Aro Cafe

Overview

Located at 90 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington, Aro Cafe is a delightful spot that has quickly become a local favorite. The cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious menu make it an ideal place for breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner. Whether you’re a Wellington local or just visiting, this cafe offers a warm, welcoming vibe that keeps you coming back for more.

As soon as you step inside Aro Cafe, you’re greeted by a comfortable and inviting environment. The decor is a mix of modern and rustic, with wooden tables and soft lighting creating the perfect space for a relaxed dining experience. The layout is spacious but still has an intimate feel, which is great for both solo visits and group gatherings. The cafe has become known not only for its delicious food but also for its consistent ability to make customers feel at home.

The menu at Aro Cafe is both diverse and thoughtfully crafted, offering something for every palate. From freshly brewed coffee and smoothies to hearty breakfast dishes and light lunches, there’s no shortage of options to explore. One standout on the menu is the signature avocado toast, which comes with a side of poached eggs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. It’s a perfect example of how Aro Cafe takes simple ingredients and elevates them to something special.

Another must-try is the cafe’s selection of gourmet sandwiches and wraps. The roasted vegetable sandwich, with its savory filling of seasonal vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing, has earned rave reviews from visitors. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, the cafe’s salads, like the quinoa and chickpea salad, are packed with flavor and texture, offering a refreshing break from heavier options.

Beyond the food, the service at Aro Cafe is something that really sets it apart. The staff here are not only attentive but also genuinely passionate about the food and the cafe’s community atmosphere. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, they always make an effort to make you feel welcome and provide excellent recommendations based on your preferences.

In terms of drinks, Aro Cafe offers a fantastic range of options. Their coffee, sourced from local roasters, is a perfect pick-me-up, and their range of teas is equally impressive. For those who prefer something a little more indulgent, their freshly made smoothies and milkshakes are a hit, blending fruits and other ingredients to create refreshing, healthy treats.

But what really makes Aro Cafe shine is the way they combine high-quality food with a strong commitment to sustainability. They work with local suppliers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients, and their menu reflects this by constantly evolving with the changing seasons. For example, in winter, you can expect heartier dishes, while summer brings lighter, vibrant options filled with local produce. This commitment to using local ingredients doesn’t just ensure the food is fresh; it also supports Wellington’s local farmers and producers.

The atmosphere at Aro Cafe is perfect for a quiet, solo coffee break or a laid-back afternoon with friends. The cafe also has a loyal following among the local community, and it’s common to see people catching up over coffee or bringing their laptops for a work session. If you’re looking for a place that’s more than just a cafe but a true part of the neighborhood, Aro Cafe fits the bill.

While the food and service are certainly the main draws, there’s also something to be said about the cafe’s efforts to maintain a positive impact on the local community. They regularly participate in community events and are known for supporting local causes, which makes it even more rewarding to dine there.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or enjoying a leisurely meal, Aro Cafe delivers a fantastic experience. From the welcoming atmosphere to the top-notch food, it’s easy to see why this cafe has earned a stellar reputation in Aro Valley. So, the next time you find yourself in Wellington, make sure to drop by and experience the charm of Aro Cafe firsthand.

Good to know

Service options

✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ Delivery

Highlights

✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list

Popular for

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo dining ✓ Good for working on laptop

Accessibility

✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ Wine

Dining options

✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table service

Amenities

✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Trendy

Crowd

✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups

Payments

✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cards

Children

✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menu

Parking

✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ Parking

Pets

✓ Dogs allowed

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 504 reviews
Amazing 348
Great 118
Okay 21
Not Great 19
Terrible 12
Andrew Williams

Beautiful little cafe on a nice side street near Wellington city. Great vibes - real attention to detail. Only constructive feedback would be snickers slice didn’t taste at all like snickers. It was delicious, but the name meant expectations were a bit disappointed.

MJ

Visited Aro Cafe today as it’s been a while since we have been there. Have to say it was absolutely lovely! The front of house lady was so helpful and friendly, the service was very quick, and the food was super yummy. My partner reckons the waffles are the best he has ever tasted, while I really enjoyed the chicken burrito and salad. And to top it off, lovely coffee! I think they have renovated the cafe too, as the chairs were really comfy, with nice tables and a new looking floor. Anyway it was a nice ambience. Thanks team!

Elisabeth Bik

Nice little cafe for a quick coffee stop after our hike in Zealandia. Great coffee, friendly service.

Mahnaz

Cosy cafe with great food and coffee; friendly staff and excellent service.

Lizzie Browne

We come here almost every week. The staff are always very friendly and accommodating, the food is delicious and there are lots of options (both menu and cabinet items). There is a nice peaceful atmosphere with good seating options inside and outside. Can't recommend enough :)

Peter K

The cafe is not central; it took a little walk through a rainy gray Wellington day to get there. It was well worth it. Well cooked meals, good coffees and an easygoing atmosphere did the trick. Recommended!

Jasmine McKay

Great coffee - bursting with flavour without being bitter. Friendly staff, really nice atmosphere! Update May 2022: still love it here! Best waffles in Welly - not too sweet like a lot of other places. I go here pretty much every week.

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