Miramar was never a destination suburb for me, but with the arrival of businesses like Cafe Polo and La Boca Loca, I'm really warming up to the place, and find myself out there more often than I expect. Earlier this year I attended a family birthday dinner at La Boca Loca and had an amazing time. The restaurant environment was aesthetically pleasing, but had a low key vibe. You could really kick back and enjoy yourself. Their fish tacos were mouthwatering, as were their small plates, starters and sides. We had some pretty delicious cocktails with our meal, and some superbly opulent dessert cakes at the end. I'm  trying to figure out an excuse to head out there again. Maybe even tonight?

Roxy Cinema is an audaciously good cinema experience. Between the retro environment and their choice of films, Roxy makes the trip to Miramar well worthwhile. I recommend grabbing a meal at La Boca Loca beforehand for the full Neo Miramar experience.

Can we talk about how good the hash browns are at Cafe Polo? Can we also talk about how regularly zany Zeus feta cheese finds it's way into the breakfast/brunch menu? The presentation and taste of the food here is top tier. Essential dining really.

A cafe connected to a garden centre! Wonderful! Buy some plants, drink some coffee, eat something sweet! On a sunny day this place is great, but maybe aim for a sunny weekday not a sunny weekend as it will be swamped!!!

Technically this spot isn’t in Miramar, but Shelly Bay is so close, and so wonderful on a sunny day. They do amazing fish,crayfish, paua and whietbait sandwiches here. Additionally, their outdoor courtyard and grassed area is super suitable for anyone with children. Your kids (or kids loaned from stressed friends needing a day off) will go wild over their collection of old bikes, carts and child sized vehicles.

No seriously, they sell miniature remote controlled hovercrafts, and helicopters, and water powered toy cars! And so much more. If you're into kit-sets, gadgets, audio cables and various other things our hetro-normalising society has deemed "dad" or "boy" activities, this place could be your very own wonderland.

If you need a funky present for someone, stroll into Cosmic on Cuba and just *look* around. If something colorful doesn't jump out straight away, ask for some assistance from Woody. last time I was there I purchased a horror movie sound FX machine for $20. I know right?! Grab a coffee while you're at it, they're on point. Flight or Havana blends!

When you need a last minute gift for a birthday, Father's Day or Mother's Day, IKO IKO invariably has something quirky, special, unique (and sometimes even useful) and perfectly fitted to the job. Aside from their amazing range of high end curios, they also have a stunning selection of gift cards. 

If you need some kit-set robots, boats, tanks or planes to build as a hobby, this longstanding shop is incredible.If you need kites, slot cars, remote controlled vehicles or model art material, they're amazing as well. There is so much knowledge and experience inside it's four walls.

Educational gifts. Jewellery gifts. Art gifts. Funny Gifts. Serious gifts. Book gifts. Card gifts. Maori Arts Gifts. If you need a lot (or a little) of quality gifts with a local bent, the Te Papa Store may be the place.

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

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.

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?

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.

While Customs Brew Bar seems pretty obviously the spot for coffee, and in all actuality definitely is, they also do something else really well - Mexican food! Their mushroom and bean burritos and chicken quesadillas (created and supplied by Gypsy Kitchen in Strathmore) are outrageously good. Once they even made a friend of mine with a chronic Sweet Mother's Kitchen addiction seriously rethink her choice of lunchtime dining spot. I can't get enough of the food and coffee at this place.

On a rainy day, what better to do than watch the rain fall while drinking a cup of bottomless black coffee. Then every now and then, leaf through some old copies of National Geographic and wonder at the world that was.

Quality 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.

Something about the rain always makes me want to read, and when you’re reading, there is nothing like cracking into a book you’ve never explored before. Arty Bee’s has one of the best selections in the city. You could easily daydream through a rainy hour or two browsing the books there.

The search for music - music you’ve heard and always wanted to hear again - or music you’ve never heard and will want to hear one thousand times over - is one of the great rainy day pursuits. RPM is that store, with that catalogue. Get amongst it.

Miramar was never a destination suburb for me, but with the arrival of businesses like Cafe Polo and La Boca Loca, I'm really warming up to the place, and find myself out there more often than I expect. Earlier this year I attended a family birthday dinner at La Boca Loca and had an amazing time. The restaurant environment was aesthetically pleasing, but had a low key vibe. You could really kick back and enjoy yourself. Their fish tacos were mouthwatering, as were their small plates, starters and sides. We had some pretty delicious cocktails with our meal, and some superbly opulent dessert cakes at the end. I'm  trying to figure out an excuse to head out there again. Maybe even tonight?

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!

Whether you’re headed in for a burger and fries for dinner, or weekend brunch, Monterey is the premier dining spot in Newtown. While the food is spectacular, so is the coffee and drinks menu. Always a good time.

Havana Bar is one of the best places to have a drink in town. The Central American themed environment is something else, as are the staff, the menus, and for those who can’t consume alcohol but want in on the fun - the mocktails! A+

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.

What can I say? Phoenician Falafel has long been the ultimate kebab outlet in Wellington. Tony’s Lebanese cooking is second to none, the selection is impeccable - and whether you’re after meat, chicken or vegetarian options, your stomach will thank you. Incredible decor as well.

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.

Cafe Laz is one of the most lovely spots in Newtown, a low key Turkish Kebab House with affordable prices and an excellent menu. The staff are friendly and warm, the vibe, super casual, and the food, delicious. They offer small and large size dishes as well, which is a great thing.

This is another of those classic Newtown spots. Baghdad Cafe’s decor is classic, their dishes are delicious, and the staff are welcoming. If you’re looking for some seafood instead of falafel, chicken or meat, they do great fried fish, rice and salad dishes for an affordable price.

Abrakebabra are the grizzled old dog of Kebab Houses in Wellington. I remember loving their mujva burgers in the 90s. These days they’ve branched into such uncharted territories as kebab pies, kebab nachoes and kebab soup. It’s all a bit ridiculous, but you have to give them credit. Never say die!