WellingtonEat & Drink
A variety of delicious-looking sandwiches on the front counter at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it. Here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

Two friends sit across from one another at a small table inside Fred's, a sandwich shop on Cuba Street in Wellington.
A worker wears an orange jumper and plastic gloves holds a sandwich at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.
The exterior of Good Boy, a small sandwich shop and café in Newtown, Wellington. The front facade is made of large windows with wood framing and there is a small table outside with four chairs.
The front counter at Little Grump bakery located in Wellington Central. The back wall is covered in a white subway tile, the counter is a light-coloured wood and a worker is using tongs to pick up a pastry.
Food and jars on shelves inside Customs on Ghuznee street.
The display window at Dough Bakery Lombard Lane in Te ARo, Wellington, is filled with fresh baked goods for sale.
Shot from above, two people sit at a small square table eating sandwiches at Tricky's Sandwich Co., a sandwich shop in Upper Hutt, Hutt Valley.
Two friends sit across from one another at a small table inside Fred's, a sandwich shop on Cuba Street in Wellington.

Fred’s

149 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

The simple sandwich gets a makeover at Fred’s.

The Cuba Street spot serves elevated sandwiches seven days a week. In a rush? Grab one of the takeaway options from the counter and head on your way. If you’ve got time, order from the menu and pull up a seat. The bright orange and white interior is the perfect backdrop for your sammie selfie.

Fred’s bread is always fresh, coming from local bakeries. The menu has a roster of classics done well (the chicken is a local favourite). Weekly specials allow the team to get creative. Whatever you order, Fred’s is always fresh, filling, and packed full of flavour.

Fred’s Sandos — Instagram
A worker wears an orange jumper and plastic gloves holds a sandwich at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

Shelly Bay Baker

6G/14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Shelly Bay Baker has been quietly loafing around Miramar since 2017. It has been supplying cafés with bagels, baguettes, and other fresh bread creations and takeaway baked goods from its Miramar store. You can now visit it in its inner-city café.

Owner Sam Forbes has taken over the space of the former Leeds Street Bakery, so the lure of fresh bread will continue to hang over Hannah’s Laneway. Shelly Bay Baker ships its bread to the Leeds Street spot every morning, fresh out of the ovens of its Miramar warehouse and bakery (complete with its own flour mill). Sam is keeping several old favourites on the menu, including the beloved salted caramel cookies and polenta cake. There’s a fresh sandwich menu and of course, you’ll be able to pick up your favourite Shelly Bay sourdough.

Shelly Bay Baker — Instagram
The exterior of Good Boy, a small sandwich shop and café in Newtown, Wellington. The front facade is made of large windows with wood framing and there is a small table outside with four chairs.

Good Boy

88B Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

Coffee and sammies are an iconic duo for a reason. Head to Newtown to see them in action at a spot dedicated to the cause, Good Boy. 

The café and sandwich spot is owned by a couple of local lads, Al and James. The pair upgraded to their current location from humble beginnings as a hole in the wall. There’s space to sit and watch Newtown bustle by and admire your sandwich of choice. You’ll have three or four options to choose from, with the menu changing weekly. The team bakes the bread in-house and fills it with local produce and creative flavours. Paired with a coffee from local supplier Rich Roasters, it’s a very Wellington way to start your day.

Good Boy — Instagram
The front counter at Little Grump bakery located in Wellington Central. The back wall is covered in a white subway tile, the counter is a light-coloured wood and a worker is using tongs to pick up a pastry.

Little Grump

142 Featherston Street, Wellington

Everything is baked fresh at Little Grump. The Featherston Street pastry and sandwich shop is in the heart of the city, and keeps a steady stream of hungry customers well fed. Along with its own hand-shaped sourdough loaves, Little Grump is known for its sandwiches and toasties. Try a fresh vegan carrot sammie, or focaccia with prosciutto crudo, roast red peppers, and smoked provolone. The menu also includes almond croissants, cinnamon morning buns, ham and egg pie, and red pesto twists. Don’t forget the coffee. Supreme supplies the beans which suits the supremely good food.

Goods Wellington
Food and jars on shelves inside Customs on Ghuznee street.

