Who else has wandered down Lambton Quay, confused and broken, not knowing what to get for lunch? Yep - I thought so. Which is why I've been meaning to get around to this post for THE LONGEST TIME!
But, like all of you, I seriously don't know where the hell this year is going. So - finally - here is the post I know you've all been waiting for. Where to eat around Lambton Quay is something I've personally struggled with to varying degrees over the years. I used to work as a lawyer on The Terrace and then after in Government in Molesworth Street. As a total food snob, I did not want to sacrifice my quality of eats because of my location. And so, here are my favourite finds in this part of town for when you need inspiration about where you can go and get a feed.
Name: Coffee 86.
Address: 86 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Coffee, cake and cabinet food.
What to expect: Intimate yet groovy Te Aro vibes at the end of Lambton Quay. Great cabinet food, great coffee, great service. If you are really a Cuba Streetie at heart, you'll get your fix at Cafe 86.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Those in the know with taste!
Name: Yoshi Sushi & Bento.
Address: 126 Featherston St, Wellington 6011 / 110 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Sublime sushi
What to expect: Fast and easy sushi with excellent Miso soup. Good prices and well-made sushi. Learners and little tables for quick eats on then go.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Business men looking to have a healthy bite to eat as the dash back to a meeting.
Name: Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen.
Address: 103 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Easy on-site eats or takeaway Vietnamese rolls and salads.
What to expect: Fresh authentic Vietnamese food, with the best ingredients.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Those seeking a jazz up of their usual Sushi routine.
Name: Seize Lambton Quay.
Address: 117 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Clean eats.
What to expect: Amazing salads, mostly raw, rich delicious cakes and slice, fresh juices and the best bliss balls in town! A personal favourite of mine.
Price rating: $$
Most Loved By: Those who crave Little Bird Unbakery opening in Wellington.
Name: Mexican QBT.
Address: 33 Customhouse Quay.
Style of Dining: Mexican fiesta meets hole-in-the-wall takeaway.
What to expect: The most delicious Mexican in town at the best price. Quick and easy eats. Get the fizzy drinks - they're incredible too!
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Those who love to sunbathe on the waterfront, eat with their hands and dream of Mexico in Winter.
Name: Lambton Square.
Address: 180 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Foodcourt with 'tude.
What to expect: Lots of options from Mad-Mex (a personal fav) to Subway and everything in between. Can get very crowded at lunch so make sure you stake a table.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Those wanting to meet up with friends and eat different things.
Name: Mojo Waterfront.
Address: Kumototo Plaza, 33 Customhouse Quay.
Style of Dining: Casual urban cafe with great coffee - menu and cabinet food available.
What to expect: Delicious pizza and perfect coffee from Mojo's expertly trained baristas.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Working women looking to do a coffee catchup!
Name: Wagamama
Address: 33 Customhouse Quay
Style of Dining: Asian fusion via an international chain style where you get what you order.
What to expect: Really yummy ramen - fast service.
Price rating: $$
Most Loved By: Those wanting a filling yet familar dish that hits all the sweet spots in their belly. Great to go to with large groups.
Name: Crab Shack
Address: Queens Wharf, Wellington
Style of Dining: Coastal themed casual dining
What to expect: Great seafood, delicious Sangria and perfect Mexican influenced dishes. Clam chowder anyone?
Price rating: $$ - $$$
Most Loved By: Ladies who lunch or casual business men making a delicious deal.
Name: Rahzoo.
Address: 32 Waring Taylor Street.
Style of Dining: Takeaway or cafe style. People come far and wide for their incredible salads.
What to expect: A fresh salad bar with dishes to meet every taste and preference. Vegan and Vegetarian's will be thrilled with the choice available. Takeaway and eat in midland park.
Price rating: $ - $$
Most Loved By: Those who need to start their diet today but don't want to sacrifice taste!
Name: Astoria.
Address: 159 Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: European cafe come bistro.
What to expect: A fresh selection of excellent cakes daily, pretty good coffee, nice lunch options.
Price rating: $$ - $$$
Most Loved By: Wellington's lawyers, accountants and judges, looking for a quiet place to read the paper.
Name: Tommy Millions
Address: Corner of Johnston and Featherston Street.
Style of Dining: New York style pizza with local ingredients from Aotearoa.
What to expect: The best god-damn pizza in town.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Everyone!
Name: Louis Sergeant
Address: 146 Featherston Street
Style of Dining: Patisserie
What to expect: Delicate teas, fresh pastries that feel like you're VIREMENT in Paris and excellent service from staff (they kindly offered me a coffee while I took photos).
Price rating: $ - $$
Most Loved By: The madamoiselle who likes a quiet parlez over les macarons.
Name: Thunderbird
Address: 154 Featherston Street.
Style of Dining: Tex/Mex style diner.
What to expect: Sweet Mother's Kitchen for Lambton Quay.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: You'll find a wide mix of people here from yo-pro's to suits - anyone who enjoys a good dirty feed!
Name: Two Grey
Address: 2 Grey Street.
Style of Dining: Modern Fresh Lunching.
What to expect: Great contemporary food prepared with attention to detail. Reminiscent of Melbourne/Sydney dinning.
Price rating: $$ - $$$
Most Loved By: Those who want an intimate corner to not be disturbed, tantalised taste buds and a full belly.
Name: Tank
Address: Various throughout Lambton Quay.
Style of Dining: Healthy takeaways.
What to expect: Bangin' green juice, smoothies, salads - all real quick!
Price rating: $$
Most Loved By: People who need nourishing in a rush.
Name: Pravda
Address: 107 Customhouse Quay
Style of Dining: European smart-casual dining in a wonderful atmospheric building.
What to expect: Well executed classics.
Price rating: $$$
Most Loved By: Those seeking to impress.
Name: Dumpling'd
Address: 30 The Terrace and also Boulcott Street (a bit of a hike from Lambton Quay but still worth a mention).
Style of Dining: Dine and dash food made before your eyes.
What to expect: Seriously desirable dumplings.
Price rating: $
Most Loved By: Those who love a good dumpling!
