New Wellington Openings You Should Visit This Month

From authentic Malaysian breakfast spots to cocktail hideaways and minimalist wine bars — here's what's fresh around the capital.

Concrete Playground
Published on October 22, 2019
Updated on October 22, 2019

View places on map

Despite the ever-changing weather making staying at home with a packet of chips more appealing that going out for a three-course meal with matched wine, Wellington's still opening plenty of new restaurants, cafes and bars — and getting people into them, too. Seems every week we're ranting and raving about the latest newbie, bringing its own proposed offering/theming/novelty viral food item to this fine city of ours. Here's a useful little list for you to get excited about, in case you're despondent over having eaten at Every Wellington Venue Ever. Take heart, there's plenty more where that came from.

Image: Lesley Wild.

List

Map

Restaurant
The Ribz Shak - CLOSED

67 The Parade, Wellington

This new takeaway joint specialises in generous servings of slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork and burgers.

{"id":745693,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E67 The Parade\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 210 766 049\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"The Ribz Shak - CLOSED","description":"This new takeaway joint specialises in generous servings of slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork and burgers.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Ribz-Shak-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Ribz-Shak.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/the-ribz-shak","latitude":"-41.3312221","longitude":"174.77395679999995","address":"67 The Parade","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Ribz-Shak.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Kazaguruma

272 Cuba Street, Wellington

Contemporary Japanese food in the heart of Cuba Street.

{"id":745689,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E272 Cuba Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-213 9730\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Kazaguruma","description":"Contemporary Japanese food in the heart of Cuba Street.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Kazagurama-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Kazagurama.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/kazaguruma","latitude":"-41.2969814","longitude":"174.7735586","address":"272 Cuba Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Kazagurama.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Wholy Mac

145 Jackson Street, Lower Hutt

Not your average mac and cheese.

{"id":744813,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E145 Jackson Street\u003Cbr\u003ELower Hutt\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-213 8222\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Wholy Mac","description":"Not your average mac and cheese.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wholy-mac-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wholy-mac.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/wholy-mac","latitude":"-41.2246985","longitude":"174.8769724","address":"145 Jackson Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wholy-mac.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Bar
Birdcage - CLOSED

38 Dixon Street, Wellington

Head down the rabbit hole on Dixon Street to find this dark and moody cocktail bar.

{"id":743931,"type":"bar","icon":"martini","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E38 Dixon Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Birdcage - CLOSED","description":"Head down the rabbit hole on Dixon Street to find this dark and moody cocktail bar.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Birdcage-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Birdcage.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars\/birdcage","latitude":"-41.2918861","longitude":"174.77736419999997","address":"38 Dixon Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Bar","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Birdcage.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
BambuchiSan

31a Waitoa Road, Wellington

This neighbourhood favourite has been given a Japanese-inspired makeover.

{"id":742715,"type":"cafe","icon":"coffee","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E31a Waitoa Road\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-386 4615\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"BambuchiSan","description":"This neighbourhood favourite has been given a Japanese-inspired makeover.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BambuchiSan-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BambuchiSan.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/bambuchisan","latitude":"-41.3041545","longitude":"174.7939066","address":"31a Waitoa Road","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BambuchiSan.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Karaage Burger - CLOSED

99 Victoria Street, Wellington

Ramen joint turned burger dispensary.

{"id":741133,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E99 Victoria Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-471 1088\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Karaage Burger - CLOSED","description":"Ramen joint turned burger dispensary.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/karaage-burger-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/karaage-burger.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/karaage-burger","latitude":"-41.2897305","longitude":"174.77594079999994","address":"99 Victoria Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/karaage-burger.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Rogue Burger - CLOSED

101 The Terrace, Wellington

Head to this compact little venue for big badass burgers.

{"id":705983,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E101 The Terrace\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Rogue Burger - CLOSED","description":"Head to this compact little venue for big badass burgers.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/rogue-burger-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/rogue-burger.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/rogue-burger","latitude":"-41.288747","longitude":"174.777209","address":"101 The Terrace","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/rogue-burger.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Boom Burger - CLOSED

35 Courtenay Place, Wellington

This compact spot on Courtenay Place is all about burgers, fries and fun.

{"id":716922,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E35 Courtenay Place\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-803 3898\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Boom Burger - CLOSED","description":"This compact spot on Courtenay Place is all about burgers, fries and fun.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/boom-burger-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/boom-burger.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/boom-burger","latitude":"-41.2937767","longitude":"174.78191489999995","address":"35 Courtenay Place","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/boom-burger.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Bar
The Puffin

60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro

A minimalist wine bar that oozes class.

