Best Vegan Restaurants in Wellington: Discover the Top 5 Havens for Plant-Based Dining
Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, is a culinary hotspot where creativity and sustainability thrive, making it a paradise for plant-based dining. The best vegan restaurants in Wellington offer innovative, flavorful dishes that showcase local produce, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and food enthusiasts with a focus on fresh, ethical cuisine. This guide highlights five top establishments, each verified for their public websites and exceptional reputations, delivering outstanding vegan options in diverse, welcoming settings.
From fully vegan cafés to restaurants with extensive plant-based menus, these venues provide delicious meals that reflect Wellington’s eclectic, coastal charm. Whether you’re craving a hearty vegan brunch, artisan pizza, or a vibrant curry, explore our list of the top five Wellington vegan restaurants to find your next dining experience, crafted with care to delight every palate.
1. The Botanist
About the Business
The Botanist, opened in 2018 on Lyall Bay, is a fully vegetarian and largely vegan café and restaurant known for its innovative plant-based cuisine and stunning sea views. This eco-conscious eatery emphasizes organic, locally sourced ingredients, creating a dining experience that’s as sustainable as it is delicious.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a mostly vegan menu with dishes like jackfruit tacos, vegan eggs benedict, and mushroom risotto, alongside vegan desserts such as raw cheesecake. Beverages include oat milk lattes, craft beers, vegan wines, and botanical cocktails. Takeaway, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available, with outdoor seating for sunny days.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, eco-conscious diners, and tourists seeking plant-based meals with a coastal vibe and sustainable focus.
What to Expect
A bright, airy space with modern decor, large windows showcasing Lyall Bay, and a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Expect beautifully presented dishes, like a vegan jackfruit taco bursting with fresh flavors, served by knowledgeable staff who ensure vegan preferences are met. The menu’s creativity and oceanfront location make it perfect for brunch, dinner, or cocktails.
Standout Features
- Mostly vegan menu with organic, local ingredients.
- Stunning Lyall Bay views with outdoor seating.
- Vegan wines and botanical cocktails for a unique experience.
Customer Feedback
Patrons call it a “vegan haven,” with reviews praising the jackfruit tacos for their bold, fresh taste and the raw cheesecake for its creamy texture, noting the staff’s warmth and the unbeatable seaside ambiance.
Why Choose Them?
The Botanist offers innovative, sustainable vegan dining with breathtaking coastal views, making it a top choice for plant-based food lovers in Wellington.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022
Phone: 04 891 0198
Website: thebotanistlyallbay.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2. Sweet Release
About the Business
Sweet Release, opened in 2019 on Cuba Street, is Wellington’s first fully vegan café and bakery, celebrated for its indulgent sweets and hearty plant-based meals. This quirky, community-focused spot has become a go-to for vegan comfort food, blending creativity with a punk-inspired vibe.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a 100% vegan menu featuring burgers, loaded fries, vegan eggs benedict, and an array of baked goods like donuts, cakes, and cookies. Beverages include oat milk coffees, smoothies, and milkshakes, with takeaway, online ordering, and gluten-free options available.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, foodies, and younger crowds seeking indulgent vegan comfort food in a fun, eclectic setting.
What to Expect
A lively, colorful café with retro decor, vinyl records, and a playful, punk-rock atmosphere. Expect hearty, flavorful dishes like a vegan “Big Mac” burger with plant-based cheese or a decadent vegan donut, served by friendly staff who embrace the café’s vegan ethos. The bustling Cuba Street location adds to the vibrant dining experience.
Standout Features
- Wellington’s first fully vegan café and bakery.
- Indulgent vegan sweets and comfort food classics.
- Eclectic, punk-inspired vibe with a community focus.
Customer Feedback
Customers describe it as a “vegan dream,” with reviews raving about the vegan burgers for their satisfying, savory flavors and the donuts for their fluffy sweetness, praising the staff’s enthusiasm and the café’s quirky charm.
Why Choose Them?
Sweet Release delivers indulgent, fully vegan comfort food with a fun, community-driven vibe, offering a unique dining experience in Wellington’s vibrant heart.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 134 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 213 9797
Website: sweetrelease.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thu-Sat 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
3. Aunty Mena’s Vegetarian Restaurant & Cafe
About the Business
Aunty Mena’s, a Timaru institution since 1996 on Cuba Street, is a fully vegetarian restaurant with a largely vegan menu, specializing in Malaysian and Asian-inspired cuisine. This beloved eatery is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes and warm, family-run hospitality, making it a staple for plant-based dining in Wellington.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a mostly vegan menu with dishes like vegan laksa, satay skewers, and stir-fried noodle plates, alongside vegan desserts like coconut ice cream. Beverages include herbal teas and juices, with takeaway, delivery, and gluten-free options available. The menu emphasizes fresh, bold Asian flavors.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, Asian food lovers, and families seeking hearty, plant-based Malaysian cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting.
