Long standing eatery Astoria still bursting with vitality

Lambton Quay café and restaurant Astoria is a Wellington institution. In the heart of the business district, many a meeting has taken place there over the years. Sitting on the edge of the petite Midland Park, the café’s tables give way to park benches and grassed areas attracting people from the surrounding office blocks. While the name and location remain the same, extensive renovations and a rebrand mean Astoria feels fresh as it did when it opened in 1996.

Astoria has a strong café focus during the day, serving quality coffee along with great cabinet food and an Italian style à la carte breakfast menu. If you’re short on time, pop by the takeaway window for a quick coffee and food on the go or come back later for a sit-in lunch.

Looking into the bar at Astoria as people work and customers dine in the background.

3 drinks focused in the foreground atop the bar and blurred customers in background.

Chef serving a bowl of green food in kitchen of Astoria.

Interior of Astoria looking out the windows onto street with customers dining in background.

Astoria opens Saturday for brunch, with excellent offerings for both sweet and savoury. There’s also antipasto, pizzetta, and desserts available from 11am.

In the evenings, the focus switches to wine, pizza, and pasta. The modern Italian fare on offer is always fresh and full of flavour. Pasta is made in-house, and sourdough is baked at every service. The drinks list features a delicious selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. If you’ve come for dinner, you’d be remiss not to indulge in an Italian aperitivo, like an Aperol or Negroni.

Astoria has always been a popular spot for locals, politicians, corporates, and everyone in between. The chic, laidback space and delicious menu ensure it will remain that way for some time.

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