9 of Our Favourite Wellington Brunch Spots Right Now

Egmont St Eatery is known for its fresh, simple and seasonal approach to food. Many dishes feature an Italian twist, thanks to the chef’s heritage, making eating at this Te Aro space a treat. The elegant eatery offers a sophisticated spot for a morning brunch and is certainly worth booking for a celebration too. The refined decor and elevated menu items will have you feeling on top of the world — all before noon.

Located in the Lower Hutt, Comes and Goes is well worth a trip out of town. With a Scandinavian-inspired interior, the minimal, airy approach will leave you feeling at ease. Their brunches are known to cause a line, so start your wait off with a Bronut (a hybrid between a brioche and a donut) and a coffee. Once seated, you’ll note that their menu takes inspiration from all around the world, including a few kiwi classics like bacon benedicts and banana waffles. With a menu catering to vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike, it’s a great place to bring a whole group together.

Another Te Aro favourite is Highwater, which celebrates sustainability through their weekend brunches. Their menu focuses on local produce, ethically raised meat and plenty of delicious, in-season options to keep you coming back for more. You’ll sip your coffee while admiring the exposed brick walls and gazing at the chefs prepping your Tora octopus brunch in the open-plan kitchen. Nary an eggs benedict in sight, you won’t find staples on this menu — only inspired, unique and sometimes wild dishes here.

A favourite among Wellington locals on Cuba Street sits Fidel’s. With a reputation for a legendary brunch and hangover-curing milkshakes, Fidel’s funky 1950s Cuban-inspired decor is as imaginative as the food. They excel at brunch sandwiches, Cuban burritos and large breakfasts that will sop up any beer tastings to be had later in the day. The atmosphere is bright and fast-paced, so order another single-origin coffee and enjoy.

Neo rocks their brunch menu of seasonal offerings dotted with artisan products from around the region. With plenty of selections on the menu, everyone from the eggs benedict lover to the adventurous pumpkin-buttermilk-pancakes-lover will find something on Neo’s menu. Their airy space is perfect for sipping a Supreme coffee.

Gaining strong decor influence from light and airy Melbourne cafes is Cuba Street’s Loretta. Their fun, funky menu has crowd-pleasers like waffles and crumpets, as well as surprising additions such as a porchetta continental breakfast. Loretta knows that a good brunch isn’t complete without a little something special, so there are Bellinis and Bloody Marys alongside coffee and teas. This is the kind of place you’ll want to stay awhile, so order another round.

Another Lyall Bay treat is Elements Cafe, whose tagline is “real food, everyday”. Big fans of making everything from scratch, it’s hard not to ask for seconds of the dressings, relishes and pickled foods that accompany each meal. As for the main event, their brunches cater to dietary restrictions, easily substituting gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. They also sell some of their favourite food brands in their shop, located within the restaurant, so you can take some of the goodness home with you.

A Wellington institution, the Maranui Cafe is a must-stop for all visitors to the city. With incredible views of Lyall Bay, you’ll quickly agree with the locals that this place is worth standing in line for. Once inside, visual oddities and blasts from the past are at every turn. With vintage red booths and plenty of surf kitsch to keep any kiwi satisfied, the delights don’t stop with the decor. Feast your eyes on the menu filled with classics, but just be warned that these meals are meant to fill hungry surfers — you’ll want to come on an empty stomach.