Customs Brew Bar

39 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Wellington is spoilt for choice when it comes to excellent coffee options. One of the best spots in town for a quality brew is Customs. This reputation is enhanced by a quality sandwich menu to compliment your cuppa. For those passing through, there are fresh focaccia sandwiches wrapped up and ready to walk with you. If you want to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere there’s a board with a sandwich selection above the counter. Ingredients change depending on availability but quality never budges.

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The display window at Dough Bakery Lombard Lane in Te ARo, Wellington, is filled with fresh baked goods for sale.

Dough Bakery Lombard Lane

6 Lombard Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Masters of all things dough (it’s in the name), Lombard Lane’s Dough Bakery offers sandwiches, loaves, and baked goods galore.

Start your day with a breakfast sandwich, or go for a classic egg salad. Meat eaters can get a pastrami or BBQ chicken sammies. If you’re more inclined towards something hot, there are pies in the warmer ready to be taken away. Paired with delicious doughnuts and a fresh coffee, Dough is a one-stop shop for a daytime refuel.

You can also take away fresh loaves and pickled goods, courtesy of Dough’s sister café next door, Pickle & Pie.

Dough Bakery
Shot from above, two people sit at a small square table eating sandwiches at Tricky's Sandwich Co., a sandwich shop in Upper Hutt, Hutt Valley.

Tricky’s Sandwich Co.

7 Lion Court, Upper Hutt

Known for its bright yellow interior, this popular spot has earned a reputation for its delicious sandwiches. The menu centres around made-to-order sandwiches packed with fresh local ingredients. Pick your fillings or choose from a pre-set menu. There are simple and gourmet options, with filled rolls and a range of grilled cheese. House-made savouries, salads, and sweet treats are also available. Peoples Coffee is the blend of choice, along with a selection of cold drinks. While most people order to-go, there is a small amount of seating if you want to dine in.

Tricky’s Sandwich Co.

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People sitting on lawn chairs and bean bags on a grassy lawn enjoying food and drinks on a lovely summers day.

Alfresco in the city

There’s a reason why they say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. When it’s one of those days, the capital has a great selection of outside dining options.

A family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside.

Where to eat with kids

Here’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together.

A person in a red sweater cuddles their dog sitting on a beanbag, on the grass at Glover Park, outside Rogue & Vagabond.

Paws-itively dog friendly dining

Wondering where to eat with dogs in Wellington? These dog-friendly cafés and bars are a great place to start. If you’ve got a furry friend with a taste for a puppuccino, or you’re a dog lover hoping to spot a good boy/girl, these cafés and bars are great spots for dogs and humans alike.

Five Asian-fusion dishes, a pink cocktail, dishes and utensils on a table at a restaurant.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city. There’s a raft of great options hidden away in neighbourhoods and suburbs beyond the city lights.

Stacks of baked twists and scrolls sit on decorative plates.

Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

The Hutt Valley has a generous helping of artisan bakeries. From sourdough to pastries, here’s where you can find delicious goods wherever you go.

Heritage building facades line Jackson Street in Petone, as two people cross the pedestrian crossing with shopping bags.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.

Two people chatting inside The Big Salami in Porirua. A giant red car sits on the wall as decoration.

Eat your way around Porirua

Porirua and its suburbs are set between a two-armed harbour and west-facing beaches. Being so close to the water the city has attracted a large and diverse community. This brings a wide range of food options. From Thai green curries to Polish golabki, Neapolitan pizzas to hearty burgers — a feast awaits you.

The interior of The Botanist in Lyall Bay. The counter has a fake bush attached, and the floor is a black and white pattern.

For the love of vegetables

Eat your greens! That’s what your parents said right? Well, now you have no excuse not to enjoy the city’s tastiest greens (and every other colour of the rainbow). Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone interested in flavour-filled meals should give one of these places a go. There’s more than meets the eye in this meatless list of vegetarian-friendly places to eat.

A parent taking of a photo of their child posing in the Well_ngton sign on the waterfront.

Getting around Wellington — your guide to seeing the city

When you’re in Wellington the world around you always has something to look at. In and around the city there are many modes of transport where you can slow down and take in a view. Get around with the options below.

A cricket game at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on a sunny day.

Basin bites: Where to eat around the Basin Reserve in Wellington

You’ll be bowled over with the cricket season this summer at Wellington’s iconic Basin Reserve. There are plenty of games to catch. If you’re ducking out for a break to find coffee or food, there are some great options nearby. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner, before slipping back in to watch the WHITE FERNS or BLACKCAPS.