Best Cheap Eats in Wellington (2026)

Great food doesn’t have to be expensive in Wellington. These are the spots locals actually go to when they want something good without the bill to match.

20 places

Sweet Mother's Kitchen

4.2(4,597)

american restaurant · Te Aro

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

all day breakfast american cuisine comfort food

3,345 reviews

Mama Brown

4.1(4,372)

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 cuisine gourmet burgers milkshakes

3,075 reviews

Little Penang

4.5(2,831)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Serving Wellington authentic street food from Penang, Malaysia.

authentic street food malaysian cuisine penang street food

2,331 reviews

Mr Go's

4.6(2,614)

restaurant · Te Aro

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

asian street food fried chicken grilled skewers

2,087 reviews

The Old Quarter

4.7(2,609)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Modern Vietnamese Resturant

asian, fusion bold flavours modern vietnamese

2,315 reviews

Pho Viet Street Food

4.6(2,380)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Pho Viet Street Food offers Vietnamese pho house and street food made the traditional way with love and time, focusing on authentic taste and customer experience.

authentic vietnamese cuisine hand-crafted dishes vietnamese street food

2,113 reviews

K C Cafe & Takeaway

4.3(1,679)

chinese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions and authentic Cantonese food, highlighting the quick service and great value.

bbq pork chinese cuisine curry laksa

1,679 reviews

Rock Yard Restaurant

4.6(1,613)

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.

aromatic dishes asian, vietnamese balance of flavours

1,405 reviews

Winner Winner Courtenay Place

4.5(1,412)

chicken restaurant · Te Aro

Winner Winner was born and proudly raised in Hamilton East by a team of passionate foodies working in the hospitality industry. Now in Wellington's Courtenay Place, it fills a gap for healthy, fast, fresh dinners or lunches that are inclusive to all food preferences.

buttermilk fried chicken comfort food fire-roasted chicken

608 reviews

KkRestaurant

4.4(797)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic and delicious Malaysian dishes, as well as the homely atmosphere and good value.

797 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.

american themed soul food burgers comfort food

734 reviews

TASTE OF HOME

4.6(703)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

A Taste of Home Wellington offers a variety of authentic Chinese flavours and takeaway options.

aromatic blends asian fusion chinese spices

579 reviews

$$ - $$$

Ngon!

4.8(663)

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 bold flavours dine in

466 reviews

$ Staff Pick

Fisherman's Plate Seafood

4.7(644)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and good value, particularly highlighting the rare beef pho.

family-style dining fresh seafood vietnamese seafood

644 reviews

$$ - $$$

Koji

4.9(538)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality, creative dishes, and outstanding service, making it a must-visit in Wellington.

asian, fusion

538 reviews

$$ - $$$

HIDEOUT

4.4(529)

asian fusion restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Hideout - an Asian Fusion Restaurant. Designed for sharing, our carefully curated menu will push you to experiment with new flavours, whilst also offering options for those with more timid palates.

asian asian fusion cocktail bar

529 reviews

Satay Kingdom Cafe

4.2(477)

malaysian restaurant · Te Aro

Satay Kingdom Cafe offers a variety of authentic Malaysian dishes, known for their rich flavours and traditional recipes.

asian curry fried rice

477 reviews

The Oatery

4.9(178)

breakfast restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the cosy atmosphere and the creative, well-presented food. The staff are described as lovely and accommodating.

178 reviews

Everybody Eats Wellington

4.8(176)

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 pay-what-you-can vegetarian options

125 reviews

Lemongrass Kitchen

4.5(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