5 choice cafes in Wellington

posted in: Food and drink 0

Wellington boasts so many excellent cafes, it’s no wonder some don’t feature in the national Cafe of the Year awards despite being consistent top performers.

Choice editor Kit Packer is a frequent visitor to Wellington and has selected five excellent cafes that did not feature in the Restaurant Association’s best cafes from the region.

Consider these an alternative list to work through …

5 choice cafes in Wellington

Caffe L’affare

27 College St, Te Aro, Wellington

This bustling cafe and eatery is also home to its own brand of coffee beans which it roasts and distributes through supermarkets and deli’s throughout New Zealand. There’s a varied menu with daily specials or you can just focus on the coffee and something sweet.

Hangar

Corner of Dixon St, Willis St, Wellington 

Not the biggest place in town but head there for breakfast and its Flight-branded coffee. The traditional breakfast fare is not the usual fry up – the eggs are carefully sourced, ensuring they are eco-friendly, free range with yolks a golden orange. The bacon is not from the commercial catering pack, and you’ll find tasty extras such as mushrooms and black pudding.

Beannie Cafe

198 Jackson St, Petone, Lower Hutt

You need to head out of town to Petone for this gem. Petone used to be an industrial strip on the northern side of Wellington’s harbour – these days it’s becoming a thriving spot for young people who are looking for cheaper homes and interesting food. There’s plenty of choice for foodies and Beannie’s (who use Havana coffee) conjure up a range of specials, ideal for brunch, lunch or something on the run.

Fidel’s

234 Cuba St, Wellington

If in doubt, head for Fidel’s – they have so many food and drink options, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find something to your taste and mood. Fidel’s brews its own brand of coffee and the menu is plentiful and varied. The atmosphere is busy-but-interesting (great place to people watch) and if you just want coffee on the run, they have a serving hatch onto the street.

Astoria

159 Lambton Quay, Wellington

This is a cafe that’s as much about style as the coffee and food you sample there. It has an air of grandness about it – it’s the posh place in town. To be frank, the coffee is good but does not reach the greatness of others; the food is tasty enough. But this place is about the building and decor, and is worth at least one visit.


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