Coffee Lovers’ Guide to Wellington’s CBD

 

There’s something special about mornings in Wellington. Maybe it’s the smell of roasted beans drifting through the laneways, or the sight of locals wrapped in scarves, cradling keep-cups as the breeze from the harbour rolls in. 

For a city its size, Wellington punches far above its weight when it comes to coffee, and its compact CBD makes exploring the scene a true pleasure.

Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a midweek business trip, you’ll never have to wonder where to find the best coffee near the CBD: it’s everywhere you turn. Wellington’s central streets are designed to fuel the caffeine-loving heart.

Here’s where you can find the best coffee in Wellington near the CBD.

 

 

Best Coffee in Wellington For True Caffeine Lovers

 

Every Wellingtonian has a go-to spot, and they’ll defend it passionately. But even locals agree on a few must-visits in the heart of the CBD.

 

Evil Twins

161B Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington

In a city obsessed with coffee, Evil Twins on Willis Street stands out with serious personality. This family-run café oozes cool and community in equal measure, and pours a killer brew. Alongside the usual black and white coffees, they’ve made a name for their jarred drinks.

Try the oat milk triple-shot latte, iced chocolate, or peach tea, but don’t miss the crowd favourite, the Matcha Love, made with 100% ceremonial matcha and packed with green goodness.

 

Pour & Twist

Credit: pourandtwist

 

13 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A few minutes away, Pour & Twist delivers a completely different vibe. As New Zealand’s first manual brew bar, it’s all about hand-crafted perfection. Here, there’s no machines, no electricity, just pure skill and patience. 

The minimalist space and calming atmosphere make it ideal for anyone who loves their coffee ritual slow, simple, and expertly made. It’s little wonder why it’s regarded as one of the best coffee spots in Wellington.

 

Customs by Coffee Supreme

39 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Customs by Coffee Supreme is a Wellington icon and a must for any coffee lover. With sunlight pouring through big windows and the smell of freshly ground beans filling the air, it’s easy to see why locals rate it among the city’s best. 

Whether you’re craving a silky flat white or something more adventurous, the team here consistently gets it right with that perfect blend of warm service and coffee that feels like home.

 

Swimsuit

38 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Run by award-winning barista Tait Burge, Swimsuit is a true Wellington favourite. With four cafés under the Swimsuit name, each has its own loyal community, and the Dixon Street spot is a sunny morning hangout perfect for people-watching.

Serving top-quality brews from Coffee Supreme, every cup reflects Tait’s perfectionism and passion for great coffee. Don’t leave without trying the cheese scone: it’s easily among Wellington’s best.

 

Best Brunch in Wellington That Locals Love (And You Will Too!)

 

Wellington takes brunch seriously: it’s not just a weekend ritual, it’s practically a sport. The city’s cafés hum with conversation, the smell of good coffee, and that unmistakable energy that comes from people genuinely enjoying great food. 

Here are a few of the best brunch spots in Wellington  that deliver every time.

Fidel’s Café

Credit: @fidels_cafe

 

32a Wigan Street, Te Aro, Wellington 

An absolute institution on Cuba Street, Fidel’s Café captures everything people love about Wellington: relaxed, creative, and full of character. The portions are generous, the vibe is friendly, and the menu caters to everyone, from classic bacon-and-eggs lovers to vegans chasing hearty plant-based plates. 

Grab a table in the courtyard, sip a strong coffee, and watch the world go by. This is Wellington brunch at its best.

Caffe L'affare

Credit: Laffare

 

27 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A pioneer of Wellington’s world-famous coffee culture, L’affare is a must-visit café and roastery. Its industrial, open space buzzes seven days a week, serving an all-day menu of café classics (and eggs cooked just how you like them). 

The coffee is always fresh and expertly made, with beans roasted in-house and available to take home. Don’t miss the beanstore, stocked with everything from cups and plungers to sleek manual brewers.

 

Pravda Café

107 Customhouse Quay, Wellington Central

For something sleek and central, Pravda Café is a Wellington classic that never misses a beat. Set just off Lambton Quay, they offer freshly baked pastries and coffee that’s every bit as good as the food.

It’s a favourite for business breakfasts, lazy brunches, and anyone wanting a little extra refinement without losing that relaxed Wellington feel.

 

Delicious Vegan And Gluten-Free Cafés

 

Wellington’s café culture is all about inclusion. It’s one of those rare cities where being dietary-friendly doesn’t mean dull. From creative vegan plates to gluten-free baking that rivals the original, these spots prove that you can have it all: flavour, freshness, and a welcoming atmosphere.

 

Neo Café & Eatery

132 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 

Just steps from the busy heart of the city, Neo Café & Eatery makes eating well feel effortless. Their bright, modern menu is packed with vibrant plant-based dishes, from tofu scrambles and vegan pancakes to chia puddings and colourful salads. 

Pair it with a single-origin brew and you’ve got one of the easiest, most reliable vegan-friendly meals in the CBD.

 

Loretta

181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

On Cuba Street, Loretta blends design-led minimalism with warm, generous hospitality. The menu celebrates seasonal, local produce, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that never feel like an afterthought. 

Whether it’s a gluten-free granola bowl, roasted vegetable hash, or a perfectly balanced oat flat white, Loretta has cemented its place as one of the best brunch spots in Wellington. The interior alone invites you to settle in and enjoy every bite.

 

Seize

Credit: @seizewellington

 

21 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central

Seize is a go-to spot for raw treats and wholesome eats in the heart of Wellington. Their raw Snickers slice alone is worth the visit. Feeling adventurous? Try their beetroot latte. The menu includes plenty of vegan-friendly options for both dine-in and takeaway.

Sustainability is part of the experience: guests can bring their own containers or use the Reusabowl system to borrow and return bowls across the city. 

 

Quick Café Stops When You’re On The Go

 

Not every morning calls for a slow brunch or a lingering latte. Sometimes you just need that perfect cup on your way to a meeting or a quick bite between exploring the city. Fortunately, Wellington’s CBD is full of small but mighty cafés where you can grab something great and keep moving.

 

Customs by Coffee Supreme

39 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington

For coffee that’s consistently excellent (and served with a smile) Customs by Coffee Supreme is hard to beat. The space fills quickly, but service is efficient, and the team never rushes the details. 

Grab a takeaway espresso and you’ll see why locals keep this spot on their daily route. 

 

People’s Coffee Pop-Ups

If you prefer something a little more offbeat, People’s Coffee pop-ups and small outlets around the CBD are perfect for grabbing a fast, high-quality coffee on the move.

You’ll often find them near office clusters and markets, serving ethically sourced, beautifully roasted beans that have made them a Wellington favourite.

 

Your Perfect Morning Starts At James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

 

 

Perfectly positioned between Lambton Quay and The Terrace, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor puts you right in the middle of Wellington’s buzzing café scene. Just a short stroll from the hotel, it takes little effort to weave a café exploration into your day.

Scour the streets for the best coffee in Wellington, and have a rest and a bit of a bite at the best brunch spots too. But you don’t even have to step outside to start your morning off on the right foot. 

The hotel’s own Whitby’s Restaurant & Bar serves up a breakfast that feels both comforting and elevated, complete with barista-made coffee, a hearty buffet of local favourites, and lighter à la carte options.

After your indulgent start, it’s just a short stroll into the CBD to discover Wellington’s best coffee stops, boutiques, and waterfront views. Why not make the most of your Wellington stay, and book direct at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?