Wellington NZ lunch ideas

[Kaisgraham]

Will be there for one day on a cruise. Any good ideas for lunch? No sushi, please. Thanks!

[starshideyourfires]

Hi - hope I'm not too late to be of help. I don't know if you've spent time in Wellington before, but one thing you should know is it's the city of the all-day brunch, and as such there are some amazing brunches to be had. In terms of recommendations, this is what I'd suggest as a local, which to me kind of sum up the Wellington vibe.

- If you don't mind an easy trip to the 'burbs/if you have time, grab a number 3 bus from the city centre and head out to the Maranui Cafe (http://www.maranuicafe.co.nz/) in Lyall Bay. The bay is beautiful and the food is good (good brunch/lunch menus, + cabinet food). It's then an easy bus trip back to town, although the buses only come every 15 mins or so, so it's worth looking them up here: http://www.metlink.org.nz/timetables/bus/003

- In town, Fidel's Cafe (http://www.fidelscafe.com/main.html) near the top of Cuba Street is a Wellington institution, and as well as the brunch and lunch menus, its cafe food and cakes are delicious. There's also space to sit outside if it's a nice day. Their milkshakes/smoothies/coffee are all amazing too.

- Sweet Mother's Kitchen (http://www.sweetmotherskitchen.co.nz/) is again a local favourite - very reasonably priced and delicious Creole food (also look out for the peanut butter milkshakes and key lime pie). No order is complete without their signature curly fries. It's at the Embassy end of Courtenay Place (again in town).

- If you're looking for something slightly more upmarket, Floriditas (http://www.floriditas.co.nz/) on Cuba Street is very popular. I think it definitely deserves its reputation, but because so many of the cheaper places are so good, I hardly ever end up actually eating there.

- If you just want a coffee, the best coffee in town (contentious statement alert!) is served at Memphis Belle (http://www.facebook.com/memphisbellec...) on Dixon Street.

Hope that helps - if you want to know anything more specific, just ask.

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Maranui Cafe
Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington , NZ

Fidel's Cafe
234 Cuba St, Wellington, Wellington 6011, NZ

Sweet Mother's Kitchen
5 Courtenay Pl, Wellington, Wellington 6011, NZ

Floriditas
161 Cuba St, Wellington, Wellington 6011, NZ

Memphis Belle Coffee House
Dixon St, Wellington, Wellington 6011, NZ