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 Finger lickin' chicken |
129 Willis Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 1444 |
Armadillo's claim to serve big food with "straight shootin'" service stands up to scrutiny at this ever-popular tex-mex joint. Features include brick walls, red, white and blue flags, big bar, and a bright and breezy crowd looking for a good feed and fun. Dixie chicken, spare ribs and great steaks are dished up with country music and a smile. Wash them down with a beer or margarita! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Traditional food and style |
134 Cuba Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 5489 |
Traditional Asian food at realistic prices is what this colourful restaurant on cosmopolitan Cuba Street does best. Suitable for groups and couples who will enjoy the charming and homely pink and red decor. Offers traditional favourites such as Beef Rendang, Spicy Dry Curry Beef with Steamed Coconut Rice, and Satay with Peanut Sauce. Lots of curry dishes available and value for money lunch time specials. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beijing duck specialist |
164 Riddiford Street Newtown Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 389 7988 |
In the centre of historic and cosmopolitan Newtown you will find this specialist in Northern (mandarin) Chinese cuisine. Inside watch the chefs at work through viewing windows into the kitchen. There are at least 100 different dishes on the menu. If you can not make up your mind, choose the banquet menu. Cheap lunches include a soup and main. Plenty of Dumplings, Spring Rolls, Crispy Chicken and other favourites come as starters and a separate vegetarian menu is available. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Eat fantastic Turkish mezes by a cosy open fire |
156 Cuba Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 4998 http://www.istanbul.co.nz/ |
This Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Cuba Street is bound to please. It is spacious, with brick walls and low light rustic decor. There are long tables with bench seats for groups, or smaller spaces for couples. The fabulous fresh food, at reasonable prices, attracts a mixed crowd. The Mixed Meze is a perennial favourite. Have it for a meal or share it with a group as an after show or movie snack. Fully licensed or bring your own bottled wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: GIALIAT |
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Suburban lawns, meals, coffee |
61 Ottawa Road Ngaio Wellington 6004 New Zealand +64 4 479 5707 |
This is a pleasant cafe situated in the central suburb of Ngaio. Housed in a tastefully renovated villa, the restaurant has a large dining area and a balcony for eating al fresco. The varied menu includes mains like Penne Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Olives and Pesto and Rack of Lamb with Boysenberry Sauce. You can buy a Ploughman's Platter, among other things for lunch and there is a kid's menu. Licensed to sell both wine and beer but also great just for coffee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coffee supplier |
27 College Street Mt. Cook Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 9748 http://www.laffare.co.nz/ |
Not just a popular inner city cafe, L'Affare is also synonymous with great coffee and is Wellington's foremost coffee wholesaler. The full range of blends is available over the counter, and phone or e-mail orders are also available. Rumour has it that Wellington has more cafes per head of population than New York and L'Affare is riding on the back of that demand. Sample a cappucino in-house and buy the beans before you leave. Your taste buds will not be disappointed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Affordable Italian fare |
37 Dixon Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 9057 |
For many years this restaurant, from its upstairs location, has served good cheap homestyle food to a mixed clientele. Plain but tidy decor with classic red and white checked table tops and Chianti characterise this Italian favourite. A good pre-theatre choice or night out for the family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stars and stripes |
97 Dixon Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 2724 |
Situated in the heart of the city, you will be hit on entry by stars and stripes, and an abundance of red, white and blue. The decor is bold and brassy, just like the neon cowboy out front, which signals your arrival. Serves up big burgers with big names like 'El Paso' and 'Cape Cod' as well as omelettes, fries and a variety of other goodies. Wash them down with beer, wine or a great cocktail. Ever-popular chicken nibbles and mini burgers are available for the kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fresh fish from the boats |
P. O. Box 16035 Newtown Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 389 6465 |
Fine fresh seafood directly from the local boats is available at this large retail outlet just out of the city. You can buy premium grade fresh or frozen fish to cook at home or try an in-house fish and chip meal. A wide selection of whole and filleted fish is available as well as local shellfish. The firm also imports a range of olive oils that are supplied to distributors, restaurants and supermarkets, and are also available retail. It is ideally located for those commuting to the southern or eastern suburbs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A feast for the eyes |
Korte Voorhout 3 Evans Bay Wellington 2511 CW New Zealand +64 4 386 1363 |
You can feast on the beauty of Wellington harbour, and the tasty seafood, from this scenic suburban restaurant. It is spacious with massive glass windows, which make you feel part of the seascape. An international menu is available for lunch, brunch and dinner. Try the tasty Fettucine or Cajun Blackened Fish with Melon and Sun-Dried Tomato Salsa. Children are welcome. Also caters for functions and weddings. Fabulous any day of the week, sun or storm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fish, fish the family dish |
