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Best Quick Lunch Spots in Wellington (2026)

Wellington is bustling with quick lunch spots that cater to the busy urbanite without compromising on taste. From gourmet sandwiches to fresh salads and local favorites, these eateries ensure you can enjoy a satisfying meal even on the tightest schedule.

20 places

Photo of Everybody Eats Wellington $

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

Photo of Mariluca Ristoro - The Terrace

Mariluca Ristoro - The Terrace

4.9(20)

italian restaurant · Wellington Central

Welcome to Mariluca Ristoro, where Chef Jeoffrey's menu offers an inter-regional array of dishes from traditional Italian cuisine emphasizing freshness and simplicity.

fresh ingredients italian desserts italian pasta

20 reviews

Photo of Pho Viet Street Food $

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

Photo of Soul Shack $

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

Photo of Lemongrass Kitchen $

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

Photo of Mr Go's $$

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

Photo of The Old Quarter $$

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

Photo of Winner Winner Courtenay Place $$

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

Photo of Huxley's $$

Huxley's

4.5(502)

restaurant · Pipitea

Huxley's Bar and Eatery is your CBD escape for all-day dining and bottomless coffee. We're serving up modern diner food with great coffee, cold beer, tap cocktails & good times in the heart of Wellington.

bottomless coffee cold beer dining bars

417 reviews

Photo of K C Cafe & Takeaway $

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

Photo of Willis Lane

Willis Lane

4.5(627)

food court · Wellington Central

Willis Lane is a vibrant food court featuring a diverse array of bars and eateries, designed for both convenience and destination dining.

american sandwiches italian pizza japanese sushi

627 reviews

Photo of 1154 Pastaria $$

1154 Pastaria

4.4(1,451)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious pasta and cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot for casual dining.

1,451 reviews

Photo of Joe's Garage Wellington $$

Joe's Garage Wellington

4.4(1,710)

cafe · Te Aro

At Joe’s it’s all about the food and drink experience, and the cool, casual and welcoming attitude.

brekkie dinner dog-friendly

1,185 reviews

Photo of The Tasting Room $$

The Tasting Room

4.4(1,025)

restaurant · Te Aro

The Tasting Room is a completely dog friendly venue inside and outside, offering a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere.

craft beer dog-friendly gluten-free options

915 reviews

Photo of Beach Babylon $$

Beach Babylon

4.3(2,237)

cafe · Oriental Bay

Beachside cafe serving brunch, burgers, elevated mains, tiki cocktails & more in a retro atmosphere.

brunch dinner local wines

1,921 reviews

Photo of St Johns Bar and Restaurant $$

St Johns Bar and Restaurant

4.3(1,617)

restaurant · Te Aro

Modern restaurant & bar featuring a menu of contemporary New Zealand dishes & patio seating.

cocktails contemporary new zealand menu international tap beers

1,617 reviews

Photo of Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina Wellington $$

Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina Wellington

4.2(2,273)

restaurant · Wellington Central

With an unrivalled attitude and offering that showcases the best of California’s vibrant coast & LA street scene, Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina in Wellington is your first and last stop, every time.

bar food california street food casual dining

2,273 reviews

Photo of Sweet Mother's Kitchen $$

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

Photo of ZZAN Wellington $$

ZZAN Wellington

4.2(471)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Welcome to ZZAN Fried chicken

fried chicken

471 reviews

Photo of Mama Brown $$

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