Vegan eateries in Wellington, New Zealand
I’ve lived in Wellington my whole life, and know the vegan scene here like the back of my hand. In no particular order below are my favourite Vegan-friendly eateries in Wellington, New Zealand. Belen reigns supreme as a must-visit spot as it’s the best bakery I’ve ever been to. Nothing quite compares!
Enjoy visiting these spots around NZ’s capital city, and feel fr to let me know if you have been or are planning on visiting any of these places, I’d love to chat menu favourites!
Vegan friendly breakfast and lunch recomendations
Belen Vegan Bakery
Named the best bakery in Wellington ( for good reason) this 100% Vegan bakery - @belenveganbakery has two locations in Wellington. The first is located on Lambton Quay in Wellington CBD and is open on weekdays. They sell a range of vegan goodness from donuts, cinnamon scrolls, savoury pies, pastries, and vegan cookies. With a monthly rotational menu and plant-based hot drinks available, it’s a must-stop on any trip to Wellington!
If you’re visiting on the weekend, or looking for a snack later in the day head to their new Kiosk on Courtney Place. Perfect for a post-work bite to eat they stock both sweet and savory goods.
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My go to order - Cinnamon scroll, made with house-made vegan cream cheese.
The Oatery
If you’re a fellow porridge lover and love supporting local businesses, a visit @the_oatery on Left Bank is a must. It’s a cute cosy spot down the lane way. Serving up a season menu filled with overnight oats, bircher and loaded toast, they staff are always happy to make a menu item vegan-friendly!
My go-to order: Oat milk Matcha latte with the seasonal porridge made vegan.
Pour & Twist
If you’re looking for the best strawberry matcha in town, head to Pour and Twist and order an Oat Milk Iced Strawberry Matcha. Sit inside and chat with the lovely owners and locals, and you may even get to pat their adorable rescue greyhound Mikey. Or sip the strawberry goodness, and pull up a stool outside in the sun!
The Lab Food & Beverage Co.
With three locations in Wellington and colourful fresh cabinet food, @thelabfnb is a great mid week catch up spot. There is something for everyone, including Half Baked Catering Co slices (Wellington based, vegan friendly catering company) and whole food smoothies as well as a menu with multiple Vegan options. Fresh food and fast paced service!
My go-to order: Maca Coco smoothie and Avocado toast (pictured)
Seize
@seizewellington is a raw treat hot spot. I’d happily visit every day of the week just for the raw snickers slice. Seize also does a great selection of salads for work lunches (which are massive, great value for money!) and lots of vegan friendly options for dine in or takeaway. You can bring your own container, or get on the reusabowl system where you can borrow and return a bowl at locations around Wellington. Seize are open for brunch on Saturdays so head down and taste a fun beetroot latte!
My go-to order: Coconut milk beetroot latte and raw slice.
Aroha Plant Based
Located in Press Hall (eatery collective) on Willis Street, @aroha_plantbased is the perfect spot for a weekday office lunch. Power bowls are my personal favourite. Filled with your choice off veggies, grains, plant-based protein, plant-based meat and house-made vegan sauces. they can be had while dining in or takeaway (remember to BYO container!)
My go-to order: Small power bowl with sweet & sour TVP, jackfruit, slaw and tahini dressing.
The Botanist
This is where Lyall bay locals come to brunch, and for good reason. The Botanist is a Vegetarian restaurant serving everything you ever need. From Buckwheat pancakes for Breakfast to Crispy tempeh & kelp spring roll for dinner. It’s a nice spot across from Lyall Bay beach where you can grab a coffee or full meal. Dog friendly, which is always a win!
Vegan friendly dinner recommendations
NOLITA
New Zealand's first 100% plant-based pizza & pastaria, located on Cuba street. @nolitawelly make their cashew-cheese in house and the pizza is not to be missed! I recommend ordering a spread to share, so you can taste a range of the different offerings. Nolita’s vibe is perfect for date night, and although the food can be slow to come out it’s worth the wait.
