Isabeau B.'s
Best gift stores
- 123IKO IKO Gift ShopTe AroIKO IKO is a treasure chest of marvellous trinkets and gift ideas for men, women and children of all ages. This is the place where items of the weird and the wacky sit on display from prices ranging from affordable to why do I not have enough money for interesting item that I could spend all day looking at. It is the foolproof place to go for any person that is impossible to buy presents for.
- 22Whitcoulls Cuba StreetTe AroWhen it comes to Christmas, birthdays or just general gift giving time a book is always a safe bet. If you have seen that special gift receiver reading a book at any stage in their life you could always buy them that same book, or ask one of the helpful salespersons to point you in the direction of the author or books of similar style. Alas, if books are not the gift of choice Whitcoulls carries a large range of beautiful stationary, hilarious games, and amazingly fun toys.
- 37Madame Fancy PantsTe AroWhen searching for a gift for one of my lovely girlfriends, mother or other great females in my life I will often make a trip to Madame Fancy Pants. This beautiful boutique store stocks hand crafted jewellery with affordable prices, of which I have purchased as gifts on more than one occasion. For those with a larger budget, take a look at the clothing and leather wallets/purses that have been crafted with care.
- 42Farmers Lambton QuayWellington CentralFarmers is New Zealand’s best department store catering to the needs and wants of many. With its various departments and increasingly upmarket quality it is a great place to find that special someone an appropriate gift. When Christmas time comes calling Farmers is one of the places I know I will be able to find a gift suited to each member of my family.
Isabeau B.'s
Fusion feasts
- 132Chow ToryTe AroChow provides an abundance of mouth watering tapas-style dishes with an Asian fusion twist. Two for one Mondays is an easy option on the wallet and with a modern romantic feel it's perfect for almost any occasion. Chow caters for most dietary requirements and offers a generous amount of drink options, regardless of what your poison is.
- 214OmbraTe AroOmbra, like the new kid at school, has been sparking everyone's interest. This new bustling Italian restaurant serves beautiful melt-in-your-mouth morsels. Each mouthful is full of flavour, and with only one to three small portions per meal it leaves you always wanting more. Even the name Ombra, which is Italian for shadow, rolls deliciously across your mouth. The lamb and rosemary meatballs were some of the best I've tasted. Served in a rich buttery sauce it is not a dish you will be willing to share. If you like your chips, roast potatoes or anything produced by the potato try the croquettes. The crispy crumbed outside wraps around the smooth creamy potato, providing the diner with great potato-y satisfaction.
- 39Pan de MuertoWellington CentralThis Mexican themed restaurant is a great option for a first dinner date. The quirky rustic atmosphere makes for some last resort pre-dinner small talk if the date heads for an awkward start. True to the Mexican spirit the drinks menu comes with a list dedicated just to the famous margarita. To start, I recommend sharing the corn chips and guacamole. The corn chips are mouth-watering and home-made, like all homemade recipes, these corn chips are the best I have ever tasted. Another great starter to share are the chimichangas, these tortilla cigars are filled with your choice of either chicken or pork and cheese. Paired with a spicy creamy sauce they are sure to leaving you dreaming for more. After getting to know your date better, you can mull over the main menu together. The enchiladas are a delectable option, tubes of your picking and fill in one of four sauce options. Chocolate fan? Try the chocolate and chilli sauce. A note to the payer of the date: The prices are on the higher side of things, though the meals and ambience are worth those pretty pennies.
- 47Cafe IstanbulTe AroThis rustic restaurant has a tantalizing ambience, encouraging you to think you have been swept up and taken to the Mediterranean for a flavour infused meal. Every Sunday and Monday Cafe Istanbul has 241 main meals. Each meal comes complete with hummus, salad, pita bread and your choice of meat.
Isabeau B.'s
Posh eats
- 120MatterhornTe AroMatterhorn is famous for its impeccable, mouthwatering food and cocktails to make your taste buds tingle. Whether you prefer the Cuba Street or Courtney Place scene, this hidden away restaurant-turn-bar is a great place to stop for a drink of the fancy sort.
- 211Floriditas screams class with everything to its beautifully created interior to its mouthwatering menu. Open for breakfast through to dinner, it always has patrons. Not only is the food delightful but the range of cupcakes and slices are to die for.
- 312This suave addition to the Wellington party district, omits class and sass. Influenced by the history and cuisine of Eastern Asia, Ancestral provides modern food combined with authentic flavours. The cocktail menu is shaped by the five cultures that created 1930’s Shanghai; America, Japan, France, Britain and China. Each cocktail is crafted with care and leaves the taste buds tantalized.
