Slider – Cafe Crawler Lucy

The Best BYO’s in Wellington

A BYO is the perfect place to get litty, whether it be for a birthday or just because you’re feeling extra thirsty on a Friday night. But the one question that always floats to mind when organising all the lads together is; where the heck do we go? To make this decision easier for you (so now all you need to think about is what wine has the most standards for the cheapest), I’ve compiled a list of the best BYO’s in Wellington that have always started me off well for a steamer of a night.

1. Great India

There are 2 things I love when its comes to a BYO – 1. A round table where you can chat sh*t to everyone, and 2. Flipping good food. Luckily, Great India has both of these (and a very cheap corkage) to kick your night off just right! The chefs at Great India specialise in dishes from South Gujrat and North India, with each dish bringing its own distinctive flavour and aroma (no matter how much you’ve had to drink) which simply can’t be replicated from your flats spice rack.

My top pick: Any curry, but get rice & naan for the whole table! This means they bring out a selection of different rices & naan to pick & choose from, and when I say a selection, I mean enough carbs to feed a small village.

2. Arashi

Arashi Kushiyaki Bar is, in my humble opinion, one of the best Japanese BYO’s in the CBD. If you’re looking for some lighter, less greasy meals whilst still being able to chug a bottle of wine in 15 minutes, then this is your place. From crispy skewered meats & proteins, to beautiful bowls of saucy teriyaki dons, Arashi can cater for any of your western asian food cravings – and has vegetarian/vegan options too!

My top pick: The Okonomiyaki! Savoury pancake, spring onions, Okonomiyaki sauce, and plenty of kewpie mayo – what’s not to love???

3. NewKor

“If you know, you know” is the phrase that comes to mind when I describe Newkor. Only a very select few of my friends know about this place, which after dining and (lots of) wining here, is an abomination. Situated just opposite the liquor store on Dixon Street (convenient, right?), NewKor serves up some of the sauciest Korean dishes around – and I can confirm that the dishes here are as authentic as they come. Oh, did I mention they have karaoke rooms upstairs and endless bottles of Soju? Newkor literally has everything you need for a night to (not) remember!

My top pick: Korean fried chicken. I only tried this because it was going to go to waste otherwise, but god it was like KFC on crack (without all the grease and using real chicken of course). Nobody, and I mean nobody, does fried chicken quite like Koreans do

4. Rasa

Located at the top of Cuba Street, or what I like to call ‘the rowdy end’, Rasa is a humble abode that serves up some killer south Indian and Malaysian cuisine. If you can squeeze your group in between its small walls then you can be reassured your night here will only be a fantastic one, as the team here prove that even the smallest of restaurants can be huge on flavour and quality.

My top pick: Roti. You cannot go to Rasa without getting a healthy serving of roti to pair with your meal, and if you do, you’re a psychopath.

5. Satay Village

When you say BYO, everybody in earshot instantly imagines mountains of Malaysian food, and there’s no other place that quite executes that authentic south asian flair than Satay Village. Inside the restaurant the decor is quaint, unassuming and very simple – but this facade soon disappears once the dishes start coming out, as the fragrances from their rice or noodle dishes soon fills your nostrils. Fun fact, they were the first ever Malaysian restaurant established in Wellington – so that means they must know a thing or two about that cuisine, right?

My top pick: The Laksa. I like to pretend I’m going to order something different, but the aromas and flavours of this dish drawn me in every damn time.

6. Indian Alley

Led by an A+ husband and wife team, the folks at Indian Alley take you on an authentic food journey through India with an abundance of awe-inspiring regional starters, mains, and desserts. With 2 restaurants across Wellington (one on Wakefield Quay, one in Press Hall), they have built a reputation of providing dishes which are daringly different and prepared with ingredients of exceptional quality for an enticing level of Indian flair. Whether you’re looking for a more casual dining experience with buffet or à la carte options OR seeking more of a traditional full service Indian fine dining experience, Indian Alley has you covered – oh, and you can BYO wine to make the experience even more enjoyable (and, perhaps a little more blurry!).

My top pick: Kurkure Paneer. Nothing in this world prepared me for the unfathomable flavour and texture of deep fried paneer with a fresh minty chutney dip.

