Casual

La Bella Italia

A delicious counter at La Bella Italia in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.

Bellbird Eatery

Scrambled egg and mushrooms on toast.
Place Hutt Valley
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Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.

Jean's

The blue and gold outside of Jeans in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...

Tartines French Cafe

Fresh tuna salad and aperol spritz on an outdoor French style table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Tartines offers a small slice of French culinary delight, with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.

Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters

Waiter putting coffee and muffin down on cafe table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.

Cake & Kitchen

A fake living wall inside a brightly lit cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Cake & Kitchen is a cafe in Upper Hutt, bringing people together over delicious food and coffee.

Tricky's Sandwich Co

Chicken sandwich being placed on the table at Tricky's Sandwich Co
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – and Tricky’s Sandwich Co is a family-run sandwich joint that have made it their business to be unbeatable.

Baylands Brewery

Interior of taproom at Baylands Brewery in Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.

Dough Upper Hutt

Bakery interior with royal blue tiles and a cabinet filled with delicious baked goods
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Come for the art, stay for the coffee and doughnuts at Dough Bakery in Upper Hutt – conveniently located in one of the town's most popular cultural haunts.

House of Good Fortune

Exterior of mint-green character house in Petone Wellington
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon the House of Good Fortune.

Miss Fortune's

Coffee machine and bags of coffee on a colourful counter in Miss Fortune's cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Lower Hutt’s industrial precinct isn’t exactly where you’d think to head for a slice of quintessential Wellington hospitality, but at Miss Fortune’s, you’ll find one of the region’s most charismatic little brunch spots.

Kilim Petone

Chairs and tables in kebab shop with Turkish decor and tapestry on walls
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.

Viva Mexico

Interior of Mexican restaurant with exposed brick walls, Mexican skull mosaics and Day of the Dead decor
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This is not the place to be ordering chili con carne or hard-shell tacos. At Viva Mexico, you'll be treated to a true taste of Mexican in the Hutt.

Twenty Eight

Someone holding a plate of pancakes with strawberries at cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Named for their address on Cornwall Street, Twenty Eight is a modern, well lit and welcoming Lower Hutt cafe serving up interesting cabinet food, a thoughtfully crafted...

Trade School Kitchen

Barista pouring milk into freshly made coffee at cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Described as the ‘living room of the Naenae community’, Trade School Kitchen is a not-for-profit community based cafe doing what it can to give back to its people.

Fig Tree Café

A large cafe space with a green painted wall.
Place Hutt Valley
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Nestled in the leafy green suburb of Heretaunga, the Fig Tree Cafe has made its home in a converted church.

Hive Café

A close up of berries on waffles on a plate.
Place Hutt Valley
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Established in 2016, Hive is intended as a cafe for everyone.

Cars Inc.

A black car in front of a large fluorescent 'Cars' sign.
Place Hutt Valley
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What started out as simply a young boy with a passion has turned into a lifelong project for car enthusiast Paul Boden, and the opening of Cars Inc.

Gerry's Charcoal Chicken

A large counter at Gerry's in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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On a small side street in the sleepy suburb of Elderslea, you’ll find what appears to be an unassuming - if not slightly dated - takeaway shop.

Keihei Chicken

A plate of fried chickens and burgers.
Place Hutt Valley
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A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.

Brewtown Eat & Drink

Full of people eating and drinking at Brewtown.
Place Hutt Valley
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Widely regarded as Wellington’s premier craft beer destination, Brewtown isn’t just a mecca for beer lovers, but also for those who simply appreciate good food...

Abandoned Taproom Petone

Graffiti on walls at Abandoned Taproom in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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The upcycled furniture, the bike frame fence, and of course, the walls covered ceiling to floor in graffiti (literally, there’s writing on the ceiling).

Montfoort

A Dutch Pancakes caravan.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.

Salt and Wood Collective

Loaded fries and other plates of food on an outdoor table.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt & Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.

The Lockup

The outdoor seating are at the Lock Up in Kapiti.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Situated a stone's throw away from the beach at Paraparaumu, The Lockup is the ultimate ocean-side cafe, complete with a large outdoor area and a chilled vibe.

Joe & Joy

A large glass cabinet at the counter of Joe and Joy cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.

Long Beach Tavern

Graffiti art on an exterior wall.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.

Bus Stop Café

A vintage living room sitting next to large windows.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.

Peoples Coffee Roastery

A man with child sitting on a couch at Peoples Coffee in Wellington, New Zealand.
Place Wellington
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Head to Newtown, venture a bit further past the chaotic and colourful Riddiford Street, and you’ll stumble across Peoples Coffee’s roastery HQ café, the...

Willis Lane

Three delicious looking hot dogs on a table.
Place Wellington
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Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.

K C Café & Takeaway

The white and red exterior of K C Cafe in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.

Squirrel

The beautiful entry to Squirrel cafe in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.

The Raumati Social Club

Customers sitting at tables inside a wooden decorated Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Raumati Social Club is a bit of an institution at Kāpiti Coast.

Passo

A colourful mural on the wall inside Passo.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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You wouldn’t necessarily expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to...

Dark Horse

Customers chatting at tables outside the cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Dark Horse Coffee co. has been providing the people of Kāpiti Coast and beyond with delicious artisan coffee since 2016.

