Mari T.'s
Petone Pearls
- 14Kilim RestaurantPetoneThis place has always been a great BYO spot for catching up with Hutt mates but I finally got around to trying out one of their take out kebabs. YUM! I had a falafel kebab which was loaded with fresh salad leaves (not the limp iceberg bits you get at other places), carrots, tabbouleh and some amazing sauces. The felafels themselves were delicious, straight from the fryer, not the microwave! I usually wish I had gotten a meat version after the first bite but not this time. The service was friendly and efficient and they also take text orders. The best lunch I've had for $9.50 in ages.
- 216La Bella ItaliaPetoneThere’s so much to love about this family run restaurant. The service is excellent with great food to match. They also have an amazing deli where you can buy an array of cured meats and cheeses to recreate their tasty antipastos as home. They also do catering, classes and have a shop full of imported Italian foodstuffs. There’s so much to eat, drink and see, I could spend all day here!
- 32This place never lets you down. The staff are friendly and professional and they serve great pub food. Don’t forget to try their garlic loaf, so good! It’s always packed after work on a Friday and rightly so, it’s a great place to catch up with friends!
- 46The Butcher & BrewerPetoneThis is a great place for after work drinks if you happen to be in Petone. It has a great atmosphere, great food AND on Fridays they do a cupcake and cocktail special!
- 51Palace CafePetonePalace can always be trusted for a tasty treat. They have a menu board as well as cabinet food for when you’re in a bit of a rush. They do a really good samosa and their service is super friendly. They seem to have a lot of regulars, which can only be a good thing!
Mari T.'s
Date Night
- 132Chow ToryTe AroChow is a great place to go for a first date. The way their dishes are served encourage conversation and sharing. It’s also a good chance to scope out your date’s eating habits. There’s no pressure to finish a big plate if your nerves are frayed, and to further calm yourself you can choose something from their extensive list of drinks. If you want to be thrifty, they do great 2 for 1 cocktail specials on Wednesdays and 2 for 1 plates on Mondays.
- 26The White House RestaurantOriental BayTo be honest, when the Mr announced he was taking me to The White House for a very special treat, I was a little scared. I’m not feral, but I’m also no Posh Spice. I tried to keep my cool as we walked up and were greeted by immaculately dressed waiters, but the view from our table was pretty spectacular. They had a spectacular degustation menu but we agreed we’d better save that for an even bigger occassion. When our waiter brought over the palate cleanser, which was a mango ‘soap’ bar with honey flavoured foam, he smiled and let us rave on about how cool it was, even though he’s probably heard it all, he didn’t let on. We were super happy with our service, our waiter was warm, friendly and knowledgable. Thanks to him we had delicious wines to go with our delicious food. It’s not somewhere a lot of people can go very often but I think it’s definitely worth the experience!
- 33Cobar RestaurantDays BayLocated out in sunny Eastbourne, Cobar is a great restaurant with a stunning view. Being out on the beach, the restaurant has a relaxed vibe but their service is still impeccable. The food was amazing to match and I can’t wait to go back in the summer to sit outside and put on one of the Cobar straw hats.
- 418Capitol RestaurantMount VictoriaWith it’s mood lighting, this place is perfect for a date! It’s just the right amount of fancy and their food is impeccable. It’s located on Kent Tce, so it’s conveniently located for going to after or before drinks.
- 50Martin Bosley'sOriental BayAnywhere by the water is going to be a great spot for a date, but Martin Bosley is just a bit special. The renowned chef’s dishes are so beautiful it’s almost a shame to eat!
Mari T.'s
Around the World
- 18Leuven Belgian Beer CafeWellington CentralLeuven is known for their kg pots of mussels but you can also get a variety of Belgian delights. With so much to choose from, taking your pick can be a bit of a chore. But I must say, in all my times here, I’ve never picked a dud or known anyone else to. Everything on their menu has a suggested beer match and on Sundays and Mondays and you can ‘double your mussels’! I often go here before a game at the stadium or for after work snacks if I don’t want to go up the other end of town.
