For some reason everytime I think "Where's Charlie", my internal voice raises the "Char" part and sounds creepy. Now I sound strange. But Where's Charlie isn't creepy and I'm not strange.
Ok, so now to review the place. I've been here a couple of times and it is always busy. If you have a group going, book a table because chances are you won't get one straight away if you don't.
It's a tight fit with tables very close to one another but the decor is unique and a bit funky. Glass top tables with pallets underneath and wee terrariums (that are for sale) as decorations.
The menu is quite extensive. Think vietnamese fusion. I think "fusion" is culinary jargon...like "strategic direction" is in business, but that's the only way I can describe their menu.
The staff I spoke to were helpful. I had to ask what I could order (gf and vege) and they were happy to oblige with recommendations.
The food comes out fast, is quite tasty and reasonably priced. I loved how they cooked the tofu in my dish. Yes, love and tofu in the same sentence? Just to confirm...I'm not strange. My lunch buddies all enjoyed their various meals which included a breakfast bowl, chicken and some sort of vietnamese sandwich.
So if you're looking for something substantial that doesn't cost an arm and two legs...and won't send you to the sick bay for a nap after eating.... I would recommend going to find Charlie.
Dined here twice for lunch whilst in Wellington and pleased to report some decent and authentic Vietnamese flavours here!
First tried the beef pho and springs rolls, the pho broth was flavoured very well and generous servings of noodles and usual pho fillings.
Spring rolls were a little disappointing because they came out greasy rather than crispy so we didn’t finish them.
Second time dining I ordered the lemongrass chilli chicken banh mi and it was really good, very reminiscent of a traditional banh mi but didn’t have my pate. Pickled carrot really made it delicious!
It does get super busy with diners sitting in and ordering take away, but they do push food out reasonably quickly. Staff are friendly and attentive, definitely will be back for more next time I’m in Wellington ☺️
I went during lunchtime. It was extremely busy! Our order was very delayed but thankfully my friend and I had time to spare.
I had the Vegan Hot & Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup and my friend had the Tofu Banh Mi with Pate. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and want to take my partner back to try it!
Seriously good noodle soup. The dumplings were tasty, too. The portion was huge and took a while to eat.
I had a delicious gluten free chicken yellow curry. My wife had a "good" lemongrass beef banh mi.
The restaurant was noisy and busy.
Staff and service was excellent.
We would definitely eat here again.
The service is quick if you want a beef pho in a freezing Wellington weather. The chicken in my WOAP burger is cold but the source is nice.
So yum! Quick, clean and delicious! Great flavours and well priced.
The most crunchiest spring rolls I've ever had! Everything tasted amazing! The girls were super friendly
Yummy quick Vietnamese food. Colleagues had the fish two ways look delightful. I had the caramelised pork, delicious.
This is a Vietnamese cafe with good, tasty and great value food from entree, to main such as noodles and rice dishes. Price is reasonable.
Lunch time is very busy so if you’re touring best arrive before 12 or wait after 1:30 pm to enjoy a more quiet and relax atmosphere.
There's not many places you can get a tasty, fresh, decent meal under $20 these days in a nice sit down setting. I love the different ambience they have. Saw lots of young folks come for dinner while we were there and I can see why. Good value and tasty, quick service, no fuss. It's not fine dining, nor the best vietnamese ive ever had, but is a great casual choice. I loved my meal. It's like street food in a nice venue, which I think is what they are aiming for. I'll definitely be back.
Quick Vietnamese food that makes a work lunch easily fit in. Where’s Charlie has a brilliantly simple menu of noodle and rice salad augmented with lemon-grass crispy chicken, BBQ pork and more.
The place is packed at lunchtimes and reservations are recommended! The menu makes for easy reading with pictures to give you a good idea of what’s coming out. The noodle salads are an easy choice and can be made fancy with the addition of chicken spring rolls. Be sure to peruse the specials: two pork bao buns for $10 was a filling lunch! The chicken curry is always super popular.
Despite speed and easy eating, the crowd can be a bit overwhelming. Ordering at the counter is a must, and the drinks selection is limited outside a really strong showing for smoothies. The waffles at Where’s Charlie are bizarrely good for a Vietnamese restaurant - highly recommended if you can get them!
Go here for a quick lunch knowing time pressure won’t be a problem!
Delicious and well-priced Vietnamese food selection! One of my favorite places to eat in Wellington.
Just sad that they don’t offer shakes or fruit juices past 6pm because they already cleaned the area.
Good food. Tasty.
But place is very noisy at peak hours such as lunch because it gets packed. Hard to hear the person you are talking to.
After that wave, it is generally quiet and easy going.
Lunch time. It was jam-packed when we passed by. We definitely had to check it out. We had the special for the day - caramelized pork belly with rice and salad. It was so good it reminded me a bit of a Filipino dish called lechon paksiw. The pork was so soft you can eat even the fat. It just melts in your mouth. Can’t wait to look up this recipe and try making it.
Great place to have lunch , food is really flavourful, don’t miss on this place in Wellington must visit, Great customer service and service is really fast
One of my go to places for lunch when visiting Wellington for work. Good selection of Vietnamese dishes with my fav being the Hanoi grilled pork belly with spring rolls on rice, noodles or salad - fresh and delicious! Always very busy during the week lunch rush so best to make a reservation or call a takeaway order in advance.
Yummy and fresh Vietnamese food made in front of you. Can recommend the fresh, fish, duck and prawn rolls. The Vietnamese coffee and latte are very good along with deserts.
Good portioned meals at cheap prices. Food is fresh and extremely tasty. Definately recommend.
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