Where to Eat Without Breaking the Bank
Words by Maddy Swa
I’m a self-proclaimed foodie and a student; I know how difficult it can be to find places to eat that won’t break the bank. Harder still if we ignore the cheap, innutritious, fast food outlets we default to. This is something we all struggle with constantly, so I’m here to introduce you to five of the best and cheapest hidden gems in Wellington. I’ll show you just how much our little city has to offer—and that it doesn’t have to be expensive…
5. Lulu Restaurant & Bar Starting out strong with Lulu Restaurant & Bar right in the heart of Wellington on our beloved Courtney Place, Lulu is the perfect Friday night spot for a $10 marg (in happy hour) and some delectable dishes. Offering some unique South Pacific and Aotearoa flavours through their modern share plates, Lulu just can’t get it wrong. Some of their star dishes include: the pork belly donuts with kewpie, pickled cabbage and sesame; the prawn roll; tuna poke on crispy rice; and their rēwena flatbread—to die for! If you happen to venture here on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday night, you’ll find all of these, and more, for only $10; such a steal. PLUS discounted drinks—it just can’t get any better.
4. La Cloche If you’re searching for French food in Wellington, look no further than La Cloche. This French-owned chain cafe & patisserie serves up authentic and hearty, rich, and flavoursome food that just whisks you right to France. Take one look at their pastry and baguette-filled cabinet and you know you’re in for a treat. A very special item featured on the menu is their escargot—not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely scrumptious when slathered in garlic butter on a piece of bread. With everything made in-house and an extensive menu catered for all, what more could you want from a French excursion in Welly?
3. Raglan Roast Although it’s technically not food, you know I have to include some of our city’s legendary coffee in here, and my personal favourite is Raglan Roast. Wellington actually has five different locations that serve this amazing coffee—and you guessed it; it’s cheap. Forget about $7 coffees in this economy—I even paid $5.80 for an americano once, literally just coffee and water, it’s ridiculous! At Raglan Roast you won't find a coffee over $4.50, and you’ll experience a high quality, decadent roast.
2. Ombra I’ve found that a lot of Italian restaurants tend to do the same thing; which, don’t get me wrong, are incredibly comforting and classic, yet Ombra just takes that next step to above and beyond. They have the most uniquely interesting Italian menu you’ve ever seen—divine small plates, such as: fresh rosemary focaccia with the fluffiest whipped cod; arancini balls; and polenta chips, with truffle mayo (my favourite). Their pizzette’s and polpette’s (meatballs) are also a must-try. What really makes Ombra stand out is their aperitivo hour; something you don’t often find outside of Italy’s own bars and restaurants. At Ombra, aperitivo hour is from 3-6pm daily, and you can indulge in $10 aperol spritzes, $9 prosecco and FREE small bites that are passed around the bar—need I say more?
1. Hideout You know we had to save the best for last and Hideout is what I consider to be one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets. This cheap and tasty slice of heaven is tucked away at the end of Courtney Place and is a must-visit for all. Students especially are the target here with no dish over $20, no cocktail over $16, and no wine over $12; it is such great value for the portion sizes and service. Some of my must-try favourites include the Korean BBQ fried chicken—some may say basic, but at Hideout it is a classic that they execute so well, with a crispy coating and a juicy inside. The homemade dandan noodles and chilli oil dumplings are also exquisite, and I’m sure everything else on the menu lives up to these standards.
Wellington provides a mouthwatering selection of budget-friendly dining spots that satisfy both taste buds and wallets. Whether it’s the Friday night dinner spot, or Saturday morning coffee, students can indulge in flavourful meals without overspending. The city caters to every palate without compromising on quality or nutritional value and its dedication to these diverse options not only enriches the dining experience but also supports a vibrant student lifestyle. It’s a city where every meal offers a chance to explore new flavours and cultures, making it the perfect location for students seeking affordable and delicious eats.