7. Tequila Joes

If you’re for something a little more Western on your night out, then look no further than Tequila Joes! Being the only Mexican BYO Restaurant in Wellington, this place serves up some seriously saucy Mexican faves such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos – plus they have vegetarian and vegan options so no matter your dietary direction, you too can don the Sombreros and Cowgirl Hats and have a fiery fiesta of a night!

My top pick: Baja Fries. I know you’re coming to this place for Mexican, but trust me these pillowy fried pockets of spicy potato will line your stomach nicely for the night ahead!

Best Italian Restaurants Wellington

For a small city, Wellingtons dining scene boasts cuisines from every corner of the world – with each eatery bringing something delicious and unique to our tables. However, out of all the countries, Italian fare is the one that is loved the most by our little capital – and here are the best places to get your fix of fantastic continental food.

Cicio Cacio Osteria

With a goal to deliver an authentic Italian food experience to everybody who dines here, Cicio Cacio prides is somewhere to come for humble Italian meals that you’ve probably never heard of, but will become fast favourites. I would recommend some stand-out dishes, however, in true ‘Osteria’ or ‘family-restaurant’ fashion, the menu changes every month to based on produce, and to shed light on a variety of incredible dishes from all Italian regions. That being said, I can guarantee any dish containing their house-made pasta will be a sensational one.

Check out their menu here.

La Bella Italia

The 10 minute drive (or 20 minute train) ride here out to La Bella Italia is a minuscule price to pay for the second-to-none wining and dining experience you get in return. Pizza, pasta, gelato, anti-pasti, sauces, wines, oils; you name it, if its Italian in origin, this place either serves it or stocks it. Not only do they provide Wellingtonians with an authentic dishes and products – they also teach you how to make them too in one of their immersive cookings classes (which also make for fabulous birthday or Christmas gifts!).

Check out their menu here.

1154 Pastaria

Wanting for some quick, cheap & tasty pasta for a midweek meal? Look no further. 1154 has just one goal; to source the best ingredients possible to curate a menu made from all our favourite carb-centred pasta classics – and I think they do a pretty bang up job. My top pick has to be their Fettuccini Carbonara; a stunningly simple dish who’s punchy flavours never fail to astonish me.

Check out their menu here.

Pizza Pomodoro

At Pizza Pomodoro, their pride comes from delivering to the “original” Neapolitan pizza experience to us dough-hungry Wellingtonians. However, even though they’ve mastered the art of the Margherita, it doesn’t mean they don’t like to get creative. Toppings such as sausage, aubergine, smoked chicken and even roasted potatoes feature on some of their more flamboyant pizzas – and they even let you build your own pizza too (if you think you know flavour combos better than they do).

Check out their menu here.

Ombra

One of Cuba Street’s many famous food digs, who also happen to serve up some incredible food and drink inspired by the informal barcari (restaurants and bars) of Venice. Forget pizza and pasta dishes (although their Pizzette is bangin’), the real gold is hidden in amongst their small bite & vegetable menu items. Oozy arancini balls, crunchy cheesy broccolini, and thick crispy polenta chips – need I say more?

Check out their menu here.

Scopa

Scopa is another one of Cuba Streets Italian hotspots – but rather than serving up plates of pasta, they put all their focus into crafting the perfect pizzas. Staying true to their Italian roots, their pizza base recipe and method is exactly how the old Nonna’s all make theirs, but when it comes to the toppings, this is where they like to push the boundaries of tradition. Of course they serve up the perfect Margherita (which are $10 on a Tuesday), but their other pizzas feature ingredients like clams, spicy sausage, zucchini, potatoes, and even mint. Oh, and if you’re a sucker for sweet things, you’re going to love their molten hot chocolates (they’re the best in the city).

Check out their menu here.

Daily Food & Drink Deals in Wellington

Want to save a bit of cash for your next breakfast, lunch, or dinner date? Check out these daily food deals and drink deals in and around Wellington that’ll keep your wallet full, and your tummy even fuller!