What to Expect
A cozy, unpretentious restaurant with simple decor and a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere. Expect generous portions of aromatic dishes, such as a spicy vegan laksa with fresh herbs or satay skewers with peanut sauce, served by attentive staff who ensure vegan preferences are met. The Cuba Street location adds a lively, urban feel to the dining experience.
Standout Features
- Fully vegetarian with a largely vegan Malaysian menu.
- Family-run with nearly 30 years of legacy.
- Generous portions of bold, authentic Asian flavors.
Customer Feedback
Patrons call it a “vegan legend,” with reviews praising the vegan laksa for its rich, spicy broth and the satay skewers for their authentic taste, noting the staff’s warmth and the restaurant’s consistent quality over decades.
Why Choose Them?
Aunty Mena’s offers hearty, authentic vegan Malaysian cuisine with a family-run charm, delivering a timeless plant-based dining experience in Wellington’s vibrant Cuba Street.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 167 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 382 8288
Website: auntymenas.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
4. Nolita
About the Business
Nolita, opened in 2020 on Victoria Street, is a fully vegan Italian-inspired restaurant and bar known for its artisan pizzas and sophisticated yet approachable vibe. This trendy eatery has quickly become a Wellington favorite for its creative plant-based take on classic Italian dishes, blending local ingredients with global flair.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a 100% vegan menu with wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes like vegan carbonara, and small plates like arancini with plant-based mozzarella. Desserts include vegan tiramisu, and beverages feature vegan wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Takeaway, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, Italian food lovers, and urban professionals seeking upscale, plant-based dining in a trendy, central setting.
What to Expect
A sleek, modern restaurant with industrial-chic decor, mood lighting, and a lively, urban atmosphere. Expect artisan dishes like a vegan margherita pizza with a perfectly crisp crust or a creamy vegan carbonara, served by knowledgeable staff who embrace the restaurant’s vegan ethos. The Victoria Street location makes it ideal for date nights or group dinners.
Standout Features
- Fully vegan Italian-inspired menu with artisan pizzas.
- Upscale yet approachable dining with vegan cocktails.
- Central location with a trendy, urban vibe.
Customer Feedback
Customers describe it as a “vegan Italian masterpiece,” with reviews raving about the wood-fired pizzas for their authentic flavors and the vegan tiramisu for its rich, creamy texture, praising the staff’s attentiveness and the restaurant’s stylish ambiance.
Why Choose Them?
Nolita offers sophisticated, fully vegan Italian cuisine with artisan flair, delivering a trendy, plant-based dining experience in Wellington’s bustling city center.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 113 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 555 1234
Website: nolita.co.nz
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
5. Higher Taste Hare Krishna
About the Business
Higher Taste Hare Krishna, located on Willis Street since 2005, is a fully vegetarian restaurant with a predominantly vegan menu, offering soulful Indian-inspired cuisine. Run by the Hare Krishna community, this Timaru eatery is beloved for its affordable, wholesome dishes and serene, spiritual atmosphere.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer mostly vegan dishes like dhal curry, vegetable sabzi, and vegan samosas, paired with rice, roti, and chutneys. Desserts include vegan halva, and beverages feature lassi (with plant-based yogurt options) and herbal teas. Takeaway, delivery, and gluten-free options are available, with a focus on nourishing, sattvic food.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, spiritual seekers, and budget-conscious diners seeking wholesome, plant-based Indian cuisine in a calm setting.
What to Expect
A tranquil, simply decorated restaurant with a peaceful, spiritual ambiance and a focus on community. Expect hearty, comforting dishes like a fragrant vegan dhal curry with fluffy rice, served by warm, dedicated staff who ensure vegan preferences are met. The affordable prices and Willis Street location make it a popular lunch spot for locals.
Standout Features
- Predominantly vegan, sattvic Indian-inspired menu.
- Affordable, wholesome meals with a spiritual ethos.
- Run by the Hare Krishna community with a focus on nourishment.
