Best Cheap Eats in Wellington (2026)

Wellington is a haven for food lovers on a budget, offering a plethora of cheap eats that don’t skimp on flavor. From food trucks to hidden gems, these spots serve up satisfying meals that prove you don't need to break the bank to enjoy great food.

20 places

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Everybody Eats Wellington

4.9(125)

restaurant · Te Aro

Everybody Eats is an innovative, charitable restaurant, transforming rescued ingredients into quality 3-course meals, for everyone to enjoy on a pay-what-you-can basis.

community meals local ingredients pay-what-you-can dining

125 reviews

$$ - $$$

Koji

4.9(538)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality, creative dishes, and outstanding service.

asian fusion

538 reviews

Ngon!

4.9(653)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Rooted in my family’s legacy of cooking and inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam, Ngon brings together the familiar and the unexpected.

asian fusion bao buns curry

456 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

Pho Viet Street Food

4.8(2,380)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

VIETNAMESE PHO HOUSE & STREET FOOD MADE THE TRADITIONAL WAY WITH LOVE & TIME. We have two locations in both Newtown & Dixon Street thriving to provide you with quick and convenient Vietnamese street food, freshly hand-crafted with carefully selected ingredients, in a friendly and casual setting.

asian authentic vietnamese cuisine freshly hand-crafted dishes

2,113 reviews

Rock Yard Restaurant

4.7(1,405)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Rock Yard Restaurant, where Vietnamese culture meets culinary delight in Wellington. Our passion is to share the authentic tastes and traditions of our homeland with you, in a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

asian gluten-free options modern twists

1,405 reviews

Soul Shack

4.7(734)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

At Soul Shack Hot Chicken, we’re all about crispy, juicy chicken, loaded burgers and crave-worthy sides. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding the whole crew, we serve up comfort food with a kick, made fresh to order every time.

burgers comfort food fast food

734 reviews

TASTE OF HOME

4.7(682)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

A Taste of Home Wellington offers a unique selection of authentic Chinese flavors in a convenient takeaway format.

aromatic blends asian chinese

581 reviews

Lemongrass Kitchen

4.6(165)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the fresh, tasty food and great value for money, making it a popular choice for lunch.

asian chinese japanese

165 reviews

Mr Go's

4.6(2,087)

restaurant · Te Aro

Relaxed joint whipping up creative regional Asian dishes in a bright space that has murals & a bar.

asian asian street food chinese

2,087 reviews

The Old Quarter

4.6(2,311)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot.

asian fusion healthy

2,311 reviews

Winner Winner Courtenay Place

4.6(966)

chicken restaurant · Te Aro

Winner Winner was born and proudly raised in Hamilton East by a team of passionate foodies. It offers healthy, fast, fresh dinners or lunches that cater to all food preferences.

burgers buttermilk fried chicken fire-roasted chicken

608 reviews

K C Cafe & Takeaway

4.5(1,673)

chinese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions, quick service, and authentic Cantonese flavors, making it a beloved spot in Wellington.

bbq pork cafe chinese

1,673 reviews

Little Penang

4.5(2,331)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic flavors, generous portions, and friendly service at Little Penang.

asian malaysian

2,331 reviews

Fisherman's Plate Seafood

4.4(547)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious and affordable food, particularly the rare beef pho, despite mixed feelings about service.

547 reviews

$$ - $$$

HIDEOUT

4.4(529)

asian fusion restaurant · Te Aro

Hideout is an Asian Fusion Restaurant designed for sharing, offering a carefully curated menu that encourages experimentation with new flavors.

asian asian fusion cocktails

529 reviews

KkRestaurant

4.4(797)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic and delicious Malaysian dishes, along with the homely atmosphere and good value.

797 reviews

Satay Kingdom Cafe

4.2(477)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Satay Kingdom Cafe offers a variety of authentic Malaysian dishes, focusing on traditional flavors and spices.

asian curry malaysian

477 reviews

Sweet Mother's Kitchen

4.2(3,470)

american restaurant · Te Aro

Laid-back, eclectic cafe serving po' boys, gumbo & other New Orleans eats, plus some Mexican dishes.

all day breakfast american cafe

3,345 reviews

Mama Brown

4.0(3,075)

american restaurant · Te Aro

We are known for our tasty American 'South of the Border' style food and the best milkshakes in town! We pride ourselves on great food, great service and great fun!

american cajun fries freshly made waffles

3,075 reviews