Uncle Leo’s Bakery — Restaurant in Wellington

Situated on Wellington’s picturesque coastal drive at Greta Point, Uncle Leo’s Bakery is a French-inspired gem that’s well worth the detour—or even a dedicated visit.

Just minutes from the city center and Wellington International Airport, this patisserie combines convenience with a dreamy seaside vibe, making it a delightful stop whether you’re craving indulgence or simply soaking in the sunny views.

Arriving around 11 a.m., I was pleasantly surprised by the ample roadside parking—a rare luxury in busier parts of town. Though the bakery buzzed with a steady stream of customers, I snagged a cozy seat without hassle, settling into the warm, inviting atmosphere.

The pastry selection was a feast for the eyes and palate. My choices—a decadent chocolate almond croissant, a vibrant pistachio pastry, and a luscious custard and strawberry creation—were nothing short of perfection. Flaky, buttery layers paired with balanced sweetness; each bite felt like a trip to a Parisian café. The coffee, rich and expertly brewed, complemented the treats flawlessly.

While I savored my picks, the gleaming display cabinets teased future visits: golden pies (reportedly legendary), quiches, and more delicate viennoiserie beckoned. Regulars’ praises for the pies have solidified them on my must-try list.

With the recent closures of Myrtle and Bordeaux Bakery, Uncle Leo’s has risen as a standout in Wellington’s bakery scene. Whether you’re a local or a traveler en route to the airport, this spot promises a taste of France with a side of coastal charm. Don’t just pass through—pause, sip, and savor.

Uncle Leo’s...

Uncle Leo’s cafe is such a nice place to stop off on my walk from Kilbirnie to the water front. The folks who work there are friendly, helpful, and never balk at my slightly picky coffee order. The pastries are a real treat. I have yet to try the savory dishes that everyone raves about too.

We picked up some Turkish bread the other day and it is like a cross between a ftat bread and a sourdough, with seeds on top. Excellent with butter and paired well with marry me chicken one night, and mussels the next.

Their Florentine cookies are so satisfyingly delightful. I’m going there this morning and will probably try the almond croissant. They are the yummiest looking almond croissants, bursting with almond paste, I’ve seen in Wellington. Also, the coffee is perfect every time.

When my family come to visit from San Francisco, California, known for our pastries and sour dough, they will not be disappointed. The sour dough bread at Leo’s is perfectly sour and chewy; crisy when toasted. I noticed that someone wrote a review, complaining about the holes, but the holes are part of a good sour dough fermentation. Leo’s will be sure to meet the sour dough conesoeir’s...

We popped in for lunch ... two of us had the bacon and egg crossiant, and two had sweet pastries. All very yummy too. A great selection of sweet items in the cabinets. They had samples of two types of bread that they bake on premises. I tried the baguette, but unfortunately they sold out, so couldn't buy one. Good to know every food item is made from scratch by them. The chef came out and was very chatty to our group, as well as all the other tables. Very enjoyable lunch, will go back and try the pies and sausage rolls next time. Cheers

I took a friend today, for a coffee and bite to eat. I had a vegetarian Turkish roll, absolutely delicious (I took 2 unfilled Turkish rolls to take home). The toasted sesame seeds on top of the rolls are so tasty, and fragrant. My friend had the salami, and cheese french stick which they said was very enjoyable. I'll have to pop in again in the weekend...they make a Rye Sourdough loaf. I've tried their white sourdough which was heavenly, but I do prefer a Rye type of bread. Looking forward to going there again. Love...