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The LAB Cafe in Wellington

Discover The LAB Cafe in Kelburn, Wellington. Enjoy great coffee, vegetarian options, and casual dining. Open weekdays 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Highly rated café.

4.6 82 reviews $10–20 Cafe American · Southern

The LAB, Easterfield Building Level Ground/21 Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

FoodPlacee Passport New Zealand · Wellington · 59515
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The LAB Cafe

Wellington, New Zealand

Noodle Salad Cappuccino Bulgogi Beef Bowl Berry Danish
Rating★ 4.6 / 5
Price$10–20
CategoryCafe
Today 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located within The LAB at Kelburn, Wellington, The LAB Cafe offers a casual and welcoming environment for college students and visitors looking for a quality coffee experience alongside fresh, prepared foods. Boasting a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews, this cafe is known for its great coffee, excellent tea selection, and a menu featuring vegetarian-friendly quick bites and hearty meals.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere with options for takeout or dine-in. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking, making this a convenient spot for all visitors. With prices ranging from $10 to $20, The LAB Cafe attracts a lively crowd eager for its daily specials and quality offerings on a college campus.

Gallery

Photos from The LAB Cafe

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A lively spot on Victoria University Kelburn Campus, known for quality coffee, fresh foods, and a welcoming atmosphere for students and solo diners alike.

Great Coffee & Tea Selection

Consistently praised for expertly made coffee and a diverse tea menu, perfect for a quick caffeine fix or relaxed break.

Fast and Friendly Service

Quick service even during busy periods keeps takeout customers satisfied, ideal for those on the go across campus.

Casual, Student-Friendly Atmosphere

Popular with college students, the café offers a relaxed, informal setting for solo dining or casual meetups.

Healthy & Vegetarian Options

Menu features fresh, nutritious choices including vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like the famous noodle salad.

Convenient Kelburn Location

Located inside The LAB, Easterfield Building at Victoria University, it's easy to find and accessible with parking nearby.

Highly Rated with Glowing Reviews

Feedback highlights great food, coffee, and friendly staff, making it a trusted daily stop for campus visitors.

Takeout and Dine-In Options

Offers convenient takeout and limited seating for those wishing to relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dessert.

Accessible for All

Fully wheelchair accessible with entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating designed for comfort and ease.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfectly suited for students and visitors seeking a quick coffee or a wholesome meal in a lively campus setting, The LAB Cafe is a vibrant spot for casual dining and refreshment.

A hub for college students, this cafe’s quick and friendly service, combined with consistent coffee quality and fresh, healthy food options, makes it a favorite for breakfasts, lunches, and light snacks throughout the week. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Coffee Boost

Stop by early to enjoy expertly brewed caffeine favorites like the Flat White or Cappuccino, paired with a Berry Danish or cheese scone to start the day right.

Lunch Break Escape

Take advantage of the daily lunch specials such as Satay Chicken Rice Bowl or Bulgogi Beef Bowl for a flavorful and satisfying midday meal that fuels afternoon productivity.

Solo Study Sessions

This cafe offers a quiet yet lively atmosphere ideal for solo diners looking for a quick recharge with vegetarian options and great coffee while studying or working on campus.

Grab & Go Convenience

With efficient takeout service, visitors can easily pick up quick bites like noodle salads or sweet treats like the Chocolate Caramel Slice to enjoy on the move.

Best for

Great Coffee Breakfast Lunch Solo Dining Takeout Accessibility Casual College Students

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

LI
Leona Irsevic 4 week ago

"Very exciting and fresh menus at this cute little eatery! always appreciate well thought out and prepared vegetarian options!"

HK
H K 4 week ago

"Very busy and lively cafe offering lots of healthy varieties and desserts. Offers daily lunch specials (photo: chicken satay with rice), as well as healthy sandwich, salad and wraps. Vegan friendly. Good coffee. Quick and friendly service. Mostly for take away, as seating space is limited."

LY
Louise Yau 1 month ago

"All their food is great, salads are huge with a good amount of chicken, equal potions diff veggies not all lettus and only $8, great coffee, friendly staff and the best cheese scones"

S“C
Sanutep “SanChan” Chan 1 month ago

"Most consitent coffees on Victoria University Kelburn Campus. Service is friendly and quick, even during busy periods. Good cabinet food (desserts/cakes/etc). Yet to try savouries."

AR
Aria Rayendra 1 month ago

"Really good and lively place. The staff is very friendly and busy. The mocha and hot chocolate are my favourites and recommended."

GB
George Beasley 2 month ago

"Decent quality food. Amazing coffee, the staff are friendly and it is easily accessible on campus."

JL
Joe Lobotka 3 month ago

"The coffee place of my choice. The guys (and girls) running the show know what they're doing and always make the best coffee you can get. Also, their caramel slice and lunch meals rock. Highly recommend, if you're visiting Uni."

RCN
R C N 4 month ago

"Always love the food & drinks available at the Lab. I have now relocated cities and miss having the Lab on-campus. The food is always 100% fresh, with great flavours e.g. their Asian fusion meal specials. The famous $5 noodle salad sustained me through post-grad study, & the raw vegan coconut choc slice was my absolute fave. Great coffee too with alternative milks available. Someone needs to franchise this biz!!"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Tuesday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Thursday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Friday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Open weekdays from early morning until late afternoon, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch visits with moderate stay times.

Weekdays 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Perfect for morning coffee and brunch Popular with college students during term time Visit from 10 minutes up to 2 hours No reservations needed; seating limited

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to The LAB Cafe in Wellington .

Address The LAB, Easterfield Building Level Ground/21 Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Area Wellington
Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about The LAB Cafe in Kelburn, Wellington. Learn about opening hours, menu highlights, accessibility, and more before your visit.

The cafe is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours may occasionally change, so it’s best to check before visiting.

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, and the cafe is known for thoughtful vegetarian dishes. Vegan-friendly choices and daily specials are often available.

The cafe has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

Service includes takeout and dine-in options. Delivery is not available. Seating is casual with no table service, ideal for quick bites or relaxed dining.

Popular menu items include the Noodle Salad, Cappuccino, Bulgogi Beef Bowl, Flat White, and Chocolate Caramel Slice. The offerings focus on fresh, prepared foods and quick bites.

Reservations are not accepted. Seating is limited and mostly suited for solo dining or quick visits, so arrive early during peak times if possible.

Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenient cashless transactions.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.