My go-to order: Pizza Rossa, Pomodoro sauce, semi-dried tomato, vine-ripened tomato, roasted red pepper, rocket, parmesan with a cold @sixbarrellsodaco beverage on the side.
Mockingbird
The Champagneria is Wellington's only bar dedicated to champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world. It has a fully plant-based food menu featuring delicious sharing platters. Note the drinks menu isn’t fully vegan. This spot is dog-friendly and make sure to check out the outdoor rooftop for drinks in the sun!
My go-to order: Mediterranian platter with Vegan Duck à l’Orange, fried artichokes with miso mayo, whipped feta, roasted balsamic gapes, battered jalapeño bites, vegan foie gras, olives, crudités, breads, grapes, crackers
The Old Quarter
Authentic North Vietnamese cuisine, @theoldqtr is a great lunch option thanks to their amazing $15 lunch special and daily deals on offer. The vegan lunch offerings include summer rolls, green curry and rice or zucchini & corn fritters with a fresh side salad. While you’re there, make sure to try their tempura eggplant bao. It’s to die for.
My go-to order: ‘The Vegan Option’ $15 lunch special with Summer rolls, Green curry. long grain rice and sweet sticky rice.
CHOW
If you’re dining out only one night in Wellington, heading to @chowwellington is never a bad idea. Chow’s menu is full of fresh Asian cuisine, and very clearly labelled for dietary requirements and packed full of divine vegan food. Not to mention it’s all really damn tasty and the food is always consistently high quality. Chow is ideal for any celebration dinner. If you enjoy a bevy you’ll want to stay all night just for the cocktails.
My go-to order: Jungle curry, popcorn tofu and edamame beans.
Aunty Menas
10 years ago this was the only spot for wellington vegans and although there are now lots of eateries to choose from, it is still considered the OG vegan hub. Tasty food with none of the frills. The menu is fully vegan friendly & the staff are quick to create these authentic Malaysian & Chinese meals. Try the Laksa (pictured) with extra chilli for a spice hit!
My go-to order: Vegan laksa
Taste of home
A small takeaway eatery located on Vivian street, Taste of Home is much loved by Wellingtonians with lines often out the door. Serving authentic Chinese dishes for takeaway, with multiple vegan options offered on their menu (which can be found on their socials @tasteofhome2017) the tofu is incredible, and spice off the charts (I recommend ordering mild, even if you usually enjoy a wee-spice kick!)
My go-to order: Spicy fried tofu on rice.
Nature Vegetarian
My only recommendation outside of Wellington City, it’s worth a stop if you’re in Lower Hutt. Nature Vegetarian offers home cooked dishes featuring Malaysian, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisine (99% of which are vegan friendly). A great option for takeaway, they’re also available on Deliver Easy!
My go-to order: Sweet and sour tofu with a side of wontons.
Duck Island
Cuba street ice cream scoop shop with a range of vegan friendly options. The vibe in this ice cream shop is so beautiful with baby pink walls and retro lighting. You can taste test a range of flavours, and even buy tubs to take home. They are currently offering Peppermint chocolate with vegan marshmallows, made with Boring oat milk - ideal if you’re looking for a break from the coconut based ‘creams!
My go-to order: Strawberry coconut lime leaf.
Additional favs:
If you’re looking for vegan grocery supplies while in town, visit Good For Store on Jessie Street. It’s a wholefoods refillery where you can fill your own jars and containers, or brown paper bags if you’re on the go. Filled with zero waste ingredients and vegan chocolate-covered dried fruits/nuts can be purchased from The Good For Store.
While you’re in the area - make sure to pop down to Moore Wilsons for a range of speciality vegan products in their fresh and bulk section. From the iconic freshly squeezed OJ, to vegan cheeses and coconut condensed milks. You can even pickup a copy of my cookbook Eden Vegan!
Feel free to let me know your favourite spots in Wellington & I’ll be sure to check them out!