Monday

Santeria – 2 for 1 classic Pizzas

Chow – 2 for 1 meal deals

Tommy Millions – Two slices of the original pizza for $5

Mediterranean Foods – Metre long pizza

Mad Mex – Meat-free naked burrito Monday’s $2 off

Leroys – 2 for 1 Burgers

The Old Quarter – Bao Down Mondays ($12 Bao + bubbles)

JJ Murphy’s – 2 for 1 pies

Vinyl Bar – 2 for 1 Pizza’s 5-7pm

Tuesday

Maranui Cafe – Tradesman Tuesdays $20 Big Breakfast + Coffee

Lashings – 2 for 1 Tuesday on any brownie menu item

Mockingbird – Taco Tuesday 3 tacos for $15 + house wine or beer for extra $5

The Botanist – Taco Tuesday $20 tacos + pint

Mediterranean Foods – Viva Vegan Tuesdays

Dragonfly – Half price cocktail specials

Scopa – $10 Margherita Tuesday

The Library – 2 for 1 desserts

The Rogue and Vagabond – $2 Taco Tuesday

Leroys – 2 for 1 Tacos, $8 Quesadillas

Flamingo Joes – $10 Cocktail Tuesday

Master Kong – 2 x Bao Buns for $12 after 5pm

Olive – 3 Course Dinner for $55 every Tuesday

Lulu Bar – 2 for $20 Cocktails

Wednesday

Sprig + Fern Seatoun – Burger + Pint $30

The Chippery – Burger + fries $12 with Student ID

Sprig + Fern Tinakori – $15 Pizza

Maranui Cafe – $15 Eggs on toast + bottomless coffee

The Old Quarter – Cocktail specials 241

Chow – 241 cocktail specials

The Library – 241 cocktail specials

Poquito – Wine & Cheeseboard for $20

POP – $10 Tap Cocktails

Zelati – 2 for $20 Waffle Wednesday

Havana Bar – $10 Tap beers, $8 ciders and $8 red & white wines

Lulu Bar – 2 for $20 Cocktails

Thursday

Yoshi Sushi & Bento – $20 Poke Bowl + House drink between 5:30-7:30pm

Amador – $10 Hot Pot after 5pm

Seashore Cabaret – 2 for 1 burgers every Thursday night

The Old Bailey – 2 for 1 dessert

Sprig + Fern Tinakori – $20 Pie + Pint Night

The Foundry – 2 for 1 Cocktails every Thursday

Lulu Bar – $10 Mojito Thursdays

Havana Bar – $10 Tap beers, $8 ciders and $8 red & white wines

Lulu Bar – 2 for $20 Cocktails

Vinyl Bar – $10 cocktails & $7 cruisers

Friday

Maranui Cafe – Black Fridays black coffee $2.50

Bitters & Love – $7 Coffee + Muffin, Creamy Puff or Madeleines

Yoshi Sushi & Bento – $20 Ramen + House drink between 5:30-7:30pm

Fidels – Pizza Special 3-7pm 2 Asahi’s + pizza $28

El Barrio – $10 Cocktail Hour (8pm-10pm)

The Hunter Lounge – 2 for 1 Margherita Pizzas from 3pm

Southern Cross Bar & Restaurant – $10 House-made Taptails Friday 6-9pm

Havana Bar – $11 Mojitos

Dragonfly – 2 for $20 cocktails after 10pm

Vinyl Bar – $8 Bubbles from 4pm

Saturday

Maranui Cafe – From 7am – 9am, eggs on toast and a coffee for $10.

Flamingo Joes – Flamingo’s Feast $50

Garden Hotel – Bottomless brunch $49

POP – Bottomless brunch

Coenes – $5 Mimosas 8am – 4pm

Master Kong – Kung Fu Yum Cha $39

The Arborist – $5 Brunch Mimosa until 5pm

JJ Murphys – 2 for 1 Burgers

El Barrio – $10 Cocktail Hour (8pm-10pm)

Sunday

St Johns – Bottomless brunch

The Realm – $8.50 breakfast (vegetarian & vegan options available)

The Arborist – 2 for $20 cocktails 4-6pm

The Welsh Dragon – Roast dinner + pudding for $30

JJ Murphy’s – Roast Dinner/BBQ + Drink $23

Crab Shack – Kids eat for free (12pm – 6pm)

