Martyn P.'s
Backstreets of Central Wellington
- 114PrefabTe AroPrefab 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.
- 232Chow ToryTe AroChow's modernist Asian cuisine and fresh cocktail menu is to die for, and on Monday's thanks to their two for one food deal, you actually can! You'd be hard pressed to leave here feeling unhappy. Vegans, vegetarians and those who are gluten free are exceptionally well looked after here.
- 312Light House CubaWellington CentralQuality cinema is yet another rainy day standard, and Light House Cuba’s opulent-but-affordable surrounds make it the perfect spot for such an activity.
- 424Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Factory is another one of those spots which just always sounds nice. While the musical direction is generally (at least in my experience) indie rock or folk music, they just seem to always select the choicest records for playback. Can’t complain!
- 521Havana BarTe AroHavana is wonderful for some drinks and some tapas. They do remarkable platters and short plates. Crispy Potatoes with Paprika Salt and Lemon Aioli, Grilled Aged Beef Fillet Skewers, Marcona Almonds Toasted in Olive Oil & Sea Salt. Yum. I recommend the Chef’s Plate for 2. With a few sides it could be a plate for three.
Martyn P.'s
Get To Know Courtney Place
- 122The Embassy TheatreWellington CentralI think it is easy to forget how lucky we are to have such a world class cinema complex in the capital. When a good release, or a big release, comes to town, Embassy Theatre is the place you want to see it. The whole complex keeps getting better and better as well, it feels like every time I go there they're added a new bell, whistle, cafe or bar section. Fantastic!
- 215Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaDeluxe 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.
- 345Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroCurly fries. Yes, they have curly fries - and they just might be some of the best fries ever. They also come with this amazing aioli which literally tastes different every single time you eat it. Bravo!
- 428Tommy MillionsWellington CentralThe best takeaway pizza slice in town, and even when they’re bad, they’re better than anywhere else. Most times I go here I temporarily end up thinking I’m in New York, Montreal or Toronto. A+++
- 54CGR Merchants and CoTe AroIncredible decor, amazing service and remarkable gin and rum creations are the elements that serve as backbone to CGR. This upstairs spot is so impressive on so many levels. Go experience it for yourself!
Martyn P.'s
Get To Know Mt Victoria
- 125Mt Vic ChipperyMount VictoriaAside 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!
- 21Kanti's DairyMt VictoriaThe owners at Kanti’s are lovely, and the selection is great. They have a wonderful selection of flowers, and yes, smiles are free.
- 32Plentifull Deli LimitedMount VictoriaAll of the cheeses, all of the ham, olives, homemade chicken stock, fresh pasta, local and imported grocery items, great baked goods and so much more. The staff are friendly, the service is gentle, and above all, the environment is casual and relaxed. Great for eating in or taking essential items away.
- 415Ortega Fish Shack and BarMount VictoriaThis 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!
- 515Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaDeluxe 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.
Martyn P.'s
Great Wellington Burger Spots
- 117Ekim BurgersWellington CentralOkay, so Ekim Burgers in Lyall Bay isn’t as secret now as it used to be, but it’s still one of the best burger spots in the city. Affordable prices, delicious burgers, and yo, that Lyall Bay view/walk - wonderful!!! Vegans and vegetarians are well catered to here as well.
- 224Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Factory is another one of those spots which just always sounds nice. While the musical direction is generally (at least in my experience) indie rock or folk music, they just seem to always select the choicest records for playback. Can’t complain!
- 328MontereyNewtownOh my days, the Monterey fries really do compete with the Sweet Mother’s Kitchen fries. Amazing sauces as well. Throw a haloumi burger into the mix for oh-so-yum times.
- 410Sure, Burger Fuel might be a chain store, but chain store doesn’t automatically mean bad. Burger Fuel do great, quick and tasty burgers, fries, chicken tenders and smoothies. The vegetarian and chicken options are particularly good. Burger Fuel, you’re alright with me
- 525Mt Vic ChipperyMount VictoriaAside 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!
Martyn P.'s
Essential Sandwich/filled roll spots
- 14Aro CafeTe AroWonderful coffee and counter food, a great dining menu and lovely staff. They usually have some good artwork up on display as well. On a sunny day pick up a takeway coffee, some good food, and head down to the park.
- 212Milk CrateTe AroNine 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.
- 315Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaDeluxe 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.
- 412Thunderbird CafeWellington CentralA 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+
- 53Sir Breadwins Lunch ServiceWellington CentralThese guys are the sandwich/filled roll kings. A talented sandwich artist assembles your sandwich for you, and you select the ingredients in real time. All diets are catered to here (well, most), and you can get great coffee as well. Yum yum yum!
Martyn P.'s
Wellington barbershops
- 11Ol' mate who works here is a one in a million character. You'll get a good cut and hear some of the most outlandish tales this side of the harbour.
- 21Groom Barber - StylistThorndonThose who live on, or nearby Tinakori Road probably already know, but for a quality cut or shave in comfortable surroundings, Groom Barber is one of the spots! Time honored barber techniques and modern hairdressing styles for men and women.
- 31MenzoneWellington CentralThese old boys are real solid. Expect a good cut/shave, great conversation, and realistic prices. Not bad at all.
- 42Custom CutzWellington CentralThese guys are good guys, and they run a chill spot. Get a good cut/shave and relax away. Things are low key in a good way down here.
- 510Boar N BladeTe AroBundy The Barber runs a very official business at Boar N Blade. His cuts are second to none, and his storytelling, equally compelling.