One of the oldest cafes in New Zealand a haunt of movers, shakers and scrummagers
Monday, 22 May 2023
The Green Parrot Cafe n Wellington is one of those ‘if these walls could talk’ kind of places.
In fact, its back wall has plenty to say if you look a little closer.
The restaurant on the corner of Taranaki and Wakefield streets is one of New Zealand’s oldest and has hosted all sorts over its near hundred-year lifetime.
It’s been a favourite of politicians, actors, rugby fans and the late night dining crowd.
A fresco featuring the likenesses of many of famous Kiwis who have frequented the establishment over the generations covers the back wall.
The cafe, owned by father and son team of Kosta and Chris Sakoufakis, has been in their family for 50 years.
The decor may be from a bygone era, but the bright colours of the painted green parrot on the window and tidy leather, chrome and wood interior make it feel classic, not dated.
It’s menu too is classic Kiwi steakhouse serving generous portions and often includes a couple of pieces of white bread on the side.
“Historically people have buttered bread and put Worcestershire sauce on it…that’s a Green Parrot tradition.”
A not-so-welcome-tradition was people late at night, possibly a little merry, flicking butter cubes on the ceiling Chris said.
Kosta, now 83, can still be found on the grill most evenings and said it was a pleasure to be at the heart of such an establishment for so many years.
“We have been here for so many celebrations and late nights. I love it, I’m getting old, but I still manage,” he said.
Chris is a busy real estate agent by day and helps out in the restaurant when needed.
“We’ve had lots of prime ministers come through the doors, sporting icons, Lord of Rings cast and everyday New Zealanders.”
The mural on the back wall includes characters such as Billy T James, Barry Crump, Norman Kirk, Sir Peter Jackson, Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Peter Blake, Sir Paul Holmes, Sam Hunt, Michael J Fox, and Robert Muldoon.
Politicians such as Winston Peters and his mates were regulars at the Parrot.
The restaurant was a popular spot before and after big rugby matches, usually packed out after the Bledisloe Cup fixtures and big tests.
“The supporters of each side were quite vocal and one day there was a big scrum in the middle of the dining room,” Chris said.
The Parrot was established in 1926 by Richard Alfred Leckner making it likely the oldest restaurant of its kind in the country still in its original location.
“This was a hangout after the pubs would close early at six and everyone would flock here and people would have a massive feed.”
Chris said they have always aimed to give people some place inviting and cheerful to come to with fresh and non-pretentious food with generous proportions.
“We like to be hospitable and have contact with anyone who comes through the doors.”
“Staying true to its brand, keeping the menu consistent. Our staple dishes are our sirloin steak, our Wiener schnitzel, and fish of the day. We get our seafood delivered daily. You can always be guaranteed to get it fresh.”
Spiro and Angelo Sakoufakis bought the restaurant in 1970 and their brother Kosta joined Angelo in ownership when it reopened after a major refurbishment in 1987 when the building was earthquake-strengthened.
“I first started here in ‘87 as an 11-year-old – straight on to the floor,” Chris said.
“A family business means you don’t have a set role, you just all help out.”
Central Wellington hospitality struggled over the pandemic and has been slow to return to prior levels or trade.
“I think it’s quite a common story since Covid that numbers are down and people just haven’t gone back to their normal routines.”
“We used to be open seven days a week and now we’re only open four days, and that’s become quite the norm around the city operating Wednesday to Saturday.”
The Sakoufakis family are hoping that the Parrot’s unique offering and legendary status will draw back the customers as Wellington gets back to its best.
Love Your Local Awards
What makes Wellington the great city it is?
Of course there are lots of answers to that question: There’s the people, of course. The topography, industry, arts and culture, the university. And high up there is the hospitality.
Everywhere, bars, restaurants, cafes and food trucks play an essential role in forming the character of a city and the individual neighbourhoods that comprise it. Even after three very difficult years for the industry, and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, that continues to be true: our communities would not be what they are without the hospitality people and places that serve them.
And at The Post we think it’s time to celebrate that.
We’re thrilled to announce the Love Your Local Awards, in which you, Post readers, give your most-loved locals the chance to win.
Nominations open today in six categories: food truck or takeaway; roadside stall; barista; bartender or publican; front of house person or team; and new business.
Tell us who you love, and why, and they could be up for the title in your region.
Then we’re going one further: all your regional winners will be up for the national title in each category, as determined by our judging panel made up of top New Zealand chef and unofficial food ambassador Peter Gordon, Eat New Zealand chief executive Angela Clifford, and Stuff food editor Emily Brookes.
- To nominate your favourite local go to stuff.co.nz/loveyourlocal