El Barrio – 2 for 1 Desserts

Every Day

Sweet Release – Early morning discounted baked goods

The Hudson on Chews – $5 coffee and scone

Le Samourai – $5 coffee and scone/pinwheel

The Old Quarter – $15 lunch

Ozeki – $12 lunch specials

Garden Hotel – Happy Hour 5-7pm Wed-sun

Maranui Cafe – Fries + 2 x Milkshake $15 3pm-5pm

Concrete Bar – Happy Hour 4:30 – 6:30pm

Indian Alley – $14 for a choice of curry, naan, rice, and a soft drink

Great India – $12 Main, rice + naan

Chow – $15 lunch special Tuesday to Sunday

Mr Go’s – $7 Gua Bao of the week before 6pm

The Arborist – Happy Hour & 2 for $20 cocktails 4-6pm

St John’s – Happy Hour 4:30-6:30pm Mon-Friday

Hanging Ditch – $13 cocktails before 7pm

Ombra – Aperivito drink & complimentary bite deals 3-6pm

Vinyl Bar – Happy Hour 5-7pm

Where to Buy The Best Hot Cross Buns in Wellington

It’s coming up to Easter, and you know what that means (apart from a very celebrated 4 day weekend)? Hot cross buns! That’s right, its that time of the year to triple your bread consumption in the name of christ – and (in no particular order) here are the best place to do so:

Leeds Street Bakery

Not only do these guys slay a salted caramel cookie (seriously if you haven’t tried it you need to), but they also bring a whole new meaning to the classic Hot Cross Bun. With a tasty tangelo twist, these sultana-laden buns have that extra depth of flavour that you won’t find at your average-Joe bakery.

Lashings

Its only fitting that a place who prides themselves on the best brownies in town also whips up some strong contenders for Wellington’s best HCB (hot cross bun). And, they even incorporate some of their chocolate mastery into the batter of these bad-boys – creating a spicy, sweet and tangy explosion that’s all mellowed together with chunks of single-origin Dominican Republic 70% chocolate.

Thoroughbread

Vegans & Paleos – here’s something for you! On a mission to provide New Zealand with diet-friendly products, the guys at Thoroughbread prove that thigh-slappingly good hot crossed buns don’t have to contain any wheat, gluten or dairy. If you want nutty, spicy, fruity, fluffy buns with none of the allergy-nasties, these are the buns for you.

Aro Bake

Of course, I couldn’t write this piece without including our cities Hot Cross Bun breadwinner. Operating for over 30 years, you bet the team at Arobake have spent that whole time perfecting their recipe to create beautiful buns that never fail to put a smile on the ol’ dial – just ask any of their many stockists and they’ll sing the same praises!

Sweet Release

Another dairy free, nut free, egg free and vegan hot cross bun?? You betcha, baby – Wellington Easter’s are getting woke. Known for their vegan takes on naughty home style cooking, their uber-fluffy and diet-friendly hot cross buns are just as drool-worthy as any of their cult classics.

Clareville Bakery

Even though this bakery hails from over the Remutaka hills, their second-to-none baking skills make up for the time it takes to travel to this haven, just take one bite of their cronut and you’ll see what I mean. Here, hot crossed buns aren’t just a little snack to kill some hunger pains, they’re actually incorporated into the classic NZ’s brunch meals – think hot cross bun French toast with a dollop of cinnamon mascarpone and a sprinkling of seasonal fruit, bacon and maple syrup.

World-Famous Burgs at Ferg’s

Ah, Queenstown. What else can I say apart from it’s one of the most beautiful, serene places I’ve ever visited – not just in New Zealand, but in the world. Not only is Queenstown a hub for all adventure sport fanatics alike, but it’s the perfect place to come to relax, take in the beautiful views – and to eat. Of course, Queenstown has its famous cookie time shop, an abundance of awesome bars, and some super special waterfront eateries, but there is one place that springs to everybody’s mind when you mention food and Queenstown in the same sentence – and that’s Ferg Burger.

Just around the corner of the beautiful waterfront sits what I like to call, the Ferg establishment – a building that’s broken into three incredible food places; Ferg Bakery, Ferg Bar, and of course, Ferg Burger. Ferg Burger is famous world-wide for its gigantic burgers and generous servings of chips, so it’s no surprise that you can either smell the scent of food or see the line of hungry punters before you see the burger bar itself. On a normal day, you could be waiting up to an hour for one of these burgers, but luckily due to Covid-19 (the only time I think I’ll say that), Queenstown was stripped of its international tourists, so us locals could get our mitts around one of these bad boys in about 10 minutes flat.

