Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side up

Loretta is a smart but casual café on Cuba Street. It serves wholesome and delicious food that reflects the natural earthy style of the restaurant’s interior. With warm woods and lots of natural light, the space feels cosy and comfortable. There are 120 seats, so big groups are more than welcome. 

The wood-fired pizza oven creates beautifully charred pizzas and breads for your table. Loretta waffles or brown sugar porridge might entice those with a sweet tooth. Pair with a Coffee Supreme brew, a green smoothie, or pumpkin spice ice cream.

August is a Mediterranean-inspired café in central Wellington. With a moody colour palette and an intriguing menu, it’s not your run-of-the-mill brunch spot. Housed in a hospitality space at the front of a heritage-listed Methodist church and dotted with pink stools outside, it’s sure to catch your eye. The whole space glows with a burgundy-hued warmth. 

Co-owner Tanase’s Greek heritage, along with his Romanian roots, influences the menu. Instead of French toast, August offers tsoureki, a Greek brioche made at Easter.  August is famous for its Istanbul eggs made with Aleppo chilli butter. Dining at August is an experience that’s warm, welcoming, and polished. 

Experience an upscale brunch at Floriditas. The café has made a name for itself with its delicious and inventive seasonal fare. The food is elevated Kiwi classics meet European bistro dining. The smoked fish hash has been on the menu since day one, and locals would probably protest if it were ever taken off. 

Inside, an exposed ceiling, dark wood panelling and floral features provide a warm atmosphere. The heritage building, built in 1912, still has many of its original facades. Its location next to Swan Lane has large windows around the café. Sit in a cosy booth, and bathe in the mid-morning sun.

Start your day with a caffeine hit from the roastery that was a pioneer of Wellington’s coffee culture.

With its pared-back industrial look, L’affare is one of those cafés that appeals to everyone. Sprawling and spacious, it’s a buzzing spot seven days a week. Its all-day menu features classic café favourites and the kitchen can make your eggs any way you like them.

And the coffee, of course, is always fresh, expertly made and delicious. Choose from espresso or filter, with house-roasted beans. The ‘beanstore’ within the café has all your coffee machinery needs covered, from cups to plungers to manual makers.

Neo Café & Eatery on Willis St offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The all-day menu is simple food done well. The chefs use high-quality produce that changes with the seasons. Expect strong coffee, breakfast classics like pancakes and eggs, and plenty of wholesome ingredients.

Among the selection is Neo’s spin on the classic Kiwi big breakfast. Called the Neo and Keto feasts, they have considered elements that will leave you feeling comfortably full. For something lighter, there are fresh salads or baking from the cabinet.

Found between a florist and a clothing boutique, the interior is suitably refined. It’s sleek and Scandi-inspired, with American oak tables and lush greenery. Local roastery Supreme Coffee supplies the caffeine while you watch the world go by from the big windows.

Olive is a long-standing Cuba Street café and restaurant. With its own brunch menu, the food is a mixture of traditional and contemporary. Expect breakfast classics, seasonal produce, and some surprising flavours.
The interior is bright and warm, and an easy spot to park up with a coffee and scone. But keep walking through the inside space to the back courtyard to find the real star of the show. 

Olive’s garden courtyard is tropical and lush. The inner city oasis centres around its namesake olive tree, with vast greenery forming a canopy above. It’s the perfect spot for a catch-up with friends, or a delicious, laid-back brunch.

Looking for a mid-week brunch fix? Prefab is a local favourite offering great food and coffee, a buzzing atmosphere, and welcoming hospitality.

The fit-out may be industrial, but the space exudes warmth. Long communal tables are always filled with hungry diners. The aroma of coffee roasting, bread baking, and delicious plates of hot food all add to the ambiance.

Open for breakfast and lunch, Prefab specialises in unpretentious food, done well. The breakfast menu features classics like toast, granola. and eggs. Prefab also has a busy in-house bakery, with fresh bread heavily featured across the menu.

Fidel’s is a Wellington institution, adorned with memorabilia and imagery of 1950s Cuba. It’s loved for its character and location as much as its food and coffee. Choose from the extensive pre-prepared cabinet food, or opt for something from the menu. Both offer a great array of gluten-free and vegan options. The brunch menu runs from early morning to afternoon. Try the baked Spanish eggs or Cuban burrito for a flavourful take on brunch classics. 

All meat and eggs are free-range, and Fidel’s makes a point of choosing responsible packaging and supporting local suppliers. Wash it all down with Havana coffee, or a legendary thick shake.