The Leafy Stop is Georgie and Peter's plant based cafe in Kilbirnie, opened in May 2025 as a place to pause over nourishing food and connect with other people. Its greenery and warm front room make that idea tangible rather than simply a slogan. The setting is informal, but the menu treats vegetables, legumes and plant proteins as the foundations of satisfying meals rather than as substitutions around the edges.
Bowls and stews give the cafe much of its substance. Cannellini beans are slowly braised with maple and served with grilled sourdough, while mushroom bourguignon brings deep, earthy flavours to another bread accompanied dish. A squash dahl layers warming spice through a vegetable and lentil base, and a sesame and ginger tofu bowl adds glass noodles, vegetables and a fresh herb dressing.
Sandwiches and bakes show a playful side to the all vegan approach. Chickpeas and nori become a 'chuna' mayo filling with celery and dill, while tofu is transformed into a 'vegg' mayo version with spinach and pickled red onion. The roasted pumpkin and sage bake is paired with mushrooms, wilted greens and vegan mozzarella, and extras such as kimchi, sauerkraut or avocado let diners add brightness and texture.
The cafe welcomes walk ins and also accepts bookings for groups, making the leafy room useful for shared lunches as well as quieter visits. Friday evening service extends the concept beyond daytime cafe hours. Its soups, stews and savoury fillings can also be bought in take home jars for pickup or local delivery, giving regulars a practical way to carry the kitchen's vegan, gluten free cooking into meals at home.
Address: 35 Onepu Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
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