79 The Esplanade Petone Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 939 9888 |
On the Petone foreshore, just 10 minutes or so from the central city, this restaurant is worth a visit if you are looking for a taste of life in the outer suburbs. Situated upstairs, it has a great view across the harbour. The sea theme is maintained in the decor. Fresh fish meals form the backbone of the menu. The Fish Fillet is always a good choice. It will be served as you like it - battered, crumbed, baked, Cajun style or grilled. Popular with locals and families. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New Zealand style |
342 Tinakori Road Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 472 6238 |
Relax as you are served brunch, a light meal or dinner in a colonial building on the city fringe in historic Thorndon. Covering two storeys, the restaurant features warm wood, up and down, and always displays work by local artists. Low-key modern music is played and the service is friendly. Upstairs dining is slightly more formal. Light meals include Quesadillas, Corn Fritters, and Tandoori Chicken Salad. Monday night specials are available. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good reputation |
117 Taranaki Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 9729 |
The utilitarian facade of this restaurant on one of Wellington's main thoroughfares belies the varied, quality, reasonably-priced menu on offer inside. The restaurant has simple, functional sit down facilities. It attracts a mixed crowd including many local Chinese. There are 111 items on the menu for lunch or dinner, many of which will be familiar to lovers of Chinese food. Banquets are available for eight to ten. A traditional Yum Char is served on weekends and public holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inexpensive Cambodian cuisine |
124 Cuba Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 801 7949 |
This authentic Cambodian restaurant is well worth a visit if you are looking for appetising Oriental fare at a reasonable cost. Located in the heart of Wellington's vibrant Cuba Street, it offers a quiet haven for lunch or dinner. Popular for business lunches, with shoppers and for pre-theatre meals. The varied menu includes noodle and rice dishes, meat, poultry, seafood, vegetarian. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inexpensive, tasty Malaysian cuisine |
22 Brandon Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 499 1989 |
Despite its name this central city bar is mainly a restaurant. Chef Yen Soo travels regularly to Malaysia to keep abreast of contemporary culinary developments. The long, narrow room with bright friendly atmosphere attracts a business clientele for lunch and mixed-age patrons in the evening. Licensed with a wide choice of meals from an eight-page menu. Try the Tofu Goreng, a delicious fish curry, a traditional Laska or Nasi Pular (bundles of rice wrapped in banana skins). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Malaysian on the city fringe |
Corner of Tory & Vivian Streets Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 801 7777 |
Stroll to the fringe of the city for appetising food at this inexpensive restaurant. Located in an older-style villa, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. It is popular with groups who want to share the Malaysian, Thai and Chinese dishes offered on the extensive menu. For a tasty treat try the Laksa Melaka, a mixture of seafood and tofu with sambal, laksa leaves, lime juice and coconut milk served over noodles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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International burgers |
200 Courtenay Place Foodcourt 1 Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 8646 http://www.mcdonalds.co.nz/ |
Looking for a taste that you can rely? You will, of course, find it here. Regular fries, Cheeseburgers, Happy Meals and an ever changing range of combos are available. Before that, it is the world famous MacDonalds Big Breakfast. Refreshments are limited to soft drink, juice and hot beverages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mexican magic |
32 Riddiford Street Newtown Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 389 3983 |
A homely and reasonably priced restaurant - possibly one of the few true bring-your-own-wine places left in town. It offers pleasant, unpretentious dining in a small and cosy lounge with burnt orange walls, exposed beams of dark wood and Mexican inspired bric-a-brac. Frequented by locals, groups and families. Offers a moderate range centred on Enchiladas and Tacos, though there is a constantly changing specials board as well. A choice of four desserts will nicely complete your meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hong Kong and Sichuan style restaurant |
25 Tory Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 3288 |
This large restaurant offers a range of Hong Kong and chinese meals and delicious Yum Char lunches at reasonable prices. Well-lit, with modern Chinese décor, it welcomes children, attracts a mixed-age clientele, and has an excellent reputation amongst the local Asian community. Special dishes are available if you order in advance. The Whole Baked Salmon with Black Bean Sauce served on an enormous platter is a real treat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mongolian hotplate barbecue |
25 Majoribanks Street Mount Victoria Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 3592 |
This specialist in all-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue-style cooking can be found amid a cluster of restaurants at the base of Mt Victoria. Plush surroundings with dark walls, rich red upholstery and a simple wall fountain give an aura of the Orient. A good choice for families. Meals are reasonably priced - separate for adults and children - and include a soup and a selection of meats and vegetables that are presented to the chef for hot plate cooking. Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great gourmet pizza bar |
