By One Network Wellington Live
Wellington’s buzzing with energy, and its vegan restaurant scene is leading the charge in a hyper-positive, plant-powered way of life. The capital’s compact streets are bursting with creativity, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its food. From cozy cafes to chic eateries, Wellington’s vegan options are a feast for the soul—and the taste buds! Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just dipping your toes into this vibrant lifestyle, this city’s got you covered with delicious, affordable, and downright joyful dining. In March 2025, Wellington’s vegan scene is thriving, with new spots joining the classics to make it a true paradise for plant-lovers. Let’s dive into the vegan wonderland, spotlighting ten of the best restaurants with their full addresses and the costs of living this green dream.
A City Blooming with Vegan Vibes
Wellington’s not just New Zealand’s coolest little capital—it’s a vegan haven too! With more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York, the city’s culinary pulse beats strong, and veganism’s at the heart of it. The scene’s exploded in recent years, fuelled by locals craving sustainable eats and visitors flocking to taste the hype. It’s not about secret menus or hushed whispers anymore—vegan food’s out, proud, and everywhere. From Cuba Street’s quirky corners to Lyall Bay’s seaside charm and beyond, Wellington’s restaurants are dishing up plant-based perfection that’s got everyone smiling. The best part? It’s not just tasty—it’s a lifestyle that’s kind to your wallet, the planet, and your body. Let’s explore the stars of this vegan revolution!
Top Vegan Restaurants to Love
Wellington’s vegan hotspots are a mix of fully plant-based legends and veggie-friendly gems. Here are ten shining stars lighting up the city in 2025, complete with their full addresses and vibes so good you’ll want to eat there every day.
Nolita: Italian Bliss on Cuba Street
Address: 203 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Tucked on upper Cuba Street, Nolita’s a 100% vegan superstar serving Italian classics with a twist. Think hand-stretched, 48-hour fermented sourdough pizzas topped with house-made cashew mozzarella that’s so creamy you’d swear it’s dairy. Their tasting platters—loaded with vegan meats, cheeses, and dips—are a crowd-pleaser at $35 for two. A margherita pizza’s just $22, and cocktails like their botanical spritz sit at $16. The chic, cozy vibe makes it perfect for a date night or a solo treat. Open daily from brunch to late, it’s a must-visit for Italian lovers living the vegan dream. You’ll leave grinning, full of pasta and joy!
The Botanist: Seaside Plant Magic
Address: 219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022
Out in Lyall Bay, The Botanist is a vegetarian gem with a vegan menu that’ll make your heart sing. Picture eggplant steak or battered banana blossom ‘fish’ and chips, all for around $28 a main. Their buckwheat banana pancakes ($20) are a brunch fave, paired with organic coffee at $5 a cup. With ocean views and a sunny courtyard, it’s a slice of paradise for $50-$60 for two, including drinks. The plant-heavy decor and craft beer taps (vegan-friendly, $12 a pint) seal the deal—this is Wellington’s seaside vegan heaven. It’s like a holiday with every bite!
Sweet Release: Comfort Food Kings
Address: 2 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
On Manners Street, Sweet Release is Wellington’s OG vegan cafe, churning out comfort food that hugs your soul. Their Not-Rib Burger, dripping with sauce, is $18, while gooey mac and cheese goes for $16. Allergy-friendly and packed with treats like inception cookies ($6), it’s a steal. A full brunch—think scrambled tofu on hashbrowns—costs $22, and a matcha latte’s $6. The big dining room’s perfect for groups, and their pay-it-forward voucher system spreads the love. It’s affordable joy at its finest—every visit feels like a warm hug from a mate.
Aunty Mena’s: The Vegan Family Favourite
Address: 167 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Aunty Mena’s on Dixon Street is a Wellington icon, serving hearty Malaysian and Chinese dishes since the early 2000s. Their mock chicken laksa ($18) warms you up on windy days, and vegetarian nuggets ($12) fool even meat-lovers. Portions are massive, and prices hover around $15-$20 a dish—perfect for budget vegans. The casual, homey vibe makes it feel like a visit to your favourite aunt, and at $40 for two with drinks ($5 each), it’s a no-brainer for a cheap, cheerful feed. It’s soul food that keeps you coming back for more!
Chow: Asian Fusion with Flair
Address: 45 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
On Tory Street, Chow’s a veggie-friendly hotspot that goes fully vegan every Tuesday. Their jungle curry ($22) and popcorn tofu ($14) are flavour bombs, and the cocktail list (think $15 vegan mojitos) keeps the party going. Open midday to midnight, it’s ideal for late-night bites—$50 covers a shared meal for two. The cool, casual setting and two-for-one Monday deals make it a Wellington staple for vegans and mates alike. It’s spicy, fun, and oh-so-addictive!
Hillside Kitchen: Fine Dining, Plant Style
Address: 9 Kensington Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Up on Kensington Street, Hillside Kitchen’s turning heads with its award-winning vegan fine dining. Fully meat-free, they focus on local, foraged goodies—think wild mushroom tarts ($30) or beetroot ravioli ($28). A five-course tasting menu’s $85, worth every cent for the artistry. Pair it with a glass of organic wine ($14), and you’re in for a treat—$100-$120 for two. The sleek, green space feels fancy yet welcoming. It’s vegan luxury that proves plants can be posh and delicious!
