Backyard Café in Porirua knows that seed shopping isn’t complete without some coffee and scones on the side.

Located in the lively neighbourhood of Te Aro, they serve what they do best, delicious bagels accompanied with classic Havana coffee.

In a suburb that seems like it’s perpetually on holiday, easy-going modern deli Betsy feels right at home in Island Bay.

Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists”.

A coffee shop, music shop and art gallery all in one, Black Coffee has quickly cemented itself as one of the favourite Newtown hangouts.

Café Kaizen is the kind of well-oiled machine that you can tell has been a locals favourite hangout for a long time.

A favourite spot for nearby business people, don't be surprised to see Charley Noble buzzing with guests even early in the week right through from breakfast till dinnertime.

Comes and Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.

Customs is a bustling spot, and with good reason! It’s also well-positioned to take full advantage of Wellington’s erratic morning sunshine.

Open till late in the evening, this has for years been a popular coffee spot with young and old, hipsters and working folk – anything goes.

The tagline and ethos says it all, ‘Real food, everyday’, and this popular cafe is a destination for good reason.

Empire is fitting for a cinema that pre-dated ‘talkies’ when it played its first reel in 1925, but as far as movie theatres go, this one is more for those who’d pick pinot over popcorn.

Fidel's is a Cuba St institution and a go-to for those in search of great food, sharp service and good vibes in the heart of the city.

At Field & Green the menu changes weekly, breakfast is served all day, and specials come in two varieties - feast or frugal.

There’s something special about eating at a place that serves up as much kindness as it does kai, and Filo certainly champions both.

Frank’s Newtown is a little replica of its sibling café on The Terrace and has found itself to be a quickly loved part of Newtown culture.

A social enterprise cafe providing training and work opportunities for the next generation of baristas.

You have no doubt heard of this café’s laid-back vibes, easy-going staff and damn good food.

One step through the door at Goldie Milkbar & Eatery and you’ll immediately confirm what you’ve likely heard through the grapevine … there really is no other eatery quite like it.

If a visit to Goldmine has you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a place fueled on caffeine that feels both solid and full of cheeky vibes, then you’re absolutely spot on.

Welcome to a considered space to drink your coffee and tea with mind-blowingly beautiful sweet eats,. Grace Patisserie will tick all your boxes.

More often than not, keeping it simple has the most impact. In introducing a caffeine culture to Pukerua Bay, this is exactly what Greedy and Co.

A pop-up that fixes bikes as well as your caffeine cravings, a cafe and a neighbouring homewares shop.

It may be small inside Havana Brothers Bakehouse, but this place is brewing big things.

This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.

Without any conventional marketing, Hillside’s profile has been built by partnering with great local producers like Six Barrel Soda, Fig & Fog, Two Sisters wine, and Noble Estate Olive Oil.

Twice the size of any regular coffee bar, L’affare’s status as a Wellington institution can be attested to by the cacophony of people inside on any given day.

From Ethiopian Sidamo to Guatemalan Huehuetenango and Mexican Chiapas, coffee beans at Lamasons are sourced far and wide the fair trade organic way.

Wouldn’t it be grand if there was somewhere you could consistently find fresh baked brioche or rye toast for breakfast in the morning?

Less about enforcing rules and more about creating a chill place to enjoy good coffee and food, Local Authority is a pocket-sized coffee spot that packs a punch.

Not offering your average New Zealand café options, Machete specialise instead in tacos and coffee ...

A cafe housed in a heritage surf lifesaving building that once had a close call with a fiery fate

A Wellington staple and community hub proving the old adage that good things come in small packages.

Nikau is far from your boring, bog-standard museum café.

A small, modest spot in the heart of the Whitby shopping precinct, Nish Cafe may look unassuming but it packs a whole lot of heart.

Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.

Championing ethical and sustainable coffee from its Newtown cafe.

Peoples offer a range of artisan toasts again featuring Esthers range, or pick up something sweet, and the coffee can be trusted to be impeccable.

After many a lunchtime spent hankering for just a ‘good old sandwich’, Tim Tracey and Mia Freeman decided to take matters into their own hands.

A cafe and community hub in the heart of the windy city.

Qilin Tea House certainly feels a magical place to be if you’re a tea lover.

A Lyall Bay mainstay, Queen Sally's is the amazingly kitsch and eclectic café which services the residents of, and visitors to, this rather lovely Wellington suburb.

Although the relative new guys on the block, Rich Coffee Roasters are by no means amateurs.

If you’re looking for a comfortable space in which to enjoy great coffee amongst the buzz of community then Origin is the spot for you.

This café definitely takes out the title for best view of the city.

Sleek and simple, Staple Espresso speaks volumes about letting a product do the talking – and in this case it’s the coffee that’s got people chatting

In a world where everything seems to be changing at rapid speed, it’s nice to know that when you turn up to Starta what’s on offer in the cabinet is consistent, freshly baked and seasonal.

Stories Espresso Bar is unique in more ways than one.

An old school, eclectic and slightly ramshackle American-style diner.

Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, and all with impeccable coffee in hand.

The Big Salami is where locals come to get super tasty pizza, coffee on the go and sweet slices like you remember from your childhood days.

The Lido has been a stalwart of the Wellington hospitality scene for almost 30 years, and one of the first spots in the capital to serve espresso.

This easy-going little spot is big on keeping it simple, and offering Flight coffee and smoothies alongside a select few baked goods.

Offering a breakfast, lunch and brunch menu, the emphasis at Ti Kouka is to use local, organic and seasonal produce.

A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.

From the texture to the rich, bright flavours, their range of sorbet and gelato offerings are impressive on the palate and pleasing to the eye.