WellingtonEat & Drink
The exterior of Good Boy, a small sandwich shop and café in Newtown, Wellington. The front facade is made of large windows with wood framing and there is a small table outside with four chairs.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

The exterior of Abandoned Taproom in Petone. It is a large white building with a large 'Abandoned' sign above the door, and the red logo on the wall. People sit in front on benches.
An everything bagel egg sandwich on a beige round plate placed on a wooden surface at Good Boy, a café in Newtown, Wellington.
Two people sit at a table with a tile top with a purple and a green latte with decadent pastries.
Inside the Peckish Jr café the kitchen and counter are along the back wall, with many square tables and chairs throughout.
The interior of Peoples Coffee Roastery located on Mansfield Street, in Newtown. Six people are sitting at the tables and two workers are behind the counter.
Three cocktails and a beer glass are lined up on a wooden bar at Dee's Place located on Cuba Street at Ghuznee Street. A bartender, with a rag on his shoulder is opening a can of beer behind the bar.
bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.
The exterior of Abandoned Taproom in Petone. It is a large white building with a large 'Abandoned' sign above the door, and the red logo on the wall. People sit in front on benches.

Abandoned Taproom Petone

38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone, Lower Hutt

Abandoned Taproom in Petone serves craft beers, big sandwiches, and a whole lot of attitude.

Covered in graffiti and industrial touches, it’s a casual spot for an afternoon drink or evening catch-up. The taps offer a rotating selection of classics and favourites alongside craftier new creations. On weekends you can often see live music and DJ sets. 

Big, hearty sandwiches are on the menu. Locals who remember the venue’s previous tenant, Ontrays, will welcome the return of its famous Reuben sandwich. Made using the exact recipe and suppliers served at Sheckter’s Deli, it's the very same classic you know and love. The halloumi-laden Layla sandwich is also available, alongside a selection of sides and a tasty kids menu.

Abandoned Brewery
An everything bagel egg sandwich on a beige round plate placed on a wooden surface at Good Boy, a café in Newtown, Wellington.

Good Boy

88B Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

Coffee and sammies are an iconic duo for a reason. Head to Newtown to see them in action at a spot dedicated to the cause, Good Boy. 

The café and sandwich spot is owned by a couple of local lads, Al and James. The pair upgraded to their current location from humble beginnings as a hole in the wall. There’s space to sit and watch Newtown bustle by and admire your sandwich of choice. You’ll have three or four options to choose from, with the menu changing weekly. The team bakes the bread in-house and fills it with local produce and creative flavours. Paired with a coffee from local supplier Rich Roasters, it’s a very Wellington way to start your day.

Good Boy — Instagram
Two people sit at a table with a tile top with a purple and a green latte with decadent pastries.

Glou Glou

17A Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A sleek Wellington café is in pursuit of the perfect croissant, and after taking your first bite you’ll find the proof is in the pastry. It takes three days to make something so good you’ll consume it in three minutes.

Just off Courtenay Place, Glou Glou has a relaxed feel. Enjoy a coffee from Supreme or colourful tea, matcha, or ube latte, and a warm atmosphere to match.

The café serves crumpets with sweet and savoury seasonal toppings on weekdays. On Fridays and weekends, it brings out the stars of the show – the pastries. If you’re lucky enough to nab some (they often sell out), take your time enjoying them – it took them six months to get here.

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Inside the Peckish Jr café the kitchen and counter are along the back wall, with many square tables and chairs throughout.

Peckish Jr. Café

105 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington

There’s a surprise waiting down Duke’s Arcade. A café aiming to challenge Kiwi taste buds with international flavours. Peckish Jr Café offers enhanced breakfast and lunchtime menus. Classic café items are elevated with some unexpected tastes. If you’re on the go, try the toasties — bulgogi beef, lemongrass chicken, or spicy tofu will hit the spot. If you’ve got more time on your hands the menu also offers some heartier meals worth savouring. There’s terrific barista-made coffee available along with speciality teas and smoothies. 

Peckish Jr.
The interior of Peoples Coffee Roastery located on Mansfield Street, in Newtown. Six people are sitting at the tables and two workers are behind the counter.

Peoples Coffee – Café and Roastery

275 Mansfield Street, Newtown, Wellington

Here’s where it all happens. The hub where Peoples Coffee roasts, packs, distributes and serves its delicious coffee. The café at the front, with its old wooden floors and two-story high windows, is light and airy. There’s a selection of delicious toasties on offer along with scones, pastries, and cookies. At the back, through a second set of large windows, the roastery is a hive of activity. Here, two tonnes of coffee beans are roasted each week and distributed to scores of cafés and grocery stores around the country. After you’ve had your pick-me-up coffee you can talk to the staff and learn about roasting and the coffee industry.

People’s Coffee
Three cocktails and a beer glass are lined up on a wooden bar at Dee's Place located on Cuba Street at Ghuznee Street. A bartender, with a rag on his shoulder is opening a can of beer behind the bar.

Dee’s Place

126 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

It’s always cosy at Dee’s Place, a neighbourhood whiskey bar hidden underground on Cuba Street. The capital isn’t known for its subterranean establishments, but this tucked-away bar makes a good case for them. You’ll find one of the city’s biggest selections of American whiskeys, interesting cocktails, and plenty of atmosphere.

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bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.

The Runholder

89 Martins Road, Martinborough, Wairarapa

Home to Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, The Runholder provides a one-stop shop for great Martinborough fare. The three brands offer a quality hospitality experience with three unique dining areas. Outside, a sun-soaked terrace overlooks Martinborough’s rolling hills and vineyards.

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