Honestly, it took less time to get our burgers than to look at the whole menu. I don’t know what kind of magic they’re making here at Ferg’s, but they somehow manage to serve up about 15 different kinds of burgers without making a single one taste anything less than amazing. Since I’m on that vegetable grind at the moment, I went for their Holier than Thou – a deep fried tempura tofu patty with a spicy satay, coconut and coriander sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion & aioli – and oh my god. Satay and tofu are one of my all-time favourite combos, so I already knew I was going to like it, but heck I didn’t think I was going to scarf-it-down-in-5-minutes-flat like it. I literally couldn’t stop eating it because the flavours were so god damn addictive, and even writing about it now has me salivating. I managed to steal a cheeky bite of my boyfriends Bun Laden burger, which was a sensational combo of; falafel, lemon and chipotle yoghurt sauce, salad, avocado and aioli, and this was also a bloody knockout burger but with a fresher and lighter flavour combo. Oh, and how could I forget their chips?! They’ve even managed to make a humble chip something worthy of an award – they’re the perfect thickness, have the perfect crisp, have their skins on for that extra hit of nutrients, and come with some of the best tasting dips I’ve ever had.

So, all in all, the hype that you hear about New Zealand’s most famous burger bar is one that is definitely not overrated. Every single element of this place has been perfected to provide customers with a fantastic dining experience that you simply could not replicate anywhere else; the service, the atmosphere, the food, and the stunning views you can soak up whilst chowing down your champion sized burger. If you ever find yourself wandering around Queenstown with a rumble in your stomach, I beg you to go to Ferg Burger and see for yourself why this little burger bar has captured the hearts of customers far and wide.

Check out the amazing Ferg Burger menu here.

Wellington’s Best Breakfast Granola Bowls

Whenever people ask me what my favourite meal of the day is – they’re always a little taken aback when I confidently reply breakfast. Sure, dinner is great, but how good is a greasy bacon Eggs Benedict, or a sky-high stack of buttermilk pancakes – or the big English breakfast featuring all of your fried friends. All these options are terrific – especially to a breakfast lover like me – but there is one dish that, in my opinion, ranks above them all – and that is the humble granola.

Why you ask? Well, the beauty of granola, is it can be anything it wants to be. It can be chocolate-y, it can be nutty, it can be fruity, and it can be served with other tasty ingredients like yoghurt, milk, honey, stewed fruit – the list is endless. So, now you know why it’s such a crowd-pleaser, I’m here to shine some light on the cafes in Wellington that are acing this simple but delicious dish.

1. Comes and Goes.

If you’ve had the granola from here before, I’m hoping you’re reading this and nodding your head in agreement when I say that the granola from Comes and Goes has to come number 1. Not only did this beautiful breakfast bowl have the most gorgeous nutty granola I’ve ever tasted – it was topped with a vanilla panna cotta that Mary Berry would’ve been proud of. Along with the tangy berry compote, bittersweet cacao powder and colourful combination of fresh fruit – this granola bowl isn’t just the top of the list for granola, its hand-down got to be the best brunch I’ve tasted to date, ever.

2. Coenes

If you love sweets, chocolate and caramel – you’re going to love this daytime delight. I brunched at Coenes for the first time a few weeks ago, and of course to do a little more research for you guys for this write-up, I simply had to order their granola (although their eggs bene did look divine). Well. All thoughts of food envy & ordering-anxiety left my brain once that stunning plate of granola was place in front of me. Underneath the caramelized granola sat a layer of tart berry yoghurt, which offset the rich flavours of the extra cacao, caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, and whipped coconut cream. This bowl was a mix between breakfast and an indulgent after-dinner dessert – and I was totally there for it.

3. The Oatery

Going to a café to get your granola fix is good and all – but what if you want the goodness of granola outside? Well, that’s where the gals at The Oatery have your back – as their fresh, fruit and wholesome granola and porridge bowls come in at third on my list. I had my first Oatery Granola Bowl after a 10km run – and I tell you, it was exactly what I needed to refuel. Every bite of the lusciously fatty Fix & Fogg peanut butter, mixed with tart berry coulis, rich bananas, and nutty granola was to die for – and even though this bowl was massive, I reached the bottom in no time because I couldn’t stop myself digging in for more.

4. Goldmine

Now this one here was a dark horse I never imagined would make my top 5 – but here it is, the granola bowl from Goldmine. I came to this place expecting a nice brunch, nothing out of the ordinary – but instead I was surprised with a bowl of granola that had everything I loved going for it. Crunchy, candied, nutty granola pieces? Check. Soft and sweet poached fruit? Check. Two dairy options (or non-dairy in my case) to make the granola as soft or crunchy you want? Check. Even though this bowl didn’t push the flavour boundaries like the previous two, it executed every single element that a granola bowl should consist of perfectly – which is why it has come number 3 on my list.

