Overview
It's one of the joys of the weekend: making a spontaneous decision to order a little tipple at brunch. Why not? Whether it's the hair of the dog or you're feeling virtuous that you didn't go overboard the night before, a boozy brunch starts you off right for the rest of the day. Or gives you the excuse to go home for an afternoon nap. We're not judging. Read on for the best spots to nab a drink with your mates and partake in the ritual that is brunching.
NIKAU CAFÉ
We're here for Nikau's vodka soaked raspberries in Prosecco ($13). Whether you're pairing them with the classic sage fried eggs ($10.50), the raclette and gruyere toast ($14.50) or the apple syrup and honey butter pancakes ($14.50), it's the perfect, slightly cheeky glass of fizz. The raspberries are the treat at the end. Of the two potential brunching days in the weekend, Nikau is only open on Saturdays — so start your weekend right.
PREFAB
Prefab is a brunch institution in Wellington. It's not uncommon to wait upwards for half an hour for a table — everyone else loves it, too. The best thing about doing brunch at Prefab is the most excellent Saturday all-day menu. It's got a great range of dishes for whatever time of day you manage to get out of bed and meander there. You've got the classics: toast ($6), creamy garlic mushrooms ($19) and a stack of waffles ($18), but if you're feeling particularly hangry there are options like margherita pizza ($21), a corn beef ciabatta reuben ($16) or the seafood chowder. In terms of matching these dishes to drinks, you're spoilt for choice with anything from Champagne, Aperol spritz, classic Pimms, mimosas and beers to get you boozin' in style no matter what you opt for.
HUSK
Everyone's favourite bar and roastery in one, Husk is also fast gaining a reputation for one of the best brunch menus in the city. Although I can never go past the Jamaican ginger loaf ($17), options like the sardines on toast ($18) and the confit duck burger ($24) are looking like appealing options for my next visit. If the thought of coffee doesn't get you going at brunch, you're literally sitting in a brewery — order any one of the brilliant beers on tap or a barrel-aged cocktail. Go on.
LORETTA
As well as having some of the freshest, more innovative seasonal treatments of produce in the city, Loretta also does a smashing vodka kombucha. Pairing the life-giving tonic with the spirit of many a well-spent night out, this drink doesn't know if it's good or bad for you. Surely they just cancel each other out, right? You're fine. Order away, this drink goes perfectly with anything from the waffles (from $17), the green eggs ($15) to the warm rice with broken sausage ($18.50) or the wood-fired pizzas. You'll definitely order another of these.
FLORIDITAS
This grande dame of the Cuba Street brunch scene knows what's up. When it comes to selecting a tipple to kick off your brunch, there are only really two options for you: the yellow peach bellini ($15), or the bloody mary (triple shot no less, $16). Shack up in a booth with some friends, cast your eye over the many treatments of the humble egg Floriditas prides itself on, and sit back and watch the art of brunch unfold around you. We have to say the bloody mary goes brilliantly with your big plate of bacon and eggs (or the Cameron Harrison pork sausages), and the bellini complements any light, fruity dish — try the granola ($13).