five cups of coffee in wellington

So, when I was searching for a place to call a temporary home here in New Zealand, it only made sense that I picked the city with more bars and cafes per capita than even New York City.

I think everyone in town has a definitive opinion on which roastery they like best, and there are a bunch: Flight Coffee, l’Affare, Peoples Coffee, Supreme, Red Rabbit, Karamu, Acme & Co, and Havana (to name just a few). Cafes that serve each kind are scattered across town, so if you’re craving some ‘spro you can get it even if you’re in Lyall Bay. I’ve rounded up five of my favourite cafes here in town. I have been to all of them, so rest assured you are getting an unbiased opinion 😉

memphis belle
11 dixon street

These guys are my favourite. It’s a tiny shop with a great crew: Johnny is always there with a smile and “hello, miss!” (we finally actually got introduced when I said I was writing this…) There’s always great music playing loudly (as I write this, Uptown Funk is playing) and they are solid with their coffee (they serve Flight Coffee.) A hodge podge mash up of furniture sits outside so on a sunny day you can enjoy the weather, or you can cozy up inside by the floor to ceiling windows and watch the world go by. Make sure you check out the ceiling and see if you can spot yours truly 😉

red rabbit coffee co
leeds street, hannah’s laneway

Tucked away next to Leeds Bakery in Hannahs Laneway is Red Rabbit, a tiny little shop and roastery that serves their own blend. No syrups here, they take their coffee seriously. It’s sweeter than flight coffee, and a little more like Turkish coffee. I love this place because of the incredible smells that waft past: coffee, chocolate, and freshly baked bread. Three of the best things in the world.

fidel’s
234 cuba street

Another favourite of mine, Fidel’s serves the ever-popular Havana coffee. Order a latte bowl and cup your hands around it on a chilly day, or get an iced coffee when the sun is shining. They have a rambling shack for dine-in, and they have a little takeaway hut outside. Fab service from the takeaway hut too – and beats standing around inside. Their breakfast is to die for and they get really busy when they open, so I definitely recommend going early. Be prepared to wait anyway.

midnight espresso
178 cuba street

Just down the street from Fidel’s is Midnight Espresso, another Havana coffee stockist. They also serve an array of yummy counter dishes: from sweet cakes to savory sandwiches and salads. Also, if you’re inclined that way, they’re mostly vegan. My favourite place to sit is in the window. Also, true to their name, they are open late.

espresso rescue
food truck

{image from espresso rescue}

 

A delightful little green truck that appears at the Underground Market on Saturdays and the Harbourside Market on Sundays. Espresso Rescue is where I stop to get my coffee before sitting on the waterfront and then doing my market shopping. They use Ripe Coffee, from Petone (just around the bay.)

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