The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

The simple sandwich gets a makeover at Fred’s.

The Cuba Street spot serves elevated sandwiches seven days a week. In a rush? Grab one of the takeaway options from the counter and head on your way. If you’ve got time, order from the menu and pull up a seat. The bright orange and white interior is the perfect backdrop for your sammie selfie.

Fred’s bread is always fresh, coming from local bakeries. The menu has a roster of classics done well (the chicken is a local favourite). Weekly specials allow the team to get creative. Whatever you order, Fred’s is always fresh, filling, and packed full of flavour.

Shelly Bay Baker has been quietly loafing around Miramar since 2017. It has been supplying cafés with bagels, baguettes, and other fresh bread creations and takeaway baked goods from its Miramar store. You can also visit its inner-city café.

Owner Sam Forbes has brought the goodness of the suburbs to the inner city. Shelly Bay Baker ships its bread to the Leeds Street spot every morning, fresh out of the ovens of its Miramar warehouse and bakery (complete with its own flour mill). The beloved salted caramel cookies are a local favourite, and polenta cake is also a hit. The warmers offer warm pies and savoury treats. There’s a fresh sandwich menu and of course, you’ll be able to pick up your favourite Shelly Bay sourdough.

This Newtown café is so ingrained in the community, it might as well be a town hall. Spilling out onto the sunny pavement of Constable Street, Newday Coffee can hardly contain its popularity. Serving up People‘s Coffee, a sweet selection of pastries, and yes, sandwiches. Squished between local bread, you'll find high-quality ingredients that give the old classics new life. Ham, cheese and lettuce or roasted free-range chook, dill pickles, Swiss, lettuce, and herb mustard. The filling is always generous, and with melt-in-your-mouth vegetarian options, there‘s something for everyone. 

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.

Wellington is spoilt for choice when it comes to excellent coffee options. One of the best spots in town for a quality brew is Customs. This reputation is enhanced by a quality sandwich menu to compliment your cuppa. For those passing through, there are fresh focaccia sandwiches wrapped up and ready to walk with you. If you want to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere there’s a board with a sandwich selection above the counter. Ingredients change depending on availability but quality never budges.

Everything is baked fresh at Little Grump. The Featherston Street pastry and sandwich shop is in the heart of the city, and keeps a steady stream of hungry customers well fed. Along with its hand-shaped sourdough loaves, Little Grump is known for its sandwiches and toasties. Try a fresh vegan carrot sammie, or focaccia with prosciutto crudo, roast red peppers, and smoked provolone. The menu also includes almond croissants, cinnamon morning buns, ham and egg pie, and red pesto twists. Don’t forget the coffee. Supreme supplies the beans which suit the supremely good food.

Good grief is exactly what you‘ll say when you taste this café‘s food. Found behind a roller door on Able Smith Street, Good Grief is worth going out of your way to visit. A local favourite is the bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, but you’ll have to get in early as these bad boys sell out fast. They also have made-to-order sandwiches on a kaiser roll, which, like everything in the cabinets, is baked in-house. With Coffee Supreme filling the grinders and plenty of cozy seating, Good Grief is the perfect cafe to park up in and order the works. 

Known for its bright yellow interior, this popular spot has earned a reputation for its delicious sandwiches. The menu centres around made-to-order sandwiches packed with fresh local ingredients. Pick your fillings or choose from a pre-set menu. There are simple and gourmet options, with filled rolls and a range of grilled cheese. House-made savouries, salads, and sweet treats are also available. Peoples Coffee is the blend of choice, along with a selection of cold drinks. While most people order to-go, there is a small amount of seating if you want to dine in.