Best Cafes in Wellington (2026)

Wellington is widely regarded as New Zealand's coffee capital, with more cafes per capita than New York City. These are the absolute best the city has to offer.

22 places

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Atrium Cafe & Eatery

5.0(122)

cafe · Te Aro

An oasis of quality and creativity amidst the bustling streets. Led by qualified and experienced chefs, we’ve partnered with 'Good Fortune Coffee' to bring you the finest organic beans, complemented by fresh, natural or organic ingredients whenever possible.

artisan coffee brunch free-range eggs

122 reviews

Arlo Eatery

4.9(166)

cafe · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and coffee, as well as the welcoming and friendly service.

166 reviews

Leafee Cafe

4.9(205)

cafe · Thorndon

Reviewers consistently praise the high-quality food, excellent service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite spot.

205 reviews

Peckish Jr. Cafe

4.9(173)

cafe · Dukes Arcade (Cnr Willis & Manners Street

Peckish Jr Cafe and Restaurant brings a bright rhythm to Te Aro, Wellington, serving breakfast and brunch with a playful streak of Asian influence.

147 reviews

The Oatery

4.9(178)

breakfast restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the cozy atmosphere and the creative, well-presented food. The staff is noted for being lovely and accommodating.

178 reviews

West Two Espresso

4.9(259)

coffee shop · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the rich flavor of the coffee and the warm, friendly service, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

259 reviews

Evil Twins Coffee

4.8(205)

coffee shop · Te Aro

Evil Twins Coffee is dedicated to providing high-quality, specialty coffee in a welcoming environment.

artisan coffee nz coffee culture specialty coffee

205 reviews

little grump

4.8(133)

cafe · Wellington Central

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional quality of coffee and delicious pastries, highlighting a friendly atmosphere.

cafe

133 reviews

Gemini Cafe & Eatery

4.7(475)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Established in 2019, Gemini Cafe & Eatery aims to bring the magic of Asian-inspired cuisine to the vibrant community of Wellington, offering a warm and inviting ambiance.

asian-inspired cuisine freshly baked goods iced coffee

475 reviews

Neo Cafe & Eatery

4.7(1,957)

cafe · Te Aro

Bright, laid-back hangout offering a seasonal menu, all-day brunch & veggie options.

all day brunch cafe contemporary

1,957 reviews

Ohtel Pantry

4.7(21)

cafe · Oriental Bay

Delight in Ohtel Pantry’s fresh local cuisine, specialty coffee, bar snacks, and sweet treats in the heart of Wellington’s Oriental Bay. Open daily for breakfast, brunch, and more.

bar snacks craft beer handpicked local wine

21 reviews

TRA Coffee and Eatery

4.7(194)

cafe · Te Aro

At Tra, we’re two caffeine fanatics serving up our favourite sips in a lounge where life slows down, and the drinks do the talking. 'Trà' means tea in our language—simple, cozy, and super close to our hearts.

artistic ambiance asian fusion cafe

169 reviews

August Eatery

4.6(385)

restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality and warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for dining.

greek healthy mediterranean

385 reviews

Prefab-ACME

4.6(1,772)

cafe · Te Aro

Casual, modern outpost for coffee, seasonal breakfast & lunch eats & housemade bread.

artisan sourdough breakfast cafe focaccia

1,772 reviews

Stillwater Eatery

4.6(152)

coffee shop · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, excellent service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit for brunch.

152 reviews

Zephyr Café & Bar

4.6(202)

cafe · Wellington Central

Zephyr Café and Bar is an all-day dining destination, housed in Tākina, Wellington’s new home for world-class exhibitions and conferences. An evocative, inventive, and highly curated menu offers guests the very best that Wellington has to offer.

craft beer gourmet sandwiches homemade smoothies

202 reviews

Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe

4.5(1,970)

cafe · Te Aro

Relaxed cafe serving house-brewed coffee, sandwiches & light eats in a trendy space.

all-day breakfast award-winning coffee brunch

1,970 reviews

Scorch O Rama

4.5(1,755)

coffee shop · Karaka Bays

Scorch O Rama is here to please one and all. Littered with nostalgia and nerdery, there is something for everyone here, provided you’re into the same stuff we are.

brunch coffee gluten-free options

1,755 reviews

Fidel's Cafe

4.4(3,357)

cafe · Te Aro

Colorful institution for Cuban coffee & homestyle eats ranging from egg dishes to burgers & pizza.

cafe coffee shop cuban

3,357 reviews

Lola Stays

4.4(744)

cafe · Oriental Bay

Come down and try our amazing food. There is a little something for everyone.

all day breakfast brunch cafe

744 reviews

Floriditas

4.3(2,859)

restaurant · Te Aro

Energetic, all-day operation serving updated NZ fare in a high-ceilinged, 1930s-style space.

artisan sourdough cafe free range chicken

2,859 reviews

The Botanist

4.3(2,107)

vegetarian restaurant · Lyall Bay

The Botanist brings the best in innovative plant based cuisine to the stunning south coast of Wellington. We're bringing real food to the people - fresh & healthy, comforting & tasty.

botanical cocktails cafe european

2,058 reviews