Your guide to Jessie and College Street

Start your day at one of the tried and true coffee spots on Jessie and College Streets. Both Caffe L’affare and Prefab are beloved Wellington institutions. Their large layouts are perfect for groups of any size. Opened in 1990, Caffe L’affare flies the New Zealand flag outside their roastery and daytime eatery — a fitting touch for a significant player in the Kiwi coffee game. 

On Jessie Street, walk past concrete buildings jostled between old villas to find Prefab. Olive trees on the steps signal you’re in the right place. Open on weekdays, Prefab has served a great menu since 2013. Roses on the table and freshly baked bread by Acme provide a feast for the senses. Is matcha more your vibe? Head to the corner of Jessie and Taranaki Streets, where West Two Espresso packs a serious punch.
 

On College Street sits a store unlike any other. Follow the smell of citrus to Moore Wilson’s. Established in 1918, this Wellington independent institution sells goods for every section of the home. You’ll find high-quality produce, specialty food, homewares, and bulk-buy products. Moore’s, as it’s known by locals, also stocks iconic Wellington brands like Fix & Fogg and Wellington Chocolate Factory. Next, check out GoodFor Refillery to restock your pantry or snack supply. All that shopping is bound to work up an appetite. Go for a Wellington CBD lunch spot nearby, like all-rounder Mystic Kitchen, Korean favourite Miss Kangsta, or the always delicious Greek Food Truck and Miki Sushi next to Moore Wilson’s.

Wellington is home to a range of local brands focused on sustainability and ethical shopping, including Kowtow Clothing. Select a beautiful locally designed piece from their light and airy store on Jessie Street. If you’re shopping for tamariki , it’s hard to leave empty-handed from Nature Baby. If you prefer DIY, The Fabric Store has whatever you need for your next fashion project. Magnolia Trading offers quirky products, from clothing and accessories to homeware and gifts. Orient: Homeware & Gifts focuses on stunning tableware imported from Japan. Down the road, the Japan theme continues with homemade goods and street snack pop-ups at Tanuki & Co.

From beautiful art to beauty products. These neighbouring streets are full of things that bring a little beauty into everyday life. A long-standing member of the Wellington contemporary art scene, Hamish McKay Art Gallery highlights dynamic Trans-Tasman artists. At Moores, in Wellington’s only independent toy store, artwork is on show by Wellington artist Ned Barruad. Enjoy the native bird illustrations and pick up a gift, or five. Nearby, go for a chemical-free beauty look by makeup artist Amy McLennan at Every.day Clean Beauty, or pay a visit to the experienced team at Lift Aesthetics. 

Before you leave the area, take a moment to look up. Plants spill from apartment balconies above the businesses below. A reminder of the residential and commercial worlds coming together in this singular corner of the city.