The 13 Best Breakfast Eateries in Wellington for Foodies
David Sims
| Last Updated: February 2024 Why did the Wellington hipster burn his toast? Because he only eats “artisanal char”.
Alright, now that we’ve got our carb-based humour out of the way, let’s get things straight: beyond artisanal char, Wellington is a haven for breakfast lovers. And luckily for you, we know ALL the best places to go in this particular paradise!
So, get your napkin ready, because here’s our list of the ultimate breakfast places in Wellington. These places will make sure that you start every day off right in the city!
1. Floriditas
Address: 161 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 3 PM & 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Floriditas has some seriously drool-worthy grub. Green eggs and ham are reminiscent of the classic Dr. Seuss favourite— the spinach hollandaise is something to rave about for days.
Pro Tip: Order their brown sugar pavlova and take advantage of their brunch drinks!
2. Neo Cafe & Eatery
Address: 132 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 04 385 9553
Neo Café & Eatery is a go-to for fueling up before conquering the day. Their breakfast bagels are like sunshine on a plate, guaranteeing to banish any lingering sleep monster.
And for the health conscious crew, the chia pudding is a dream. Neo’s version is a burst of fruity flavor, layered with coconut, yoghurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy or hungry, ditch the menu and build your own wellness bowl.
3. Karaka Cafe
Address: Odlins Square, Taranaki Wharf 2 Taranaki Street, Waterfront, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64027 916 8369
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot with a bit of Kiwi flare, head on over to the waterfront and pop into Karaka Café. This place is a little slice of Aotearoa, serving up traditional Māori kai with a modern twist.
Their breakfast burger is quite frankly, a game changer. But if you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, but still packed with flavour, give the fritters a go.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the additional add-ons. Whether it’s Hangi hash or smoked salmon these extras take your breakfast from great to outstanding.
4. Fidel’s Cafe
Address: 234 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 3 PM ‘
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +6448016868
Fidel’s Cafe has been serving up killer breakfasts for years. You have to try their baked Spanish eggs and their Cuban beans mixed with the smoked bronze cheese is to die for.
If you want something heavier, get their Cuban burrito. The smoked chipotle sour cream that it comes with gives the burrito pizazz.
Pro Tip: They do your eggs any way you want, and they have some killer add-ons. Add their herbed aioli and garlic.
5. Hippopatmus
Address: 90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 10 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 7 AM to 11 AM
Phone: +64048028935
Hippopotamus’s breakfast menu is off the charts! The hippo brekkie is a classic done to perfection. Plus, the serving size means it’s a feast fit for a king.
Even for all the plant lovers out there, Hippopotamus has you covered with their plant breakfast. It’s a smorgasbord of plant-based goodness that will leave you feeling nourished and ready to take on the day.
Pro Tip: If you need an appetiser, get their deli board. It’s a mouth-watering assortment of charcuterie, deli meats, cheese, and pickles, all served up with some delicious sourdough. It’s a great option if you’re looking to share or if you’re just really hungry.
6. Sweet Mother’s Kitchen
Address: 5 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +6443854444
Sweet Mother’s Kitchen is a Wellington classic and a must visit for any breakfast enthusiast.
They’re pain perdu is no ordinary French toast. This is New Orleans-style French toast served up with pecan praline bacon and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
It’s sweet, savory and completely indulgent—perfect for starting off your day.
Pro Tip: Sweet Mother’s Kitchen runs a waffle Wednesday. Yes, that means ALL-DAY WAFFLES.
7. Midnight Espresso
Address: 178 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 1 AM
Phone: +6443847014
Midnight Espresso is a great place to go if you’re on the hunt for a killer breakfast. Get their one big brekkie, if you want our advice.
It’s a hearty plate of scrambled tofu or eggs, (your choice) hash, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast. It’s just the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you can conquer anything the day throws at you.
Pro Tip: While you’re waiting for your food, give their pinball machine a spin. It’s a fun little way to pass the time and get into the relaxed quirky vibe of the place.
8. Loretta
Address: 181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Phone:
You have to try the Loretta waffles. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill waffles here— these are something special.
They’re drizzled with a chai spiced maple syrup, topped with fresh strawberries, and given a dollop of vanilla mascarpone. These waffles are a little bit of heaven.
But if you’re a savoury kind of person, don’t fret. Give their egg omelette a go too and you’ll be pretty happy.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their brunch drinks. Whether you’re a fan of the classic mimosa or you’re looking to try something like a spicy bloody Mary, Loretta’s brunch drink selection is top-notch.
9. Prefab – ACME
Address: 14 Jessie Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 4 385 2263
If you’re after a place that serves up some seriously tasty grub, Prefab Acme is a spot for you.
Try their porchetta and Swiss cheese baguette. The bruschetta is juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of Swiss cheese.
If you’re after something a bit lighter, enjoy their avocado and tomato and rye with marinated feta breakfast.
Pro Tip: Kombucha fans, order their kombucha tonic. It’s refreshingly tangy and the perfect pick me up.
10. Best Ugly Bagels
Address: 5 Swan Lane, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +6448033563
Pull up a chair and prepare to have your breakfast world rocked by Best Ugly Bagels. If you want something simple, stick with their marmite bagel. But if you want something adventurous, give their koko bagel a try. Get it slathered with their house chocolate, almond hazelnut and cashew spread.
Pro Tip: If you’re really famished, you absolutely must try the boss hog. It’s a breakfast that will leave your belly full for hours.
11. Sixes and Sevens Deli
Address: 51 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +6443812822
Grab one of their scones! These bad boys are buttery, flaky, and just the right amount of crumbly. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee and you’ve got yourself a perfect start to the day.
But if you’re really wanting to indulge, you should try the pizzetta. It’s a little bit fancy, more than a little comforting, and 100% delicious.
Pro Tip: If you want a taste of home cooking, you absolutely must try the family quiche. It’s the kind of dish that makes you come back time and time again.
12. Egmont Street Eatery
Address: 11 Egmont Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Brunch – Saturday & Sunday – 9:30 to 2:30 PM
- Lunch – Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 2:30 PM
Phone: +6448016891
We love their buttermilk waffles—and why not? Warm fluffy, waffles topped with creamy hazelnut, mascarpone, fresh, strawberries, and so much more.
But if you’re more of a savoury breakfast kind of person, give their fried potato with avocado and smoked fish a go instead.
Pro Tip: Get their kimchi cheese and mustard toastie if you want something different!
13. Baobab Cafe
Address: 152 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6443800470
Baobab Café is a place where you can feel the warmth and charm of Wellington, all while enjoying a scrumptious breakfast.
Their cornflake-crusted French toast will give you sweet dreams all day. The homemade apple compote it’s served with makes for an utterly indulgent way to start the day.
Pro Tip: Most dishes at Baobab can be made vegan.
