least it was originally, I don’t know if it still is?), Thunderbird brings the wonders of Mexican/New Orleans informed food to the Lambton Quarter. The decor is wonderful, the staff are super friendly (and have really good senses of humor), and the food…OMG Today I had Chilli Curly Fries, which is curly fries with chilli nacho beans, sour cream, gucamole and melted cheese! My sister had a beef and onion ring burger. Both dishes were A+

This place is a class act. Incredible decor, mouth watering seafood, on point staff and a great drinks selection. I’d go here all the time if I could financially justify it. If you have a big date coming up, this could be a place worth splashing out at!

If you need some incredible seafood, Martin Bosley’s has some incredible seafood. I could say more, I could say less , but ultimately, just get down there and do your stomach some good. A+

Excellent salads amongst other gluten free options. Maranui does it well.

Deluxe Cafe has a fantastic range of sweet counter food, usually with gluten free or vegan options available as well. If you’re down Courtney Place, Deluxe is the move.

A brother business of sorts to Sweet Mothers Kitchen (or at least it was originally, I don’t know if it still is?), Thunderbird brings the wonders of Mexican/New Orleans informed food to the Lambton Quarter. The decor is wonderful, the staff are super friendly (and have really good senses of humor), and the food…OMG Today I had Chilli Curly Fries, which is curly fries with chilli nacho beans, sour cream, gucamole and melted cheese! My sister had a beef and onion ring burger. Both dishes were A+

Located down a side street off Lambton Quay, this old school bakery has gluten free afghans, caramel slices, chocolate biscuits and so much more. For that gluten free treat that takes you back to childhood, look no further.

Yup, that's right! These guys usually have wonderfully delicious vegan afghans around. Great coffee as well.

Low weekly fees and 24 hour access. Pretty good for the workaholic who also wants to be a workoutaholic. Can't complain really.

If you're looking for somewhere a bit more upmarket to work out, Exodus could be for you. They even have sauna/steamrooms. And if you're into classes, you always have the option of pilates or zumbia or ???

If you're living that lifestyle when workouts sometimes have to happen at midnight or 4am, as well as occasionally under daylight hours, Snap could be for you. They've got what you need, and then some.

Miramar has some amazing eateries, and if I lived there, I'd probably go to them a lot. But, before or several hours later, I think I'd want to get a workout in, and Jett Fitness would be the spot for that. Take that pasta, I'll show you Mexican food! You think you're gonna do what to me hash brown? No way! Engage treadmill mode!!!

BPM Fitness is one of those laid back, affordable gyms. They might not have the flashest inside, but everything you need for your workout is here, and the staff are great. I find the soundtrack particular entertaining here, it's pretty common to hear some jungle/drum and bass or contemporary hip-hop blaring through the speakers while you work. Great stuff.