Olde Beach Bakery

A view of the inside of Olde Beach Bakery on sunny day.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paekākāriki
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Olde Beach Bakery pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

Sunday Cantina

A dark grey building decorated in pastel crosses and dots.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Adding a splash of colour and fun to the Poplar Ave corner at Raumati South, Sunday Cantina is in the business of providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful...

Salty's Diner

A close up of a burger on a table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Salty’s is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.

Customs

A female staff member looking down at the floor behind the counter at Customs.
Place Wellington
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Some of the finest coffee in town since 2010, Wellington's Customs is the flagship café co-owned by Coffee Supreme and their long-time employee, Tim Norriss.

CGR Merchant & Co

A female bartender making a pink cocktail behind the bar at CGR Merchants.
Place Wellington
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Look for an unassuming red door in the heart of Courtenay Place in Wellington and you’ll be whisked away to one of the city’s best cocktail lounges.

BambuchiSan

A colourful tiger cartoon painted on to a white brick wall inside Bambuchisan Wellington.
Place Wellington
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You’re in good hands at Hataitai’s very own neo-Japanese paradise.

Margot

The window seat inside Margot Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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Tucked away in the heart of Newtown in Wellington is the little restaurant, Margot.

Huckle & Co

A flatlay of fish and chips and burger with a little pottle of sauce on an outdoor table.
Place Wellington
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The perfect summer afternoon doesn’t exis… oh wait, it does, and you’ll find it in Seatoun in Wellington.

August Eatery

The red and glass exterior of August Eatery.
Place Wellington
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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...

Mabel's

Salad from Mabel's, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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When it comes to evoking a sense of identity through spatial design, few restaurants in the capital do it better than Mabel’s.

Belén

Person holding a vegan pastry with strawberries at Belén, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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The vision for Wellington bakery Belén was simple: to prove there are no limits to what can be created with plants.

The Oatery

Interior view of the pristine walls and minimalism interior at The Oatery.
Place Wellington
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Having built a reputation for feeding Wellingtonians healthy breakfasts on the go, it was only a matter of time before food caravan The Oatery set up a permanent shop.

Next Door

Exterior of Next Door, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Positioned right next to neighbourhood favourite Margot, Next Door makes up one...

Dragons

Two seater table under artwork on the wall.
Place Wellington
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A name synonymous with yum cha in Wellington, Dragons is an institution in the capital’s Asian dining scene.

Wilson Barbecue

Customer at Wilson Barbecue enjoying the food.
Place Wellington
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Wilson Barbecue has a new permanent home after wowing Wellingtonian's with their food truck delights and pop-up stints. Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation.

Los Banditos

Colourful Mexican bar at Los Banditos
Place Wellington
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Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.

Bottega

New Italian deli food shop Bottega.
Place Wellington
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Authentic Italian delicatessen Bottega is borne from a desire to bring a taste of home to the neighbourly suburb of Berhampore,

Zelati

Woman holding ice cream on cone.
Place Wellington
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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.

Six Barrel Soda

Blue and pink soda bottles.
Place Wellington
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Summer is officially here, and local favourite Six Barrel Soda has opened their Lukes Lane soda factory to the public for a cellar door experience.

Fidel's Café

Viva Fidels signage on a villa wall.
Place Wellington
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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.

Elements

Black exterior with outdoor seating.
Place Wellington
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The tagline and ethos at Elements say it all, ‘Real food, everyday’, and this popular Wellington café is a destination for good reason.

Coffee Supreme Midland Park

Customer reads a journal at Coffee Supreme Midland Park, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Midland Park marks new beginnings for Coffee Supreme.

Heyday

Outdoor courtyard at Heyday, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.

1154

Waiter holds three dishes at 1154, Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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A pastaria with style in the heart of Cuba Street.

Parrotdog Bar

Two meals and a selection of beers - Parrotdog Bar.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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A brilliant retro-fit bar that welcomes tradies, business folk, families, children and even dogs.

Queen Sally's Diamond Deli

Front window of Queen Sally's Diamond Deli and cafe Wellington.
Place Wellington
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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.

Burger Liquor

The entrance to Burger Liquor.
Place Wellington
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Here, the burgers are fist-sized and delicious.

Ombra

A plate of food on a table.
Place Wellington
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Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Staple Espresso

A woman pouring coffee.
Place Wellington
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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

Garage Project

Coloured framed art on wall.
Place Wellington
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Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.

Havana Bar

Cocktails being made.
Place Wellington
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Part restaurant, part bar, Havana is an absolute essential in every sense of those two words.

Havana Coffee Works

Interior view of Havana Coffee Works.
Place Wellington
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This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.

91 Aro

A man pouring beer.
Place Wellington
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Welcome to hop-head heaven.

Mystic Kitchen

A woman eating at a counter by the window inside Gispy Kitchen cafe Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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You have no doubt heard of this café’s laid-back vibes, easy-going staff and damn good food.

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
Place Wellington
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A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.

Mr Go's

Person Holding a salad.
Place Wellington
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A happy mix of West meets East, pink meets green, and beer meets bao, Mr Go’s is proof that an eatery needn’t stick to one concrete theme.