Sipriana Cafe

34 Thorndon Quay, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
+64 4 894 3201
$$$ Cafe
(179 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Sipriana Cafe sits on the second floor of the Capital Gateway building at 34 Thorndon Quay, offering a relaxed spot that fits naturally into the busy Thorndon neighborhood. It’s the kind of café that locals seem to rely on for casual meet-ups, post-workout treats, or a mid-morning coffee break. With easy access and good parking nearby, it’s a convenient pitstop whether you’re coming from the nearby City Fitness gym or just passing through the area.

The atmosphere leans toward comfortable and spacious, with large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. For those who appreciate a warm environment, the interior displays owner’s motorcycle memorabilia, which adds a personal and somewhat quirky touch to the space—providing some eye candy while you sip. While some visitors have found the vibe a bit subdued, most appreciate the quiet roominess, especially on chilly Wellington days.

Food-wise, Sipriana balances classic café staples with a few standout house specialties. The carrot cake holds its own as a popular sweet choice alongside freshly made pancakes and various tart options. For something savory and hearty, the butter, leek, and potato soup comes highly recommended, particularly when paired with crispy, fresh grainy toast—ideal on colder days. Gluten-free options also feature, making it a considerate choice for those with dietary preferences.

People visiting here tend to be a mix of regulars grabbing a comforting coffee or a quick bite, gym-goers rewarding themselves after exercise, and small groups catching up in a laid-back setting. The iced drinks draw extra attention during the warmer seasons, while the hot soups and baked treats are comforting when the wind picks up.

Best times to drop by are late mornings or early afternoons, when natural light fills the room and the café hums with a quiet energy without getting crowded. Service is generally friendly and attentive, contributing to a smooth, unpretentious experience that encourages lingering over a second cup or a slice of cake.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 04:30 PM

179 Reviews
Edward Rodrigues

07 Jan 2026

Great pancakes and tarts along with great coffees. Helpful and friendly service as well. Unfortunately the location lacks atmosphere but its still worth the visit for the quality of the food.

caelan hill

03 Jan 2026

Kind staff, veeeeery tasty food (pancakes were extremely good) and iced drinks were lush. Great atmosphere too, especially with the big windows. Would definitely come back :)

MJ

17 Dec 2025

Yummiest “hot” Leek & Potato soup with lovely crispy fresh grainy toast on a cold Welly day. Their cabinet food looks great too. Nice spacious cafe at the top of Early Settlers. Recommmend!

William Ericsson Eulatth Vidal

12 Dec 2025

It's become my go-to spot for a delightful post-gym treat on lazy Sundays. The place is on the second floor of Capital Gateway, nestled conveniently across from City Fitness gym. The interior of this charming cafe is warm and inviting, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to unwind after a workout. I appreciate their selection of gluten-free cakes and slices. These treats not only cater to dietary preferences but also manage to be delicious without compromising on health - their Carrot Cake is just yum-yum! The hot drinks at Sipriana are a true delight. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a tea lover, their menu has something to satisfy every palate. While I haven't had the chance to try their breakfast deals yet, I've observed people enjoying them, and they look truly appetizing. I'm eager to explore this aspect of Sipriana's menu on one of my next visits. Whether you're winding down after a workout or simply looking for a peaceful corner to enjoy a good hot drink and delectable treats, Sipriana won't disappoint. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're in the mood for a cozy Sunday retreat.

Huixin Peng

19 Nov 2025

This place is fantastic! It’s really convenient and has great parking. The coffee is amazing, and the atmosphere is awesome with all the owner’s motorcycle displays. A perfect spot to hang out and relax with friends. Highly recommend their coffee!

PL V

27 Oct 2025

The service was quick, and the place is located upstairs. You can walk up the stairs or take the lift, which is located outside at the front. The buger was very tasty and beautiful. Feel free to pop in and try it yourself.

G Meek

10 Oct 2025

Great food...a REAL chef there! And pleasant staff and spacious seating and NO echoing, noisy clatter. Has a view and clean toilets and free parking downstairs!

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