- 26Kazu RestaurantTe AroIrashaimase! Is what the workers here yell as you enter the restaurant, it means ‘welcome’ and is heard everywhere in Japan. Once inside you can choose to sit at the traditional low tables, at the bar or at a table with chairs. The menu is full of a mixture of traditional and made-for-locals dishes. A few of my faves are - the agedashi tofu, which is deep fried tofu served in a light broth. The sashimi and avocado salad which has an incredible dressing And the spicy crab which the waiter agreed was delicious if not very traditional. I would say this was the most authentic of Japanese restaurants with their variety dishes and their Japanese speaking staff. They also have a great selection of Japanese drinks!
- 39Pan de MuertoWellington CentralI think this place has one of the best fit outs in Wellington. So much attention to detail with sugar skulls and mosaics galore. I can’t go past the Jalapenos Rellenos (deep fried, cheese filled chillies) and their churros. They have a range of Mexican beers and tequilas if you’re feeling brave and of course they do a great range of margaritas too!
- 412El MatadorTe AroThis Argentinian restaurant is a great place to go with friends. My group shared one of their steak plates, which was loaded with perfectly cooked meat and came with a side of their delicious chimichurri. I also highly recommend saving room for the churros, which comes with an incredibly moreish chilli chocolate dipping sauce. Muy bueno!
- 516La Bella ItaliaPetoneThere’s so much to love about this family run restaurant. The service is excellent with great food to match. They also have an amazing deli where you can buy an array of cured meats and cheeses to recreate their tasty antipastos as home. They also do catering, classes and have a shop full of imported Italian foodstuffs. There’s so much to eat, drink and see, I could spend all day here!
Mari T.'s
Girls, girls, girls
- 16Social Cooking WellingtonWellington CentralI went with a group of friends for a hen’s do. We were greeted with bubbles and platters on arrival and we sipped and nibbled as the hostess explained the afternoon’s activities. We would be making champagne cupcakes (YUM) and then we’d battle it out to make the best gingerbread bride and groom. Even the reluctant bakers had a good time, one girl half joked it was probably because the lovely ladies were cleaning up after us. It was so much fun and definitely perfect for our bride-to-be. I’m looking forward to trying out their other cooking classes too!
- 29FincTe AroA friend came back from Oz on a fleeting visit and booked us in to check out the Sunday high tea at Finc. We started off by picking a tea each which came out in adorable tea pots and were then served bubbles before we started on our stack of savouries. We had lovely club sandwhiches and incredibly moreish mini salmon quiches - I couldn’t get enough but knew I had to save room for the second round. It was a smart move if I do say so myself, out came deliciously fresh scones with jam and cream, egg tarts and rather large boysenberry cheesecakes. We had our teapots topped up and washed down the afternoon’s gluttony. Unusually for a high tea, we finished up feeling full and satisfied. The Sunday High Tea at Finc was the perfect way to catch up with the girls!
- 319This is an awesome place for a girly catch up. On Wednesdays they do 2 for 1 cocktails and on Thursdays, 2 for 1 desserts! Cocktails and desserts, two of my favourite things! And the Library has a really good vibe, with lots of old books strewn about, you’re sure to have some great convos. The lighting is flattering too!
- 422Beach BabylonOriental BayThe best thing about this retro beachside eatery is their selection of fondues. They’ve got cheese for the purists and butterscotch for those with a sweet tooth. A group of your fave girls around a pot of fondue is a guaranteed good night! Don’t forget, the first person to drop into the fondue pot shouts the first round of drinks!
- 51Sweet PeaPetoneAdorable sums up everything about this shop! So much attention to detail! On Fridays, they do nibbles and drinks and they are famous for their delectable high teas! At the end of the high tea, you get to choose one of their beautiful cupcakes to take home. Don’t forget to book, because spaces fill up fast!
Mari T.'s
Learn Something
- 11Wellington High School & Com Ed CentreMount CookSo many classes, not enough time! The Community Education Centre have a range of classes to suit. From languages to fitness, cooking, crafts and business courses, the classes are offered throughout the year. The great part is that for a lot of the more popular classes, there are options for days and times. Some courses go for a term, others a month, there are even Saturday courses. Go with a friend or brave it alone, the teachers are friendly and so are the other students. It’s never too late to learn something new!
