WellingtonEat & Drink
A person in a red sweater cuddles their dog sitting on a beanbag, on the grass at Glover Park, outside Rogue & Vagabond.

Paws-itively dog friendly dining

Wondering where to eat with dogs in Wellington? These dog-friendly cafés and bars are a great place to start. If you’ve got a furry friend with a taste for a puppuccino, or you’re a dog lover hoping to spot a good boy/girl, these cafés and bars are great spots for dogs and humans alike.

Two large dogs inside ParrotDog bar in Lyall Bay, looking at the camera.
A brown Labradoodle dog wearing an orange collar lies on artificial turf, with a tennis ball at Heyday Beer Co.
Three friends and a dog sit on beanbags outside of Rogue & Vagabond in Te Aro, Wellington.
A shaggy black dog sits patiently on the patio at Beach Babylon café.
A smiling person holds up their cute dog at the bar inside Golding's Free Dive, an eclectic Wellington bar with kitsch decor and colourful Christmas lights.
Person wearing a red outfit sitting outside Queen Sally's Diamond Deli cafe, holding the lead attached to two small tan coloured dogs.
A person and their orange and white dog sit on a bright yellow couch inside Bambuchisan, Hataitai.
A dachshund and larger golden coloured dog sitting beside each other on a concrete floor.
Two large dogs inside ParrotDog bar in Lyall Bay, looking at the camera.

Parrotdog Bar

66 Kingsford Smith Street, Rongotai, Wellington

You couldn’t call your brewery Parrotdog and not welcome dogs into your bar (you’ll have to ask about the parrots). Make sure to dust off your sandy feet (or paws) before heading to the brewery and eatery, a street back from Lyall Bay beach. If they’re good, they might even earn a dog treat.

Inspired by traditional pubs, retro decor brings the spacious bar to life. What’s better, there’s a dedicated Polaroid wall for the dogs of Parrotdog. There’s a pool table to keep you busy, and a window through to the adjacent brewery.

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A brown Labradoodle dog wearing an orange collar lies on artificial turf, with a tennis ball at Heyday Beer Co.

Heyday

264A Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Dogs are welcome inside and out at Heyday. The restaurant, bar, and brewery on upper Cuba Street has everything you and your four-legged friend need for a great time. Dog-friendly amenities include free dog treats and water bowls for the goodest boys and girls. Human entertainment includes a huge selection of board games, with cornhole and giant Jenga outside also. 

If you aren’t familiar with the ever-changing beers of Heyday, try a tasting flight. With sometimes up to 12 beers on tap, this is an excellent way to find your favourite. The food menu is delicious and simple pub grub, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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Three friends and a dog sit on beanbags outside of Rogue & Vagabond in Te Aro, Wellington.

The Rogue & Vagabond

18 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington

This craft beer bar is the place to be for all dogs and their humans on a sunny afternoon. Take your craft beer outdoors and lounge in Glover Park. The inner-city green space allows your dog to lounge on some grass, and your pooch is bound to make a friend or two. Provided beanbags and seating allow for a relaxed vibe. Best of all, Fridays and Saturdays have live music. The gigs generally cover jazz, funk, and a bit of rock to set the mood. Bring your doggo, lie back in the sun, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Rogue & Vagabond
A shaggy black dog sits patiently on the patio at Beach Babylon café.

Beach Babylon

232 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington

Taking your furry friend for a walk around Oriental Bay and decide you fancy a puppuccino? Beach Babylon is your place. This beachside café has a special menu just for your discerning canine companion. A gourmet selection of dog biscuits, ‘pupsicles’ (that’s puppy popsicles), and meat platters are sure to delight. The menu for humans is pretty good, too. Beach Babylon is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. The coffee is by local roastery Peoples Coffee, and the bar is licensed. With plenty of four-legged regulars, you’re sure to get some puppy love.

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A smiling person holds up their cute dog at the bar inside Golding's Free Dive, an eclectic Wellington bar with kitsch decor and colourful Christmas lights.