Boquita: Mexican Munchies Made Vegan
Address: 23 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011
On Kent Terrace, Boquita’s a plant-based Mexican joint that’s all about fast, fresh, and fabulous. Their falafel tacos ($16 for two) and jackfruit burritos ($20) burst with flavour, while nachos with cashew queso ($18) hit the spot. A soda’s $4, keeping a meal for two under $45. The bright, laid-back vibe’s perfect for a quick lunch or takeaway. No shortcuts, just pure vegan goodness—your taste buds will thank you every time!
Willi’s Kitchen: Wholesome Vegan Wonders
Address: 191 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
On Willis Street, Willi’s Kitchen’s a family-run gem with a massive vegan-friendly menu. Try their vegan pies ($12) with tomato sauce and pickles, or a hearty lentil bowl ($18). Desserts like tiramisu brownies ($8) steal the show—$35-$40 feeds two easily. The cozy, wholesome feel keeps you coming back, and half the cabinet’s vegan. It’s simple, honest food that warms you from the inside out!
Higher Taste: Curry Heaven in the CBD
Address: 251 Lambton Quay, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
On Lambton Quay, Higher Taste brings Hare Krishna vibes with pure vegan Indian eats. Their curries—like chickpea masala ($16)—fill your belly, and gulab jamun ($6) adds a sweet finish. A thali platter’s $22, and chai’s $5—$40-$50 for two. The bright, busy spot’s a lunchtime hit, but dinner’s just as good. It’s affordable, spiritual, and so tasty you’ll feel enlightened with every bite!
Damascus: Middle Eastern Magic
Address: 62 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
On Tory Street, Damascus dishes up Syrian flavours with vegan flair. Their falafel plates ($18) and hummus with warm pita ($12) are divine, while cauliflower shawarma ($20) wows. A meal for two’s $45-$55 with drinks ($6 each). The sleek, modern vibe’s a treat, and the spices transport you straight to the Middle East. It’s a vegan adventure that’s pure happiness on a plate!
Costs of Living the Vegan Life
Being vegan in Wellington isn’t just a joy—it’s a steal! Eating out at these spots averages $15-$30 per person—$12 for a pie at Willi’s, $28 for a fancy main at Hillside. A coffee’s $5-$6, and a full meal with a drink lands around $25-$35. Compared to Auckland, Wellington’s prices are gentler, letting you indulge without the sting. At home, vegan staples shine: lentils ($3/kg), tofu ($4/block), plant milk ($3.50/litre), and fresh veg from the Sunday market ($10-$15 a haul). Groceries for one clock in at $80-$100 a week, toss in a $20 cafe treat, and you’re thriving for under $150. Fine dining at Hillside might bump it to $200 now and then, but that’s a rare splurge. It’s a lifestyle that’s kind to your wallet, the planet, and your taste buds—what’s not to adore?
A Hyper-Positive Way of Life
Going vegan in Wellington isn’t just about food—it’s a full-on vibe! The city’s walkable streets let you hop from Nolita’s pizza to Boquita’s tacos in a flash, soaking up the creative buzz. These restaurants aren’t just feeding you—they’re building a tribe. The Botanist’s ocean breeze lifts your spirits, Aunty Mena’s hearty plates warm your heart, and Higher Taste’s curries feel like a hug from the universe. Every bite’s a cheer for sustainability, health, and pure glee. Locals rave about the perks—office workers feel sharper, students glow with energy, and creatives spark new ideas over Damascus falafel. It’s a life where you’re lighter, brighter, and part of something massive. Wellington’s vegan scene turns meals into moments of magic!
Wellington’s Vegan Future
The vegan scene’s only soaring in 2025. New spots like Boquita and Hillside are proof the city’s hooked, with pop-ups and food trucks teasing more plant-based delights. Festivals like CubaDupa showcase vegan stalls galore, and Sweet Release’s Vegan Vault market pulls crowds monthly. Willi’s and Higher Taste keep the classics strong, while Chow’s vegan nights hint at more to come. It’s affordable, accessible, and endlessly exciting—$18 laksa, $22 pizza, $12 pies, all part of the fun. Wellington’s proving veganism’s not a fad—it’s a revolution, and it’s here to stay, growing greener every day. So, grab a mate, hit the streets, and dive into Wellington’s vegan wonderland. From $16 tacos to $85 tasting menus, it’s a delicious, positive way to live—and you’ll never look back! This city’s plant-powered paradise is waiting to welcome you with open arms and full plates.
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Which restaurant in Wellington offers vegan Italian classics with a twist like hand-stretched sourdough pizzas?
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Fact Check Summary
False. Wellington does not have more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York.
Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/dining/125411931/has-wellington-really-got-more-cafes-and-restaurants-per-capita-than-new-york
True. The article mentions the average cost per person for eating out at vegan restaurants in Wellington to be in the range of $15-$30.
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