Where to Get a Cheap Meal in Wellington
We know, we know, you can save so much more money on food by cooking in your hostel. But what if one night, you don’t want to cook? What if the alluring smells of food in the city are just far too enticing?!
Well, just to make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of cheap eats in Wellington so you don’t have to break the bank when you want to treat yourself to some good food.
Although Wellington is not the most affordable city for food, you can certainly find some justifiable lunch deals to make your mouth water and your wallet wiggle with joy. You can enjoy 2-for-1 deals, cheap Tuesdays, weekly deals and just a good affordable menu.
Wellington has a good balance of Kiwi, European and Asian eateries for most of us to enjoy.
If you do need inspiration for your own cooking though, take a look at our Travel Recipes and Food sections.
Table of Contents
5 Foodie Experiences in Wellington
Before we get onto the cheap stuff, you may want to check out what culinary experiences lie within Wellington. If you love food so much you want to make an activity out of it, then try these awesome foodie experiences in Wellington”
- Taste the flavours of the world right in the heart of Wellington at the Wellington Night Markets, Left Bank on Friday nights and Lower Cuba Street on Saturday nights
- You always need to stock up on healthy veges, so you might as well do it at the Harbourside Market, next to Te Papa, every Sunday morning
- Go on a craft beer crawl in Wellington which boasts around 30 breweries and craft beer bars
- Time your stay in Wellington with Wellington on a Plate, the two-week food festival in August
- See the culinary highlights with Zest Food Tour.
Learn more about these experiences and more in the 9 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies.
© PexelsCheap Eats in Wellington – Under $10
Cheap Lunch Deals in Wellington
Looking for wallet‑friendly lunch options? Try Little Penang (179 Victoria St) for authentic Penang-style vegetable fritters, pork buns, and curry puffs, one of the city’s best cheap eats.
Mian Bar in the CBD offers hearty noodle bowls from NZ$9, it’s a favourite among students and locals alike.
Craving something sweet? Crepes A-Go-Go (61 Manners St) offers classic crepes for about $8, perfect for a budget dessert treat.
Cheap Hangover Cures in Wellington
Start your recovery with Rogue and Vagabond (18 Garrett St): every Tuesday evening, they bring back their fan-favourite $3 tacos, piled with mix-and-match toppings, perfect for a greasy, guilt-free cure.
Finally, ease into the day with breakfast at Pravda Café & Grill (107 Customhouse Quay). They serve a $10 eggs on toast deal Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 10:30 am, a refined, hearty cure that’s still budget-friendly.
2-for-1 Meal Deal
When Mondays mean 2 for 1 on main meals which are at $30 at their most expensive, you can almost be sure that you’ll get a meal for under $10 at Chow, 45 Tory Street. Treat yourself and a special someone!
Street Food Treats in Wellington
Treat yourself to waffles at the Little Waffle Shop, 53 Courtenay Place, for under $10. Seek out the Greek Food Truck, usually on Dixon/Taranaki Street or the Waterfront, with plenty of offerings for $10.
Team up your cheap eats with some 10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Wellington.
© Jeff McEwan & Capture Studios - WellingtonNZCheap Eats in Wellington – $11-$20
Affordable Asian Food in Wellington
Little Penang (175 Victoria Street) remains a top choice for Malaysian street-food flavour, dishes like nyonya platter and roti & curry now go for around NZ$16–17 and come with fries or rice, making it excellent value.
On Thursdays, Little Beer Quarter (6 Edward St) does a NZ$15 lunch including a 9″ pizza or chips deal, this cosy craft-beer spot is worth a visit.
Preservatorium Café & Cannery at 39 Webb St still serves budget-friendly burgers and omelettes, though prices have slightly increased, still great value for a quick bite.
Fisherman’s Plate on Bond Street continues to be praised for its spring rolls and wontons typically around NZ$13-14 that have earned loyal fans over the years.
At Apache (122 Wakefield Street), you’ll find Vietnamese-inspired fusion like banh mi, rice bowls, and salads in that same $15–20 bracket. It’s vegetarian-friendly and highly rated for both value and atmosphere.
Aunty Mena’s Vegetarian Café (167 Cuba Street) still offers hearty vegan Southeast Asian dishes, lots of curry noodles, roti chennai, and laksa for roughly NZ$12–15. Portions are generous, and it remains a local favourite.
For a meat-free option, Higher Taste Hare Krishna in Old Bank Arcade offers vegetable fried rice or paneer dishes under NZ$20, delicious and 100% vegetarian.
European/American Meal Deals in Wellington
Start your Tuesday morning with the Big Bay Breakfast and coffee for around NZ$16 at Maranui Café (71 Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay). It’s a beloved seaside brunch spot with stunning ocean views and retro vibes.
Burger Liquor on Willis Street remains a go-to, offering a range of affordable gourmet burgers ($15–18) paired with craft beers, a perfect casual feed.
The Chippery (Thorndon and Mt Vic) offers an express fish-and-chips lunch deal (market fish, chips, aioli) for roughly $12-15, with most items on the menu under $20.
For a taste of New Orleans, Sweet Mother’s Kitchen at Courtenay Place still serves a $14 po’ boy sandwich and operates daily from morning till late.
© Nicola Edmonds - WellingtonNZCheap Eats in Wellington – $21-$30
Proper Pizzas in Wellington
If you’re serious about authentic Italian‑style pizza in the $21–$30 range, Pizzeria Napoli on Courtenay Place is a solid bet. Their wood‑fired pizzas are hearty, flavorful and sizeable, perfect for solo diners or sharing between two. Though close to NZ$30 for a whole pizza, portion sizes and traditional preparation make them a great value.
Bongusto in Miramar also delivers excellent Roman‑style and Sicilian‑style square pizzas at a reasonable price, more substantial but still within budget for a sit-down treat. Both spots are widely recommended in the local community for offering high-quality dough, genuine toppings, and welcoming service.
Affordable Lunch Menu Deals at Fine Restaurants
You can dine like royalty without overspending in Wellington. Havana Bar on Wigan Street offers a lunch service (Friday only, midday to 3 pm) featuring tapas‑style plates that, while small, offer excellent quality and variety, lunch options can average around NZ$25-30, staying within budget for a more upscale midday meal. It’s also praised by locals for its inviting atmosphere, live music nights, and creative cocktails.
Dragonfly at Courtenay Place is another top pick. Its Asian‑fusion menu includes items like wagyu tostadas or dumplings priced at NZ$21-22, making their mid‑range lunch meals accessible without compromising on flavour or presentation.
Don’t forget to check out the buzzing Guide to Wellington Nightlife.
More About Cheap Eats in Wellington
That’s it for our guide to cheap eats in Wellington; for more information about budget-friendly dining and Wellington attractions, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
