August conjures many things in the minds of Wellingtonians: the last throes of a bitingly cold winter, the promise of warmer days ahead, the prospect of the country’s biggest food festival. Fittingly, it’s also the name of a chic Taranaki Street café serving up homely, hearty Mediterranean soul food.

Welcoming visitors with its shimmering ceiling-to-floor windows and resplendent A-frame (perhaps another homage to its name), August Eatery exudes plenty of warmth, even in the harshest of Wellington’s weather. Rich burgundy flows seamlessly from the exterior frame to the interior walls, brushing the tiled counter along the way, evoking an earthiness in the cosy space. The polished concrete floor and simple wooden furniture work in tandem to add to the minimalist, relaxed feel throughout.

Everything is geared towards providing a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and whether you’re here for a brunch catch up or want to tap away on your laptop by the window, there’s a space for everyone.

Minimalist the space may be, the menu is anything but. A strong Mediterranean influence is complemented by the eatery’s commitment to delivering big, bold flavours. The Istanbul eggs are arguably the pick of the bunch - creamy greek yoghurt paired with poached eggs, Aleppo pepper butter and dill, all on a thick slab of sourdough. The tsoureki french toast is also a fan favourite, featuring a sweet Greek brioche pan-fried in a velvety egg batter with a squeeze of orange curd, topped with seasonal fruit, labneh, and a dusting of cacao granola. 

With the inspiration for the café having been conceived in August, and opening in August the following year (following eight weeks of renovations), it’s as if the stars all aligned for August Eatery’s entrance into the Wellington hospitality scene. If you’re a believer in fate, the signs are certainly pointing to a visit to August Eatery in the near future.