9-11 Blair Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 9777 |
This popular destination attracting an eclectic crowd is seldom empty and always buzzing. Family groups are welcome especially early in the evening. The restaurant combines great food, served in booths or at long tables for pizza sharing groups, with bar space and a small courtyard at the back for those enjoying a drink. Offers a fabulous array of gourmet pizza and pasta. Try the addictive Thai Chilli Chicken pizza. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Ah Kit |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen  |
 Photo: kate mew |
 Photo: Duane Weller |
 Photo: Erueti Brown |
 Photo: Mark and Liz Koci |
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Quality suburban kitchen |
155 The Parade Island Bay Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 383 5596 |
For high quality reasonably priced Thai food head to this suburban restaurant in Island Bay village. Do not expect all the frills here just honest Thai chilli dishes and curries in a rather pedestrian setting. Serves satay, of course, and a reasonable range of seafood and chicken dishes in spicy but delicately flavoured sauces. While frequented primarily by Island Bay locals and others from the Eastern suburbs, it is well worth a special trip, or stop in after a day at the beach. Only open for dinner. Not licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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NZ cafe of the year 1997 |
148 Oriental Parade Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 939 3935 |
This large, popular, relaxed eating house close to the city and the harbour was voted New Zealand cafe of the year in 1997. Long and light, the cafe has an extended bar, large blackboard menus, a restaurant area and outdoor courtyard seating. Serves breakfast, lunch (big gourmet burgers at NZD14 with fries are good), anytime snacks and dinner. Mixed evening menu includes curry, chicken and fresh fish of the day, all reasonably priced. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Up-market pizzeria |
87-89 Upland Road Kelburn Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 475 7123 |
If you are in the city, why not hop on the Cable Car to stylish Kelburn for brunch. Here you will find traditional Italian-style food including delicious pizzas cooked in a manuka-fired oven. The variety of pastas, curries and salads on the menu will probably tempt you to stay on for dinner. The decor is modern, atmosphere relaxed and friendly, and families are welcomed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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South Indian and Malaysian cuisine |
5/120 Victoria Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 382 9807 |
This centrally located café, popular both as a takeaway and for casual dining, is noted for its tasty inexpensive food. The menu is extensive with a range of curries, noodle and rice dishes to choose from, as well as a variety of delicious roti breads. Casual atmosphere and candlelit tables add ambience to this friendly little cafe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: petra jane |
 Photo: LLSnow |
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Authentic |
64 Kilbirnie Crescent Kilbirnie Wellington 6003 New Zealand +64 4 939 4666 |
Authentic Thai food in this small somewhat spartan restaurant is tailored for European tastes but every Thursday night, or by request, they will spice up your meals with their genuine hot Thai fare. The extensive menu includes delicious satay chicken and fish dishes at very reasonable prices. Children are well catered for with small portions available on request. If you can get through your main meal try the scrumptious sticky sweet desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spectacular cityscapes |
1 Upland Road Kelburn Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 475 8727 http://theskyline.co.nz |
Magnificent views are on offer for those who think about going up, instead of out, for lunch. Located 120 metres above the central business district this is a good place for a meal or snack, or as a function venue for weddings, conferences or cocktail parties. Enjoy Wellington in the elegantly decorated dining room or on the expansive terrace for al fresco dining and views of the harbour and nearby gardens. The licensed cafe opens for casual meals, including an inexpensive lunchtime buffet, and snacks. For a fun excursion take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Delectable desserts |
25 Kent Terrace Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 385 2551 http://www.strawberryfare.co.nz/ |
Experience dessert dining at its best or stick to the mouth-watering savoury specials at this restaurant with a difference. Contemporary and spacious, with simple pastel décor and a relaxed friendly ambience, it is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Best known around town for its desserts such as Tiramisu, Lemon Meringue Roll and Devil's Dream Cake. Main meals like Lamb Rack, Chicken Breast or Farmhouse Salmon set the mood for the gateaux. Licensed. Diners card maybe used only for purchases of over 80 NZD. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nautical night out |
Freyberg Lagoon Oriental Bay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 8884 |
Wellington's only floating restaurant offers great views--city lights, ferries, and a procession of yachts sailing into the nearby marina. The marine theme continues inside the restaurant, which is light and spacious. Children will enjoy the novelty of eating in a boat. Try it on a Sunday--they have been dedicated 'family day'. New Zealand seafood is a speciality though meat and vegetarian dishes are also available. Seafood fans should try the Mystery Seafood Bounty - a selection of seasonal seafoods. Fully licensed with bar area for pre-dinner drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