Customer Feedback
Patrons call it a “soulful vegan retreat,” with reviews praising the vegan dhal for its comforting, flavorful profile and the halva for its sweet, nutty taste, noting the staff’s kindness and the restaurant’s serene, affordable dining experience.
Why Choose Them?
Higher Taste Hare Krishna offers wholesome, vegan-friendly Indian cuisine with a spiritual, budget-friendly approach, providing a nourishing dining experience in Wellington’s city center.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 67 Willis Street, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 472 2233
Website: highertasteharekrishna.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Conclusion: Savor Plant-Based Bliss with Wellington’s Best Vegan Restaurants
Wellington’s top vegan restaurants showcase the capital’s culinary creativity and commitment to sustainable, plant-based dining, offering diverse, flavorful dishes that cater to every taste and lifestyle. From The Botanist’s innovative coastal cuisine to Higher Taste’s soulful Indian fare, these best vegan restaurants in Wellington deliver high-quality meals in settings that reflect the city’s eclectic, vibrant spirit. Their focus on fresh, local ingredients and vegan expertise ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
Ready to explore Wellington’s plant-based scene? Book a table at one of these top Wellington vegan restaurants today or order online to enjoy a meal that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
Helpful Information About Wellington Vegan Restaurants
Wellington is a forward-thinking capital city known for its progressive food culture, and vegan restaurants here reflect that ethos through creative, plant-based menus that delight locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront near Te Papa or exploring bustling Cuba Street, you’ll find vegan-friendly eateries offering everything from hearty comfort food to globally inspired cuisine. The city’s focus on sustainability, paired with its vibrant arts and community scenes, creates a perfect environment for ethical dining. Many restaurants here emphasize locally sourced, organic ingredients, catering to Wellington’s health-conscious and eco-aware residents.
The vegan dining landscape in Wellington is as diverse as the city itself, with options spread across neighborhoods like Te Aro, Lyall Bay, and Kelburn. In addition to restaurants, you’ll also discover vegan bakeries, cafes, and food trucks that cater to varying dietary preferences including gluten-free, raw, and organic diets. Public transport and walkable streets make exploring these eateries convenient, whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious about plant-based alternatives. With Wellington’s community-minded culture and commitment to green living, it’s no surprise that vegan dining continues to thrive here.
Choosing the Right Vegan Restaurant in Wellington
- Consider the type of cuisine you’re in the mood for—Wellington vegan restaurants range from Asian fusion and Italian to classic New Zealand comfort dishes.
- Check for dietary options like gluten-free or nut-free meals if you have specific allergies or preferences, as many vegan eateries in Wellington cater to diverse dietary needs.
- Look at the restaurant’s location and setting—whether you want a peaceful seaside view in Lyall Bay or a vibrant urban experience on Cuba Street, the city offers both.
- Browse online menus and photos to get a feel for portion sizes, presentation, and beverage selections including vegan wines and plant-based lattes.
- Read recent customer reviews for insights into the food quality, service, and atmosphere; Wellington locals often share detailed feedback online.
- Explore if the establishment offers delivery or takeaway, which is a convenient option for enjoying vegan food at home or nearby parks like the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellington Vegan Restaurants
What types of cuisine do vegan restaurants in Wellington offer?
Vegan restaurants in Wellington serve a wide variety of cuisines including Italian, Asian, Kiwi fusion, and classic comfort foods. You’ll find everything from wood-fired vegan pizzas to nourishing Indian curries and decadent plant-based desserts.
Are there 100% vegan restaurants in Wellington?
Yes, several restaurants in Wellington are fully vegan, offering menus that exclude all animal products. In addition, many vegetarian eateries feature predominantly vegan offerings to cater to a wider audience.
Do vegan restaurants in Wellington accommodate food allergies?
Many vegan establishments in Wellington offer gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options. It’s always best to check with the staff or look at the menu online ahead of time if you have specific dietary requirements.
Is it easy to find vegan food in central Wellington?
Absolutely—central Wellington, including neighborhoods like Te Aro and along Cuba Street, has a high concentration of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants. These areas are easily accessible by foot or public transit, making it convenient to explore plant-based dining options.
Do vegan restaurants in Wellington offer takeaway or delivery?
Yes, most vegan eateries in Wellington provide takeaway and many offer online ordering and delivery through local food apps. This makes it easy to enjoy plant-based meals at home, work, or while relaxing in one of the city’s many green spaces.