New local eats
Treat your taste buds to one of the newest eateries and bars in Wellington
Unexpected contender winning over coffee connoisseurs
26 Egmont Street, Te Aro, Wellington
This Kāpiti coffee roastery has made an unexpected appearance in the city’s coffee scene by opening a new coffee shop.
Dark Horse Coffee Roastery from Paraparaumu has set up a small coffee shop that is nuzzled in an ex-salon on Egmont Street.
This is their third coffee store opening since they started roasting artisan coffee to the region in 2016. They also provide coffee for popular eateries in Wellington such as John’s Bar and Eatery, Black Coffee in Newtown and many more.
Visit their beautiful space which makes for a perfect hideaway and pick up a coffee, take home some beans or merchandise. Open Monday-Friday 6:30am - 2:00pm, Saturday 8:00am - 2:00pm.
Kisa is a new Turkish and Middle Eastern-inspired pop-up
Level 1, 60 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The teams behind Mr Go’s and Ombra are bringing you Kisa, a pop-up restaurant serving up Turkish and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Starting from March, the restaurant Kisa is popping up for the next four months at LTD on Dixon street; a pop-up space for events, playing host to rolling pop-ups and other food and beverage related experiences.
Dip into the menu by ordering stand-out dishes such as loaded flatbread with a mix of flavoursome toppings, Taramasalata, Lamb Kofte and salad options. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Try it out for yourself every Wednesday – Saturday from 5:30pm to late.
Two heads are better than one: Evil Twins
3 Vivian Street, Wellington
Starting your own business isn’t an easy ride. These university students are giving it a go by opening the next place to fuel your caffeine addiction. Meet Stephanie and Natalie Chin, the twins behind Evil Twins, the newest hole-in-the-wall coffee shop on Vivian Street.
Squeezed into the space is a simple offering of coffee and ice drinks. Impress your friend by getting matcha or an iced caramel! Evil Twins was born from a brotherly nudge that asked them every student’s worst fear “What do you want to do?” As art and design students, they were drawn to the art of coffee. A coffee shop also gave them space to design mechanise. Clothing is coming next!
The twins will tell you the road to becoming business owners has its hurdles. After facing rejection (and realising there’s more than one type of coffee,) their persistence to becoming the best behind a coffee machine is near, their loyal following will vouch for it! But, they won’t forget their roots just ask them for a mocha and the story behind the mocha man!
More ice cream on Cuba
94 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chunky Monkey, Peanut Butter Half Baked are all flavours being scooped up in the capital now Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlour is open.
International ice cream legends from Vermont, Ben & Jerry's have officially opened its store on Cuba Street in Wellington. The capital loves its ice cream. Now there’s a space you can sample incredible flavours that made Ben & Gerry’s a household name across the world.
Ben & Jerry’s signature recipes keep ice cream interesting by throwing in chunks of delicious bits such as cookies, chocolate and brownies followed by a swirl of delicious sauces amongst its ice cream.
Lunch hub for urban dwellers
18 Willis Street, Wellington
Many local names in the wellington food scene are now housed under one roof.
As part of the large-scale redevelopment of what used to be known as the Grand Arcade precinct, 18 Willis Street is the first of three interconnecting towers to undergo a stunning transformation.
On offer are some of Wellington’s favourite and award-winning lunchtime eateries in a glass annexe providing a light-filled space and views to dine or relax the hours away.
In the mix is Viva Mexico, Puro Chile, Where’s Charlie, Noodle Plus, Golden Girl and Satay Me plus new concepts from King Sushi and Saffron.
The hottest scoop: Fresko
53 Kingsford Smith Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington
The family tongs have landed in the hands of the third generation of fish-fryers in Lyall Bay. The newest fish n chip shop Fresko is classic-kiwi store in a modern environment.
Owners of Fresko, Maria Cordalis and her family have taken tips on what makes a good fish n chip shop in the capital from her families 40 years of experience. Her dad ran Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Street after her grandparents owned Wadestown Fish n Chip shop throughout the ’80s and ‘90s.
Only meters from Lyall Bay you'll find Fresko housed in two shipping containers serving fresh fish and other family favourites along with popular Greek and Raw Fish salads. Fresko’s keeps people coming back because their fish tastes like it did when they were kids. The crunchy, melt in your mouth fish caught by Maria’s uncle is filleted then battered and cooked straight after you’ve ordered it. Whip up your very own fish dish with the help of Fresko’s on-site fish supply.
A new type of dumpling has landed in Wellington
11C Courtenay Place, Wellington
Dumplings come in many delicious shapes and sizes, flavours and textures, this new eatery is serving something different for diners of Wellington. Hideout, Courtenay Place’s newest eatery, is a cosy intimate spot serving Zhong Dumplings, a fresh new spin of the classic dish.
Unlike traditional dumpling, Zhong dumplings have slightly thicker skin and are packed with meat (pork, chicken and vegetarian available.) The boiled dumplings are topped with a homemade Zhong Sauce; a sweet and spicy mix of Sichuan peppers, fresh garlic, coriander, spring onion and peanuts.
The rest of Hideout's menu draws from European flavours and traditional Asian dishes, think bao buns with cream cheese and chive wontons, hand-pulled noodles and more. They also serve sweet and fruity cocktails in cute glasses such as flamingos and gummy bears.
Baja taco joint on Queens Wharf
4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central
Tacos, burgers, margarita’s, beers and more tacos can be found at the tastiest new spot on Queens Wharf.
Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina & Taco Joint is bringing together favours from L.A. and the Baja Coast to be loved in Wellington.
If you haven’t heard all people raving about Baja tacos then roll up your sleeve and prepare for tacos that are sour and sweet, spicy and savoury, and highly addictive!
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