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

Visit the café and coffee roastery that was a pioneer of Wellington’s celebrated and world-famous 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.

Extending up past the Embassy Theatre, Marjoribanks Street has a clutch of intimate eateries offering great food and service. Rosella, housed in a two-storied 1886 house, adds a little bit of exotic charm to the surrounding hospitality businesses. Co-owned by Johnon MacDonald and Kat Strand, Rosella capitalises on big, bold, fresh flavours. Johnon’s food takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. The serving style is modern with a share-style approach.

Damascus is a restaurant on Tory Street, tucked just off bustling Courtenay Place. Run by husband and wife duo Hasan and Flora, Damascus serves up authentic Syrian food using Hasan's family recipes for lunch and dinner.

Expect the best-ever versions of well-known Middle Eastern dishes like falafel, hummus, and other mezze plates. This family-friendly restaurant has a laidback and comfortable vibe, a welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful decor.

Modern yum cha is about three things: dim sum, tea, and connection. Dragons Restaurant on Tory Street nails each one.

Yum cha involves small portions of steamed, pan-fried, and deep-fried dim sum dishes, served in bamboo steamers and washed down with tea. All dishes are designed to be eaten communally, because, at its core, yum cha is about people meeting and sharing food.

The busiest day at Dragons is Sunday when the whole restaurant is bustling with large groups. If you like people watching it’s a great time to head along. If you’re after a quieter experience, try a weekday lunch.

There’s a healthy serving of Cuban pizzazz a block from Cuba Street. Award-winning cocktail bar and eatery Havana Bar and Restaurant serves a diverse range of internationally inspired tapas and seasonal plates. Think beef skewers, confit cabbage, and venison carpaccio. It’s tucked away on Wigan Street in two colonial cottages. The old wooden floors and colourful decor create a tropical, Cuban atmosphere. A great lineup of local and international musicians and DJs play two nights a week. Grab yourself some tapas, a cocktail from the extensive list, and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Home to all things Welsh, The Welsh Dragon is believed to be the only bar of its kind in the southern hemisphere. With the Basin Reserve still within sight at the other end of Cambridge Terrace, it’s not too far to walk. Whether you’re looking for a pint of traditional Welsh ale or want to take in some live music, the Welsh offers a variety of entertainment. 

Set inside a former grand public toilet, the walls are adorned with Welsh history and memorabilia. The outdoor beer garden will be tempting for a post-match discussion, too.

Drawing inspiration from Hawaii to Aotearoa, Lulu offers a distinctly Pacific hospitality experience. With a mantra of ‘Oceanic eats, drink, party’, it’s a fun and lively place to stop in for a meal or drink. Courtenay Place is a healthy stroll from the Basin Reserve but worth the effort. The modern share plate menu and cocktails list will please most palates. You might find things like rum-spiced crispy chicken or eggplant roulades. The walls are adorned with greenery and Pacific imagery making for a fun ambience.