5. Beach Babylon

Last – but definitely not least – is the granola bowls from our Oriental bay-side friends, Beach Babylon. Their granola is in fact so good, that they released their recipe to the public after an overload of requests. Of course, no matter how hard we try – our homemade version will never be as good as their beautiful bowl of nutty, oaty, buckwheat bliss. And did I mention it’s all vegan? Oh yeah. They go the extra mile here – serving it up with some good old coconut yoghurt, berry puree & fresh seasonal fruit (with a dash of your favourite milk substitute on the side) – which means everybody can go ahead and enjoy what they’ve got to offer!

Fix and Fogg: Peanut Butter with Power

The earliest reference of Peanut butter can be traced back to the ancient Incas and Aztecs, who used tools to grind down peanuts into a smooth paste. Fast forward to 1884 Canada, where Marcellus Edson first patented the process of crushing peanuts between hot surfaces to form a paste – and now? Now we jump to 2019, where many companies have pushed to get their peanut paste on the shelves of supermarkets and people are using this paste not just on toast, but in curries, porridge, granola, and even face-masks. Even though you can use peanut butter in so many diverse ways, the flavour was one that I couldn’t wrap my tongue around – all until one brand made their way into my morning porridge, delivering a taste that dissolved my disgust for peanut butter. This was Fix and Fogg.

Fix and Fogg was founded in 2013 by two soon-to-be parents, Roman and Andrea, who both felt a desire to ditch the law-life and bestow themselves to butters. This was a bold and adventurous move, which could’ve ended in either a sink or swim situation – which, is why they decided to name themselves Fix and Fogg, as both Phileas Fogg and Detective Fix from the 1873 adventure novel, Around the World in 80 Days, also embarked on a compelling, new, and frankly risky journey themselves – so that fit quite nicely.

I think I can speak for the rest of New Zealand, Australia, and anywhere that has tried their peanut butter, in saying thank god Roman and Andrea hung up their gowns and proceeded down the peanut-butter path of business, because their butters have changed the face of breakfast. Lunch and dinners in households all across the nation.

Even though life as a start-up was hard, and earning profits was the goal – Roman and Andrea hey never skimped on quality. The reason why Fix and Fogg tastes so damn delectable is because every single ingredient is sourced locally and ethically, with every batch made by hand – and nothing tastes better than fair trade food. Starting off by making just a few variations of smooth and crunchy peanut butter, they soon took off when a huge supermarket seller saw their boutique butter being sold in a furniture shop. The opportunity was seized, and fast forwarding to now, their butters aren’t only sold throw their secret shop window, but also seen on shelves and in store-fronts all over the world.

They may have captured the hearts of international butter-lovers, but they still like to keep things local. Everything, from acquisition of materials, to even the packaging, is made right here in Wellington – where Fix and Fogg are now considered condiment royalty. The brand has kept their premium status, and whilst being stocked by supermarkets, they still maintain their artisanal aesthetic through fair prices and peanut butters that go beyond the norm – think fruit toast, smoke and fire, honey, and even their new hazelnut or almond chocolate butters. Not only are their butters of sky-high quality and taste, but they have a sustainable flair too. All of their packaging is recyclable, and they even have a jar-collection initiative which encourages all customers to return their scraped-clean jars for reuse – how awesome is that???

It’s safe to say that Fix and Fogg has conquered the world of peanut butter. From mastering the art of the classic crunchy peanut butter, to actually hand-making toast, porridge, and acai bowls inspired by classic and unconventional peanut butter combinations, they’ve definitely spread their skills far and wide for everyone to experience. All I can say is this risk that Roman and Andrea took 6 years ago was one that has definitely paid off!

For more about their story and how to get your hands on a jar (or tub) of their perfect peanut butters, visit their site here!