- 22Wellington Circus TrustNewtownEver wanted to join a circus? Learn a party trick? Touch your toes? This is the place to learn it all. They take students of all shapes, sizes and abilities in a safe and encouraging environment. I’m currently trying to master the art of hand balance but there are HEAPS of other course such as hula hoop and trapeze too. Half the fun of going to class is watching the others leap, bound and balance around you. I don’t think enough people know about this Wellington gem so go and see how cool it is for yourself! It’s good for you too!
- 36Social Cooking WellingtonWellington CentralI went with a group of friends for a hen’s do. We were greeted with bubbles and platters on arrival and we sipped and nibbled as the hostess explained the afternoon’s activities. We would be making champagne cupcakes (YUM) and then we’d battle it out to make the best gingerbread bride and groom. Even the reluctant bakers had a good time, one girl half joked it was probably because the lovely ladies were cleaning up after us. It was so much fun and definitely perfect for our bride-to-be. I’m looking forward to trying out their other cooking classes too!
- 434I’ll never get sick of going to Te Papa. I aways take out of towners - make them stand in the earthquake house and then show them the colossal squid. They love it! It’s also the perfect rainy day hide out and entry’s free! They also have great exhibitions and events where you’re bound to learn something!
- 518Wellington City GalleryWellington CentralI love going to this beautiful building to look at their beautiful artwork. They have a great selection of contemporary works by both local and international artists. Their Nikau Cafe is amazing too.
Mari T.'s
Best brunch spots
- 149Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club CafeLyall BayWe waited impatiently in line, tapping our feet as we stared longingly at the cabinet of goodies. All traces of hanger left as soon as we were seated by the window, what a view! The Mr ordered a milkshake while he waited for his food and wow there was a good truckload of ice cream in there! The food came and it was as breath taking as the water. I was sad it had to finish but thought of the good deed we were doing by letting someone else enjoy the delights. The views and the fresh air outside will make you feel a lot better too if you had a big one the night before.
- 214PrefabTe AroWe’d heard great things about this place so we were happy to be able to go during a sport-free Saturday. We weren’t disappointed. The place was a hive of activity with families, friends and couples, old and young. We were quickly seated at one of the communal benches and placed our coffee order while we perused the food menu. Before long the waitress brought over our meals. The Mr got the Huevos Rancheros Pizza - verdict? Breakfast pizza= genius! The gentleman accross the table smiled at us and told his partner he wanted that the next time. I had their soup of the day with freshly baked bread. That bread! So good! They bake batches every few hours so your bread is always warm and amazing! I wish it was open on Sundays too but Prefab is pretty fabulous!
- 310DragonsTe AroYum cha isn’t technically brunch but time it right and it’s a great substitute. There are a couple of great yum cha places in Wellington, but this one gets a special mention as I think it has an awesome atmosphere. The staff here are warm and quick. Another reason Dragons rates so highly is because of their mango pudding. There’s nothing worse than having to fight over the last bowl but here, the lady (who I assume is one of the owners) came over, asked us how many we wanted and swiftly brought over the bowls of tropical goodness. I’m glad I didn’t have to share because it was DELICIOUS. Dragons is always packed in the weekend so don’t forget to book!
- 445Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroA Wellington institution, Sweet Mother’s does a great brunch. The Mr always gets the waffles, which comes with fried chicken and maple syrup! I often switch it up between their tacos and po boys - a crispy baguette with fish (or whatever meat you choose), crispy lettuce and their amazing Creole mayo. Ordered with the curly fries and a dessert and you’re set to conquer the rest of the day! The staff are hip and helpful and there are loads on the walls to keep your wandering eye entertained. You can’t book so you’ll just have to try your luck.
- 58Boat CafeOriental BayPreviously located across the road and known as Parade Cafe, this cafe is in an old converted boat on the water and is very cool. They have amazing cabinet food and their menu is just as brimming so it can be hard to choose but everything I’ve had here has been delicious! The staff here are super friendly and Boat Cafe is a great place to go rain or shine!