- 420Logan BrownTe AroFrom the moment the name Logan Brown leaves someone’s lips it oozes class and sends little dollar signs running around the brain. In Wellington, this is possibly the crème de la crème of posh eats. Well known for its fabulous steaks and impeccable food, it is definitely the place to go to treat yourself to not only magnificent food but the whole fine dining experience.
Isabeau B.'s
Best Indian Food
- 18Little India Cuba MallTe AroEven moving into spring, Wellington is unfortunately blessed with cool crisp nights. Nothing helps to warm up a chilly evening than a nice steaming hot curry. Little India provides an endless array of mouth watering spice-filled dishes for take away or eat in. The staff are effortlessly friendly, and the food leaves nothing to complain about.
- 211Great IndiaTe AroGreat India on Courtney Place, provides great Indian. The aromas that engulf your taste buds are delightful. Each mouthful of smooth spicy curry is welcomed. Perfect for large group dinners, dates or even those ‘curry in a hurry’ lunches courtesy of their cheap lunch menu. I recommend trying the onion bhaji, some of the best I have ever tried.
- 37Tulsi is famous for its claim to fame, award winning Butter Chicken. However, this is not the only Indian delight that goes above and beyond. This resturant located on Cuba mall is a popular place for eat in and with its cheap as chips (or rice) takeaway options its a sure winner!
- 40The Mint is perfect for curry lovers, specialising in both Indian and Malaysian Cuisine there is a type of Curry to suit every customer. The mixed platters are a great option as a starter to share, and I recommend the garlic naan to accompany your curry of choice. The Mint also have a range of spiciness catered for all with the choice of Kiwi hot or Indian hot.
Isabeau B.'s
Best outdoor areas in Wellington bars and cafes
- 149Fidel's CafeTe AroNamed after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.
- 240Southern Cross provides a relaxed dining experience. Famous for it's 241 stone grills on both a Monday and a Tuesday, you have to get in quick to avoid missing out. Stone grill is a clever way to make the customer cook their own meal while dining out. However, watching your meat (or vegetarian option) of choice cook away provides satisfaction when it reaches the mouth.
- 321Famous for strong roasts and some of the best coffee Wellington has to offer, this coffee house is a great spot for avid caffeine drinkers. On the edge of Te Aro park it’s a great takeaway option if you want to soak up some sun on the grass.
- 449Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club CafeLyall BayThis delightful sea-side cafe is in remembrance to the life saving club that burnt down in 2009. The beautiful food and old school atmosphere leaves for the cafe’s patrons waiting up to an hour during prime Sunday brunch time. The food and drink is well worth the wait, and I have never known of someone who has left disappointed. I recommend splashing out and treating yourself to a full breakfast.
- 512This suave addition to the Wellington party district, omits class and sass. Influenced by the history and cuisine of Eastern Asia, Ancestral provides modern food combined with authentic flavours. The cocktail menu is shaped by the five cultures that created 1930’s Shanghai; America, Japan, France, Britain and China. Each cocktail is crafted with care and leaves the taste buds tantalized.
Isabeau B.'s
Places to get a cocktail
- 120MatterhornTe AroMatterhorn is famous for its impeccable, mouthwatering food and cocktails to make your taste buds tingle. Whether you prefer the Cuba Street or Courtney Place scene, this hidden away restaurant-turn-bar is a great place to stop for a drink of the fancy sort.
- 219Every Tuesday this mysterious book-laden bar does 241 desserts. What better to do on a chilly night with your favourite person than snuggle up in one of Library's booths with a cocktail and a delicious sugary morsel for that sweet tooth
- 332Chow ToryTe AroChow provides an abundance of mouth watering tapas-style dishes with an Asian fusion twist. Two for one Mondays is an easy option on the wallet and with a modern romantic feel it's perfect for almost any occasion. Chow caters for most dietary requirements and offers a generous amount of drink options, regardless of what your poison is.
- 412This suave addition to the Wellington party district, omits class and sass. Influenced by the history and cuisine of Eastern Asia, Ancestral provides modern food combined with authentic flavours. The cocktail menu is shaped by the five cultures that created 1930’s Shanghai; America, Japan, France, Britain and China. Each cocktail is crafted with care and leaves the taste buds tantalized.
- 55The Black SparrowMount VictoriaThis delightful bar is hidden away underneath The Embassy. Accessible through an ominous cave-like corridor, it can easily be mistaken for another place to buy an ice cream or movie snack. However, this bar provides its patrons with an extensive drinks list and the capability to whip up almost any cocktail or drink that can be named.