WellingtonEat & Drink
Four friends enjoy coffees at a table outside of Swimsuit on Dixon Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Swimsuit

Find perfect brews, buttery cheese scones, and a cool community vibe at this bustling central-city coffee shop.

Swimsuit is dedicated to quality coffee. Owner Tait Burge is an award-winning barista and a perfectionist when it comes to coffee. He ensures his team are the same. Using a unique blend of beans from local roastery, Coffee Supreme, every drink at Swimsuit is top-notch. 

A cheese scone, sliced horizontally and buttered on a plate with a napkin and a butter knife at Swimsuit Coffee.
The sunny interior of Swimsuit café on Dixon Street in Te Aro, Wellington.
A bird's eye view of a foamy cappuccino in a white coffee cup on a white saucer sitting on a light beige table top at Swimsuit Cafe located on Dixon Street in Wellington.
A person drinks a coffee while reading a book at Swimsuit Coffee, a café in Te Aro, Wellington.

The Dixon Street café is a morning sun trap, with outdoor seating and plenty of people watching. With a bus stop on one side, bike parking on the other, and busy Cuba Street just behind, the location attracts all types. It makes for a friendly and busy atmosphere. 

It’s the experience that motivates Tait – achieving the right energy so customers want to come back. He’s gone for a simple, modern fit-out, softened with some personal touches. 

“We’re all about crafting beautiful, high-quality products in a way that feels approachable and genuine. Since we opened, we’ve embraced the idea that 'it’s a vibe,' focusing on creating a welcoming space where our community feels cared for and hospitality is at the forefront,” says Tait. He’s managed to find the perfect balance between a cool kids hang-out and a warm community hub. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, it feels like you’re at your local. The service is quick, friendly, and consistently high. 

The exterior of Swimsuit café on Dixon Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Swimsuit is also in the running for Wellington’s best cheese scone. It’s no mean feat in the Wellington café scene, where quality scones abound. Freshly toasted and served hot with a generous side of butter, they go perfectly with your coffee of choice. If you’re not partial to a scone there are other light snacks to choose from. 

Together with his business partner Willy Bridewell-Roberts, Tait has three other cafés in the Swimsuit family. Each has its own buzz and a dedicated community of locals. Whether you visit the original café on Dixon Street or pop over to Park Road in Miramar, Lombard Lane in the city, or Victoria University’s Kelburn Campus, you’ll always find a warm welcome and a perfect coffee at Swimsuit.

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