{"id":739483,"type":"bar","icon":"martini","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E60 Ghuznee Street\u003Cbr\u003ETe Aro\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"The Puffin","description":"A minimalist wine bar that oozes class.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/thepuffin2-120x120.png","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/thepuffin2.png","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars\/the-puffin","latitude":"-41.292994","longitude":"174.775255","address":"60 Ghuznee Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Bar","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/thepuffin2.png","alt":"The Puffin"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/the-puffin1.png","alt":"The Puffin"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/the-puffin.png","alt":"The Puffin"}]}
Restaurant
Currizza

43 Rugby Street, Wellington

This new pizza joint serves up an unexpected blend of Indian and Italian cuisine.

{"id":738127,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E43 Rugby Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-384 3000\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Currizza","description":"This new pizza joint serves up an unexpected blend of Indian and Italian cuisine.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/currizza-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/currizza.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/currizza","latitude":"-41.3011419","longitude":"174.7793494","address":"43 Rugby Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/currizza.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Brown Brothers - CLOSED

12 Majoribanks Street, Wellington

This new CBD opening serves up daring Indian-inspired European dishes.

{"id":732366,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E12 Majoribanks Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-213 9044\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Brown Brothers - CLOSED","description":"This new CBD opening serves up daring Indian-inspired European dishes.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/brown-brothers-120x120.jpeg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/brown-brothers.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/brown-brothers","latitude":"-41.29440109999999","longitude":"174.7847349","address":"12 Majoribanks Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/brown-brothers.jpeg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Good Dixie's - CLOSED

226 Onepu Road, Wellington

This cosy little cafe is the latest arrival to Lyall Bay.

{"id":732363,"type":"cafe","icon":"coffee","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E226 Onepu Road\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Good Dixie's - CLOSED","description":"This cosy little cafe is the latest arrival to Lyall Bay.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Good-Dixies-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Good-Dixies.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/good-dixies","latitude":"-41.3287973","longitude":"174.79513599999996","address":"226 Onepu Road","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Good-Dixies.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Noah's Ark Teahouse

Shop 102, 180 Lambton Quay, Farmers Lane, Lambton Quay

Vegan and gluten-free bubble tea hits Lambton Quay.

{"id":734447,"type":"restaurant","icon":"hamburger","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003EShop 102, 180 Lambton Quay, Farmers Lane\u003Cbr\u003ELambton Quay\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-471 1822\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-3-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Noah's Ark Teahouse","description":"Vegan and gluten-free bubble tea hits Lambton Quay.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/noahs-ark-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/noahs-ark.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/noahs-ark-teahouse-te-aro-wellington-new-zealand","latitude":"-41.2816562","longitude":"174.7756604","address":"Shop 102, 180 Lambton Quay, Farmers Lane","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/noahs-ark.jpg","width":1280,"height":780,"alt":""}]}
Restaurant
Kopitiam - CLOSED

126 Vivian Street, Wellington

An authentic Malaysian breakfast spot serving up kaya toast, Singaporean laksa and warming cups of kopi.

{"id":724280,"type":"cafe","icon":"coffee","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E126 Vivian Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 210 222 6469\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Kopitiam - CLOSED","description":"An authentic Malaysian breakfast spot serving up kaya toast, Singaporean laksa and warming cups of kopi.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/kopitiam-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/kopitiam.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants\/kopitiam","latitude":"-41.2951936","longitude":"174.77646000000004","address":"126 Vivian Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Restaurant","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/restaurants"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/kopitiam.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Bar
Honey Badger Saloon

125 Featherston Street, Wellington

Visit this quirky Featherston Street opening for outstanding burgers and haloumi fries.

{"id":729245,"type":"bar","icon":"martini","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E125 Featherston Street\u003Cbr\u003EWellington\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E +64 4-471 1766\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Honey Badger Saloon","description":"Visit this quirky Featherston Street opening for outstanding burgers and haloumi fries.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/honey-badger-saloon-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/honey-badger-saloon.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars\/honey-badger-saloon","latitude":"-41.2826621","longitude":"174.7775441","address":"125 Featherston Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Bar","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/honey-badger-saloon.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":""}]}
Bar
Los Banditos

19 Blair Street, Te Aro

This new Mexican joint serves up overflowing tacos, wild mushroom quesadillas and flaming cheese.

{"id":728037,"type":"bar","icon":"martini","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E19 Blair Street\u003Cbr\u003ETe Aro\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E\u003Cspan class=\"prefix\"\u003ET\u003C\/span\u003E 04 801 8046\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"description rate\"\u003E\u003Ci class=\"sprite stars stars-4-5\"\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Los Banditos","description":"This new Mexican joint serves up overflowing tacos, wild mushroom quesadillas and flaming cheese.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/los-banditos1-e1561411061619-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/los-banditos1-e1561411061619.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars\/los-banditos","latitude":"-41.293408","longitude":"174.783172","address":"19 Blair Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Bar","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/wellington\/bars"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/los-banditos1-e1561411061619.jpg","width":1277,"height":778,"alt":""}]}