Get a cup of Wellington's best coffee
Wellington is the coffee capital with over 15 coffee roasteries and cafes so there's no surprise there are still plenty of options in Level 2
Squirrel
4 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington
A sleek and simple café showcasing a small but perfectly curated collection of Wellington’s best counter food from favourite bakers and producers around town including vibrant salads by Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli and a seasonal toast menu starring Wellington Sourdough. After an Acme coffee and a Tomboy doughnut, take a walk through to Small Acorns for a browse around one of Wellington’s top home interior stores.
Peoples Coffee
12 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington
Toast and coffee are an age-old pairing given new life at Peoples Coffee on Riddiford Street and Lukes Lane.
Serving their 100% organic and fair trade coffee which is roasted locally at their Newtown roastery, along with toast made from locally made Shelly Bay Baker bread, makes for a very local breakfast, indeed.
Their toast menu features one sweet toast, one savoury toast and one special toast for good measure – perfect paired with an espresso or a mug of filter coffee for a breakfast of champions.
Swimsuit
38 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Dive into this breezy minimalist coffee joint on the corner of Te Aro Park. Owned by well-known Wellington barista Tait Burge, this is the place to get an expertly brewed cup of coffee and unpretentious, friendly service.
Swimsuit uses organic fair trade beans from local roastery Peoples Coffee, organic milk from local producer Zany Zeus and plus there’s a range of alternative milks. There's a light offering of food available including the popular house-made scones and simple counter food like sandwiches. The light and airy minimalist interior makes the perfect spot for people watching or take a seat at one of the outdoor tables.
Milk Crate
35 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Milk Crate is a favourite with Wellington locals - on any given day you'll find a mixture of Wellington artists, cool kids, corporates, and everyone in between.
The café has a small but perfectly formed menu of simple, fresh and delicious salads, sandwiches, soup and delicious sweet baked treats - the matcha Oreos (chocolate cookies sandwiched with green matcha icing) are a must-try. There's always a good range of gluten-free and vegan options available in the mix.
There's espresso and filter coffee from local Rich Coffee Roasters, cold-pressed juice from local Earnest and smoothies made to order. You'll want to make like a local and return here again.
L’affare
27 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Visit the café and coffee roastery that was a pioneer of Wellington’s now celebrated and world-famous café and coffee culture.
With its pared back industrial look, L’affare is one of those cafés that appeals to everyone. Their all-day menu features all-time classic café favourites like creamy mushrooms on organic sourdough toast and their cabinet is always stocked with delicious sweet treats and savoury snacks. And the coffee, of course, is always fresh, expertly-made and delicious. Go and see why the L’affare remains a firm local favourite.
Staple Espresso
175 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Staple Espresso is the home of good coffee, great banter and dad jokes (be sure to read the sign out front as you walk in). Co-owner and award-winning barista Nik O’Connell is your guy when it comes to great coffee making - he'll make sure your coffee is served up just the way you like it. In a handy location on Victoria Street, Staple is the spot for a catch up with mates or colleagues during the workweek or for a quick pick-me-up to break up your day.
Gipsy Kitchen
37 Jessie Street, Te Aro & 4 Glamis Avenue, Strathmore, Wellington
A long-time hidden gem in Strathmore, Gipsy Kitchen has expanded into the CBD with two locations – a café on Jessie Street and a coffee kiosk on Left Bank.
Their original location in Strathmore is a café and deli, where you can buy prepared meals to takeaway, or stay and enjoy food and coffee from the cabinet. At all locations you can get a taste of their fantastic coffee, which is locally roasted by Coffee Supreme and some of their famous baking – their rhubarb and caramel scones are particularly sought after. With friendly service that’s full of character and good cheer, Gipsy Kitchen is a Wellington favourite.
The Raumati Social Club
34 Poplar Ave, Raumati South, Paraparaumu
Musician Hugo Drummond always wanted to have his own bar. In 2017, he and wife Manna got to do just that when they took over this popular beachside cafe/bar. Sadly, Drummond died a few months later but Manna is continuing his vision. The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients as well as local beer and wine. Unsurprisingly, music is the mainstay of this community cafe/bar, with live bands every weekend.
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