5 Top Drunk Eats for Vegetarians in Wellington

Imagine this: you’re in town having a dance at Danger-Danger, which then turns into a 3-hour club crawl along Courtenay place. You’ve had a cracking night, but after 4 hours of slaying the d-floor, you’re in the mood for a high-calorie post-club chow down. Luckily, the city of Wellington loves its drunk eats just as much as drinking itself, so it’s after town food scene is definitely one to feed the masses. However, meat still reigns supreme – especially with the new addition of KFC – so I’m here to tell you guys about the top 5 vegetarian drunk eats that’ll make you even hungrier for your next night out!

1. Zambrero

Zambrero is famous for its after town feeds since its always open until 5am – meaning if you’re an all-night kinda person, this place always has your back when you need a mean Mexi-fix. This place does a variety of meats, but the ingredient that makes their food sing is 100% the refried beans and rice combo – which is why their vegetarian bean wrap is number 1 on my drunk foods hit list. For $12 you can get a burrito the size of your forearm packed with all the beans, rice, guac, and salsa you need. But that’s not all – you get to choose ANY sauces you want – and we all know that when you’re drunk any food tastes like heaven, so even if the sauce combo you choose doesn’t match, you’re drunk so you’re still gonna vibe it.

2. Courtenay Place Bakery

We’ve had a little taste of Mexican meals, however with this drunk eat, I’m taking you all the way back to New Zealand – specifically Courtenay Place Bakery – for a taste of the classic kiwi pie. Well, not the classic kiwi pie – that would be the mince and cheese combo. No, this is what us vegetarians/pescatarians now consider our kiwi class, a humble vegetable pie. This may sound boring to you – but before you give in to the oozy mincemeat, I want you to consider the ultimate flavours of carrot, kumura, peas, and potato (there may be other things in there but my drunk memory is impaired) all mixed together with a thiccc gravy that is bursting with winter crock-pot flavours. If you’ve never eaten a pie drunk, your life has only been half-lived, and if you haven’t eaten a veggie pie drunk – you may as well skull a bottle of Smirnoff now and get down to Courtney Place to see why it’s such an iconic mealtime moment.

3. Tommy Millions

If you don’t know what Tommy Millions is and you live in Wellington, please swiftly exit our city and don’t worry about coming back. Why? I would go as far as saying that having a slice of Tommy Millions is the initiation ceremony into Wellington. Their pizzas are NY-worthy, and with 5 set flavours and a weekly special teasing you from their window every day – it’s hard not to be tempted when you’re sober, but when you’re drunk? That’s a whole other battle – in which the pizza always wins. The best thing about Tommy’s, is not only are they open to the early hours to feed the lack-of-self-controlled drunkards, but normally 3 of their pizzas are vegetarian or vegan! For me, the go-to is their fungi pizza, which is a mass of mushrooms on a white base, oozing with beautiful mozzarella, all supported by a perfectly puffy crust. If you’re on your way back to Te Aro from town, make this your 1^st stop before saying hello to a sobering slumber.

4. Lord of the Fries

This is a newcomer to the post-town food scene, who prides themselves on bringing our capital a variation of vegan food that mirrors the likes of a whopper burger or nugget combo that you see from regular fast food giants. Even though Lord of the Fries is a little far from the hustle and bustle of Courtenay Place, their drunk-food deals are certainly worth the stumble up Cuba Street. Once you get there, you’ll find other like-minded and drunk-hungry vegans and vegetarians loitering around waiting for their share of fast food – but don’t be tempted by the burgers or nuggets, no. Save your dollars and spend them on something legit: their loaded fries. Now, when I say loaded fries, I don’t just mean a slap of cheese and some sauce – I’m talking a box full of starchy carbs, thicc gravy, melty curds and salty fake meats that’ll satisfy any cravings you’ve ever had. Just don’t eat it in bed when you’ve got a white waffle duvet – it’ll stain that MF big time, and you don’t need that hassle when hungover.

5. Subway

For those vegan or vegetarian drunks who prefer to eat a little lighter on their nights out – don’t worry – Subway will always have your back. Guaranteed, Subway did get a little same-y with either a vegetable or veggie patty sub, however, with their new introduction of falafel, feta (for the non-vegans) and sun-dried tomatoes, Subway has definitely become a go-to for a drunk post-town dinner. My go to order was always the flatbread, but since they’ve ditched that delicious bread, I’ve become a wrap girl myself. Chuck some falafel, feta, all the salads, tzatziki and garlic aioli on that bad-boy – and you’ve got yourself something sensationally filling and fresh for a vegetarian (but can be veganised) post town treat.