Handpicked by a Wellington Local Expert, we bring you our guide to 'Best Restaurants in Wellington'.
Wellington is the culinary capital of New Zealand with a fantastic array of restaurants. We've picked out our favourite restaurants in Wellington for some food inspiration.
Charley Noble
Charley Noble showcases local ingredients, natural wine and craft beer. Located in central Wellington, the restaurant was an instant hit, winning awards in its first year and continues to be successful with a One Hat recommendation in Cuisine's Good Food Guide. Charley Noble was the sailors’ name for the galley chimney, which drew the heat from the galley stove and carried it safely above dec...
Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Exquisite fine dining opposite Wellington Harbour in this third floor restaurant inside the QT Hotel (formally Museum Art Hotel). Stunning, ornate decor, five-star service and food that looks far too good to eat. With its flamboyant Parisian chic design, marine views, large tables and high-class ambience, Hippopotamus is one of Wellington's most sought-after places to eat. The restaurant off...
Boulcott Street Bistro
The Boulcott Street Bistro has been a fixture in central Wellington since 1991 and offers casual dining at lunchtime and in the evening. Bookings are taken at lunchtimes, but in the evening diners simply walk in to the Gothic cottage that houses the restaurant and wait to be seated. Inside, guests will find a menu featuring classic dishes such as French onion soup and braised lamb shank created...
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a modern Asian restaurant that blends traditional Asian influences with a contemporary twist and a focus on South East Asian food. The restaurant is located in Courtenay Place in central Wellington and the modern cuisine is complemented by the trendy and stylish décor. Sharing is encouraged at Dragonfly and diners are welcome to choose several dishes from a menu that includes spri...
Dragons Chinese Restaurant
Dragons Chinese Restaurant offers fine Chinese cuisine from the heart of downtown Wellington, just off Courtenay Place. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike, whether it be for a large gathering to celebrate a special occasion, a quiet dinner for two or a lunch date over Yum Cha. The extensive menu features seasonal fish, live fresh seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes, siz...
Logan Brown Restaurant and Bar
Logan Brown's 80 seat dining room is situated in Wellington's vibrant Cuba Street. The revamped 1920s bank chamber with high ceilings, bar & private dining room provides an elegant dining space for any occasion. Fine dining without the attitude! 'Guests will experience a welcoming, inspiring and genuine taste of our place, our people, and the produce that makes us proud to be a ...
The Thistle Inn
Historic tavern in Thorndon, minutes from Westpac Stadium. Original features, plus gastropub dining, monthly poetry & quiz nights, function room and boutique conference facilities. The Thistle Inn is New Zealand's oldest surviving tavern dating back to 1840. Enjoy a cold beer or a local vintage in the beautifully polished interior which effortlessly blends the charm of traditional woo...
Shed 5 Restaurant and Bar
Renowned seafood restaurant on Queens Wharf, you can feel the history as you dine in this old warehouse. Shed 5 also has an outdoor terrace for when the weather's nice, so it's very popular in summer. The interior really showcases the maritime heritage of the area, but don't expect run-of-the-mill fish and chips here - this is proper gourmet stuff. Fresh from the market that morning, they'll ru...
Ortega Fish Shack and Bar
The Ortega Fish Shack and Bar is a relaxed restaurant in central Wellington, focused on providing quality food and value for money. The quirky décor creates a relaxed atmosphere, with the staff proving a friendly, but professional service. As the name suggests the emphasis is on seafood, but with plenty of other options on the menu including duck live pate and braised pork belly. Orte...