Golding’s Free Dive

14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Tucked in Hannahs Laneway, Golding’s Free Dive is a much-loved Wellington bar. Dogs are always welcome, both indoors and outside on the patio. If they’re a lucky puppy, someone might drop a piece of their Pizza Pomodoro on the floor. Flanked by a bakery, a pizzeria, and a chocolate factory, Goldings is right in the thick of the bustling city. The interior is a cacophony of twinkling lights, taxidermy, photographs, and Star Wars memorabilia. It’s been described as “like drinking inside a pinball machine”. The light-up ‘BEER’ sign above the door is the perfect backdrop for those cheeky dog pics everyone knows and loves.

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Person wearing a red outfit sitting outside Queen Sally's Diamond Deli cafe, holding the lead attached to two small tan coloured dogs.

Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli

200 Queens Drive, Lyall Bay, Wellington

The smaller sibling of Maranui Café, Queen Sally’s has the same approach to delicious, wholesome food and great coffee. This cosy café attracts a loyal following of pups and humans alike. It’s little in size but big in character, with a strong community feel.

There are a couple of tables and benches outside under a sheltered awning. There are water bowls for thirsty pooches, and dog treats are available to buy. Humans can take their pick from plenty of sweet and savoury treats, including some amazing pink Chelsea buns. Fuel up on coffee from local roastery Havana, before taking your dog to smell the seaside scents at the beach across the road.

Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli
A person and their orange and white dog sit on a bright yellow couch inside Bambuchisan, Hataitai.

Bambuchisan

31A Waitoa Road, Hataitai, Wellington

The hillside suburb of Hataitai has a strong sense of community, and the neighbourhood bar and restaurant Bambuchisan is a great destination to meet, eat, and drink. The restaurant was named after the owner’s husky Labrador cross, Smuchi Bambuchi. In his honour, dogs are encouraged, and the outside patio is perfect for them to chill out.

The suburban oasis offers cosy dinner dining that will bring friends and family together over a craft beer, cocktail, or wine. The menu is casual and changes seasonally, featuring Japanese-fusion food with Canadian influence. The plates are made for sharing, and everything is gluten-free.

Bambuchisan
A dachshund and larger golden coloured dog sitting beside each other on a concrete floor.

Squirrel

4 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Despite the name, this inner-city café is very dog-friendly and has no small woodland creatures to tempt your furry friend. For humans, there’s an enticing array of fresh salads, tarts, sourdough crumpets, soups, and sweet treats to meet every craving.

Squirrel welcomes all four-legged companions. There are water bowls to keep dogs hydrated and happy while you enjoy your beverage of choice from the café. Park your dog up on a handy hook outside and wander next door to browse Small Acorns. The sister homeware store has a fun selection of gifts and contemporary decor.

Squirrel — Instagram

Rasa

For over two decades, Rasa has been serving its distinctive mix of Malaysian and South Indian cuisine on Cuba Street. At nighttime, the restaurant lights reflect the deep red and orange walls out onto the street. The pulsating warm colours entice you in. Decoration otherwise is simple – drums, a bicycle, and pictures adorn the walls. On the blended menu Malaysian laksa and mee goreng sit alongside goat curry and dosai. The latter, a South Indian speciality, is a crispy fermented rice pancake and stuffed with warm, spiced fillings. It’s one of many popular dishes available. Rasa is unlicensed so you can choose a crisp white wine from home to complement the spice. 

200 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Rasa Malaysia Restaurant

Three people sit together at the corner booth table at Rasa Malaysian.

Mother of Coffee 

Down the far end of Left Bank off Cuba Street lies an Ethiopian restaurant. Mother of Coffee is a rare find in the diverse Wellington hospitality scene. Its unassuming décor belies a flavour-filled menu. One of Ethiopia’s most famous dishes doro wat is a staple on the menu. Delicious chicken stew is served with boiled eggs, spiced butter, and traditional injera bread. The bread is gluten-free and vegan as are many other items on offer. Close to bustling Cuba Street, it’s convenient as a BYO restaurant. Tables spill out into Left Bank most nights, adding to the atmosphere.

