Loretta

Wellington hospitality seems to have a thing for creating places that quickly become institutions, and the latest offering from the people behind the long-standing institution that is Floridita’s has the same destiny. Loretta, just ever so slightly further up Cuba Street, is both spacious and timelessly stylish. It’s all exposed concrete, native wood, minimalist design and suggests the strong influence of some of Melbourne’s favourite cafés. A rare treat for a Cuba Street establishment, there’s a sunny courtyard out back too.

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, the food is focused on local and seasonal produce, which is becoming expected from any decent café nowadays. The menu speaks of simple food done well. With superb coffee, slick service, a great drink list and already a strong weekend brunch crowd (the mark of any good establishment in the Capital), it’s evident that already Wellingtonians have a soft spot for the understated sophistication of Loretta. She’s stylish, is Loretta. But she’s not pretentious, and that’s what we like about her so much.