Legato Espresso Cafe

1 Willeston Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
+64 4 473 7979
$$$ Cafe
(86 Reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Wellington Central, Legato Espresso Cafe is not just a cafe; it's a sanctuary for coffee lovers and casual diners seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located at 1 Willeston Street, this charming cafe boasts a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service that has garnered rave reviews from patrons.

Unique Offerings: Legato Espresso Cafe specializes in crafting exquisite coffee beverages, offering everything from rich, aromatic black coffee to creamy white varieties and refreshing iced coffees. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light snack, the menu has something for everyone. Highlights include the delectable Buttermilk Pancakes ($17.00) that are fluffy and perfect for a morning treat, and the satisfying Smashed Avocado ($19.00) that brings a fresh and vibrant touch to your breakfast plate. Don’t overlook the splendid Eggs Benedict and comforting Bacon + Fried Egg Butty for a savory start to your day.

Many customers have praised the friendly staff and the peaceful ambiance. With its spacious interior, Legato offers a comforting retreat where you can catch up with friends, enjoy a meal, or even work quietly on your laptop. The cafe is adorned with warm tones and tasteful decor that creates an inviting environment. According to Roydon Gould, patrons have found it to be “the best cappuccino in a long time,” making it the preferred spot for many coffee connoisseurs.

Marilyn Lawson-James found the frittata to be a memorable highlight, while Anna Heyward raves about the housemade shiitake mushroom dumplings, further showcasing Legato’s diverse menu options that cater to various cravings. If a quick bite is what you seek, their burgers, complete with crispy chips, stand out as a convenient choice for lunch or an afternoon snack.

The cafe doesn’t merely cater to the taste buds but also to the soul. Paige Wagener describes it as a “nice atmosphere” away from the busy streets of the city, making it perfect for both social gatherings and personal time. Coupled with spectacular views along the waterfront, the ambience is simply divine, ensuring your experience at Legato Espresso Cafe will be memorable.

If you’re ready to indulge in some delightful food and superb coffee, make your way to Legato Espresso Cafe. You’ll find not just quality fare and exquisite beverages, but also community and warmth that makes it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

86 Reviews
Roydon Gould

07 Oct 2025

Great place for a coffee and a chat. Best cappuccino in a long time.

Paige Wagener

04 Oct 2025

Love coming here when I work in Wellington! Friendly staff and great service! Also a nice atmosphere and space, really peaceful if you want to get off the busy streets in the city. Coffee is lovely too!

Marilyn Lawson-James

20 Aug 2025

Lovely staff. Beautiful frittata. Great iced coffee made with water. Definitely a go back to place next time I'm in Wellington

Anna Heyward

19 Aug 2025

Great cafe for lunch or coffee catch-ups. Spacious, reasonably priced and friendly. Highly recommend the house-made shiitake mushroom dumplings.

Ashjae

18 Aug 2025

Great food, awesome coffee. Good views along waterfront and good ambience

Andre Serfontein

24 Jul 2025

One of my favourite hangouts since 2011. Friendly team, great coffee, and a menu that caters for most tastes. Only place in town I have found this far that makes their lemon honey ginger from separate ingredients. Highly recommended.

Richard Mayston

22 Jul 2025

Cheese Scone Review Good size, not too big, not too small, just right. Somewhat rustic looking. Very nice crunchy exterior. No herbs, no discernable cayenne, lots of cheese. Light salt. Texture is a little on the dense side, somewhat rubbery due to the level of cheese. Nice finish. Really quite a good scone 74. Very nice venue, good decour and layout. A helpful barista.

Renee S

19 Jul 2025

OMG! Consistency plus! Still the BEST CHEESE SCONES EVER! I no longer live in the North Island and miss Legato so much. Great cheese scones, fab coffee (and I also really love their bibimbab when I’m here at lunchtime). So good!

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