210A Left Bank, Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Mother of Coffee

Newkor

For a fill of authentic Korean cuisine, Newkor is worth a visit. The BYO restaurant at the western end of Dixon Street offers a quintessential Korean experience. Bulgogi (beef barbeque), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are all made with the freshest ingredients. The kimchi pancakes and a large array of fried chicken dishes are also very popular. The karaoke lounge always attracts wannabe singers and adds a fun dimension to your night out. Newkor has been open since 2016. It’s dedicated to providing skilfully cooked and high-quality food.

97 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Newkor

Ozeki Café & Bar 

Whether you’re in the mood for a donburi (rice bowl) or gyoza (dumplings) Ozeki serves up great Japanese food. Near the southern end of Tory Street, the large restaurant is a great place to bring friends, family, your work crew or that special someone, for lunch or dinner. Ozeki’s menu offers all the classics — from sushi to noodles, vegetarian, and meat dishes. Always popular are the set meal selections which include homemade miso soup, rice and salad.  It’s a fully licensed and BYO restaurant so if you have a favourite wine to go with your meal, bring it along.

161 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Ozeki

Rams Restaurant 

Sometimes you must search hard for the best things, and you are richly rewarded for your effort. Rams Restaurant is a small unassuming eatery in the centre of Cuba Street. You could easily walk past it, and yet the Asian cuisine inside attracts fans from everywhere. Name-checked by many of Wellington’s top chefs as their favourite thing to eat, Rams’ chilli oil dumplings are an affordable Wellington classic. It’s not just the dumplings that pull in the punters. The hot udon plates, Szechuan pepper chicken, and the impressive potato tower are famous among locals, too. It’s a busy BYO spot, so it pays to book in advance.

171 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Rams Restaurant

Dragons 

Modern yum cha is about three things: dim sum, tea, and connection. Dragons Restaurant on Tory Street nails each one. 

Yum cha involves small portions of steamed, pan-fried, and deep-fried dim sum dishes, served in bamboo steamers and washed down with tea. All dishes are designed to be eaten communally because, at its core, yum cha is about people meeting and sharing food. 

The busiest day at Dragons is Sunday when the whole restaurant is bustling with large groups. If you like people watching it’s a great time to head along. If you’re after a quieter experience, try a weekday lunch.

25 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington | Dragons

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Four adults sit together at a table on the patio at Long Beach Tavern, located in Waikanae Beach, New Zealand.

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The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it. Here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

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Eat your way around Porirua

Porirua and its suburbs are set between a two-armed harbour and west-facing beaches. Being so close to the water the city has attracted a large and diverse community. This brings a wide range of food options. From Thai green curries to Polish golabki, Neapolitan pizzas to hearty burgers — a feast awaits you.

A family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside.

Where to eat with kids

Here’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together.

A bartender at Ascot pours a sangio. Large mirrors on the wall behind them reflect outside, and the sign hangs above their head.

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Up a flight of winding stairs or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.

Five Asian-fusion dishes, a pink cocktail, dishes and utensils on a table at a restaurant.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city.

Three friends enjoy food and drinks al fresco at St Johns Bar on Wellington's Waterfront.

Alfresco in the city

There’s a reason why they say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. When it’s one of those days, the capital has a great selection of outside dining options.

Three people sitting at a wooden picnic table on a patio at Brewtown in Upper Hutt, Wellington. They each have a flight of beers and are doing a cheers.

Grab a drink in the Hutt Valley

Home to Wellington’s only craft beer village, the Hutt Valley has more than its fair share of great places to grab a drink. From boutique breweries to lively bars, you’ll find some of the region’s tastiest brews right here.

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Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

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Heritage building facades line Jackson Street in Petone, as two people cross the pedestrian crossing with shopping bags.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.