Wherever you go in Wellington, you’ll be sure to find a cosy corner offering a hearty meal or a punchy cocktail to keep you warm in winter.
Wellington embraces winter as few other cities do. Sure, it gets a bit nippy, and that famous horizontal rain doesn’t help, but when
Tucked away in this compact city’s many nooks and crannies, you’ll find an unbeatable range of homely restaurants serving hearty meals to hidden wine bars where you can kick back by a real fireplace. Here are some cosy corners to add to your must-visit list this winter.Hawthorne Lounge Hawthorn Lounge. Photo / Neat PlacesTory St might not be the first spot that comes to mind when you think of hidden bars, yet it is home to Hawthorn Lounge, a superb place to seek shelter from the biting cold. One of the most popular speakeasy-style outfits in Wellington, Hawthorn Lounge exudes class and warmth in equal measure: think oversized leather sofas, moody lighting and intimate tables for two. Order your favourite cocktail at the polished oak bar, park up at a seat by the fireplace if you can, and while the night away at this secluded little haven. Amuse Snack Bar Amuse Snack Bar. Photo / Neat PlacesWith a delightful menu that evolves throughout the day, Amuse Snack Bar on Willis St blends European aperitivo with Australasian coffee culture for an all-day, all-encompassing dining experience that’s welcoming to all. Like any classy eatery, it all starts with the ambience, and stepping into Amuse feels more like sauntering into an old friend’s cosy kitchen. As for the menu, think snacks and small sharing plates, crafted with exquisite skill but without the hefty price tag of a three-course meal. Nicolini’s Nicolini's. Photo / Neat PlacesServing a slice of Naples since 1997, Nicolini’s on Blair St is Wellington’s answer to the classic Italian trattoria. Unpretentious and generous, this beloved family-run institution is where wine flows, formalities fade, and one mission underpins it all: carry generational recipes to the shores of the capital. The atmosphere is cosy yet bustling; intimate enough for conversation, spirited enough for celebration. Live piano on Thursdays and Fridays completes the warming picture.Little Beer Quarter Little Beer Quarter. Photo / Neat PlacesTucked away on Edward St, one of Wellington’s many hidden side streets, Little Beer Quarter feels like a world away from the city, and that’s before you even walk in. One of the homeliest little spots in town, the inside resembles more of an extended living room rather than a bar, and you’re certainly invited to make yourself comfortable. With 14 rotating taps, more than 100 beers in the fridge, and a great pizza and burger menu to match, the team will have you sorted for the evening.For a calm, cosy and contemporary cafe escape from the elements, you’ll find more than just nutty treasure at Squirrel (the croissants are all-time, though). Just two streets back from the waterfront’s wide open sky, take a seat at the window and watch the world (and weather) go by, or curl up in a corner booth and take in the cheery interiors: fresh flowers, upcycled chairs, hanging bulbs and greenery, and of course, dig in to their decadent toast offering, excellent coffee and irresistible baked cabinet goodies.PuffinPuffin, a wine bar on Wellington's Ghuznee St, is a great place for an after dinner nightcap.Carrying on the theme of secluded spots to nestle in when it gets cold, Puffin is one of the classiest wine bars in Wellington and a great place for a winter nightcap. Grab a spot at one of the plush velvet booths and feel the warmth as the place continues buzzing well into the night. An extensive wine list has all your bases covered, and there’s a great range of small plates in case you’re feeling peckish.Cicio Cacio Cicio Cacio Osteria. Photo / Neat PlacesA real gem discreetly hidden away in the heart of Newtown, Cicio Cacio offers much more than a nice Italian meal. The traditional Italian osteria is perhaps one of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in town, with the warm wooden interior, the fireplace, and all the little details on both floors easily making you feel at home. The menu (entirely in Italian, of course) changes every month, and the knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you navigate it.The RamFor a winter warmer with a difference, try The Ram. A sophisticated bistro hiding in plain sight halfway up Cuba St, you won’t find the likes of its creations anywhere else. Dishes are seasonal, beautifully prepared classics, cocktails are inventive and perfectly balanced, and the wine list is interesting and extensive. For diners and drinkers, the warmth of the maroon and wooden interiors is second only to the service extended to all who seek a winter haven in this classy establishment.This story originally appeared on Neat Places. More on food and drinkFrom Michelin moves to wintry warmers.Share this article:
