Located conveniently in the city center, Cuba Street in the heart of Wellington is known for its eclectic culture, artistic street art and vibrant cafe culture. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend a leisurely weekend or seeking for a new favourite spot, there’s a cafe for everyone. If you’re not sure where to start your cafe exploration, here are the top 10 best cafes near Cuba Street to get you started!
1. Neo Cafe & Eatery
Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Neo Cafe & Eatery is your go-to spot for a laid-back Sunday brunch that hits all the right notes. Picture this: blonde wood tables, cute little house plants, and absolutely mouthwatering buttermilk pancakes to start the day. Must-trys in the menu include their famous buttermilk pancakes, colourful superfood lattes in tumeric, matcha and red velvet flavours, and their selection of pastries and coffee.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri, 7:30 am – 3 pm
Sat – Sun, 8 am – 3 pm
Address: 132 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.neocafe.co.nz/
Directions: 15 min walk from Naumi Wellington
2. Olive Cafe
Tucked away like a well-kept secret in Wellington, Olive Cafe is the go-to spot for locals. Operating as a restaurant, cafe, and bar all in one, it is the perfect all-in-one diner for a casual dinner or a relaxing brunch. The waffles of the day are a must-try, offering a delightful twist to the classic brunch options. They also serve apple and coconut bircher, indulgent chargrilled beef fillet sandwiches, and light Mediterranean options for dinner. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their exotic courtyard, flush with greenery and wooden decor that transports you to a garden realm, the best place for a temporary escape from the bustling city.
Opening hours:
Tues – Thurs, 10 am – 9 pm
Fri, 9 am – 9 pm
Sat, 8:30 am – 9 pm
Sun, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Closed on Mondays
Address: 170-172 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.oliverestaurant.co.nz/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
3. Loretta
Loretta is where simplicity meets sophistication in a chic, minimalist haven. Brace your taste buds for their woodfired flatbreads, croque madame, indulgent egg waffles and excellent handmade crumpets. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring delights like chai lattes, kombucha punch, a selection of wines, and their ever-popular latte and mint tea. As you savor your delectable meal, enjoy the stylish decor that is perfectly balanced between classy and rustic while soaking in the sights of the bustling Cuba Street.
Opening hours:
Mon – Thur, 5 pm – 11 pm
Fri, 12 pm – 11 pm
Sat – Sun, 9 am – 10 pm
Address: 181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.loretta.nz/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
4. Fidel’s Cafe
Situated on the eclectic Cuba Street, this colourful 1950s Cuba-themed cafe is hard to miss. With its home-style cooking, this bohemian haven is renowned for its brunch menu featuring fresh, colorful ingredients sourced from local artisan producers. Not to be missed are their Havana coffee, Cuban rum, milkshakes and signature hash browns that transport you to a bohemian paradise. If you’re looking for a place that serves up great food, sharp service, and good vibes, make sure to give Fidel’s Cafe a try!
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed – Fri, 8 am – 3 pm
Tues, Sat – Sun, 9 am – 3 pm
Address: 234 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.fidelscafe.com/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
5. Caffe L’affare
As one of the true pioneers of Wellington’s thriving coffee scene, Caffe L’affare is the place to go for coffee lovers looking for a good coffee fix. Established in 1990, this cafe boasts an industrial charm set against the backdrop of a coffee roasting and packaging plant, with its bean store and numerous coffee machines. Be sure to try their all-day breakfast menu, including their buttermilk and ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict and muffin selection. Wash it all down with a delicious latte, hot chocolate, or Primo, their signature coffee blend for a perfect finish.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri, 7 am – 3 pm
Sat, 8 am – 3:30 pm
Sun, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Address: 27 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.laffare.co.nz/
Directions: 10 min walk from Naumi Wellington
6. The Hangar
Coffee lovers will love The Hangar for their coffee options and famous coffee tasting menu, a platter giving you a taste of everything from single origins to various blends. If you’re looking for something more heavy, try out their Double Shot Double Smash Burger featuring a mix of Bomber coffee grounds, Breakfast Burrito, or vegan BLT. With its rustic interior and quality brunch and coffee selection, The Hangar is the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Opening hours: 7 am – 2 pm daily
Address: 119 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.hangarcafe.co.nz/
Directions: 10 min walk from Naumi Wellington
7. Midnight Espresso
Operating since 1968, Midnight Espresso can be considered one of Wellington’s longest-standing cafes. Adorned with spray-painted walls and illustrations, this hip cafe offers wholesome and hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner menus largely centred around vegetarian and vegan food. Nonetheless, their regular food options such as burgers, pancakes and a wide array of desserts are also highly received among its customers, with their Havana coffee, tea and hot chocolate being one of the crowd’s favourites. If you’re looking to grab a quick coffee late at night, make sure to stop at Midnight Espresso, as they open till 1 am every day!
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri, 7:30 am – 1 am
Sat – Sun, 8 am – 1 am
Address: 178 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.instagram.com/midnightespressowgtn/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
8. Best Ugly Bagels
Since opening stores in Wellington, Best Ugly Bagels has taken the crowd by a storm for their authentic, hand-made Montreal style bagels. Though they may not be perfectly round, these “ugly” bagels are known for being crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a slightly sweet flavour from being simmered in honey water for that authentic Montreal taste. Do not miss their bestselling flavours, including the TAB (Tomato, Avocado and Basil), Yodi (Pastrami, habanero mustard and grilled swiss) and their King Salmon bagel, along with their Good Joe Coffee.
Opening hours: 7 am – 3 pm, daily
Address: 5 Swan Lane, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.bestugly.co.nz/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
9. Floriditas
If you’ve been to Cuba Street, you would have heard of Floriditas, a cafe that is almost synonymous with Cuba Street. With its high ceiling, full-length windows and bright interior, this cafe serves excellent brunch and dinner menus, including Green Eggs’n Ham and the classic Avocado On Toast. To top it off, they have an extensive wine menu showcasing the diverse wine selection from New Zealand and all around the globe!
Opening hours:
Mon, 7 am – 3 pm
Tues – Thur, 7 am – 3 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm
Fri – Sat, 7 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 11 pm
Sun, 7:30 am – 3 pm
Address: 161 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://www.floriditas.co.nz/
Directions: 5 min walk from Naumi Wellington
10. Sweet Mother’s Kitchen
With its eclectic furniture, wall-mounted collection and catchy Spanish music, a step into Sweet Mother’s Kitchen will transport you straight into New Orleans. Apart from its quirky interior, this cafe is known for its home-cooked style comfort food and amazing all-day breakfast options that last till 4 pm. Be sure to try their Prawn Monica Pasta and Cajun Blackened Fish for seafood lovers, and definitely do not miss out on their classic homemade pies!
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 9 pm daily
Address: 5 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Link: https://sweetmotherskitchen.co.nz/
Directions: 15 min walk from Naumi Wellington
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