Wellington’s dining scene stands out for its inventive menus and bold attitude.
Few places capture Wellington’s reputation for innovation and effortless cool more than this quartet of restaurants. A beloved icon for over 25 years, Logan Brown(opens in new window) has built a loyal following with signature dishes like pāua ravioli and roasted hapuku. Yet the restaurant continues to innovate, serving up inspired creations like vinegar oyster mushrooms paired with burnt leek, bee pollen, and black lime salt. Just around the corner, Rita(opens in new window) offers a genuinely unique dining experience. Seating only 30 guests in a former worker’s cottage – with barely enough room for a wine rack – this tiny gem delivers thoughtful, seasonal cuisine. Another darling of Wellington’s dining scene is Ortega Fish Shack(opens in new window), where New Zealand’s kaimoana (seafood) is the star of the show. Lamb and beef make for a strong supporting cast, as does the décor: an eclectic mix of maritime paintings and paraphernalia that’s nautical but nice.
This collection of restaurants showcases a distinctly New Zealand take on quality dining – exceptional cuisine served in relaxed, welcoming spaces, without the hefty price tag.
Jano Bistro(opens in new window) delivers a seasonally inspired, innovative menu that celebrates the best New Zealand produce. Set within a beautifully restored historic cottage in downtown Wellington, the restaurant invites diners to unwind and indulge in a memorable culinary experience.
A few blocks over on bustling Cuba Street is Floriditas(opens in new window), a beloved Wellington institution whose charm has not diminished over time. Known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this European-inspired eatery serves up seasonal cuisine made from high-quality ingredients. Another Cuba Steet staple is Highwater Eatery(opens in new window), an award-winning restaurant and wine bar known for making almost everything from scratch, from bread rolls and pickles to cured meats.
Just one street over, nestled amongst the skyscrapers, is Havana Bar & Restaurant(opens in new window). Located in a rustic Victorian cottage – like many of Wellington’s top restaurants – the restaurant serves modern tapas and seasonal cocktails.
Finally, for exceptional pan-Asian cuisine, Koji(opens in new window) is a standout. It features a generous plant-based menu that’s an attraction, rather than an afterthought.
We might be drinking less alcohol, but our love of wine bars hasn’t faded. Tucked into quiet backstreets, neighbourhood wine bars often embody a kind of refined unpretentiousness, with curated wine lists and elegant food served in intimate settings. Few places capture this balance better than these local wine bars. Margot(opens in new window) in Newtown offers a seasonal menu that celebrates New Zealand produce and natural wines. Graze Wine Bar(opens in new window) in Kelburn puts sustainability first, and the food tastes better for it. They work with a network of local suppliers chosen for their environment-first approach, whether its spear-caught fish or locally grown produce.
Whether or not Wellington can claim the flat white as its own, it has undoubtedly perfected it. Here, coffee is more than a beverage, it’s practically an obsession.
Highly recommended is Swimsuit(opens in new window) – the brainchild of award-winning barista Tait Burge, a self-declared perfectionist when it comes to coffee. His passion and drive saw him open three locations across the city before the age of 30.
Prefab(opens in new window) is, well, pretty fabulous. The 180-seat venue is a café, roastery, and bakery rolled into one. It also produces its own line of products under the Acme brand, which includes a coffee blend developed in partnership with the Malaghan Institute, a leading medical research centre. A portion of the profits supports the institute’s ongoing research.
Exactly when mid-Century interiors became indicative of great coffee, we couldn't tell you. But Customs Brew Bar(opens in new window) certainly proves the truth of this philosophy. It even serves old-school filter coffee and cheese melts.
The Wairarapa, just over an hours’ drive from Wellington, has emerged as one of the country’s leading wine regions and the go-to weekend destination for Wellington foodies.
Martinborough is home to celebrated cellar doors like Ata Rangi(opens in new window), Palliser Estate(opens in new window), Moy Hall(opens in new window), and Poppies(opens in new window). For a truly memorable dining experience, The Runholder(opens in new window) and York Bistro(opens in new window) offer refined dining with a distinctly local flavour.
In Greytown, indulge in handcrafted chocolates at Schoc, where over 60 imaginative varieties – from lime and chilli to pink peppercorn – are made in a charming 19th-century cottage. Nearby, Aperitif Wine Bar(opens in new window) offers refined small plates and local wines and beers. The Offering(opens in new window) and Main St Deli(opens in new window) are also great options for food.
At C’est Cheese(opens in new window) in Featherston, you’ll find award-winning New Zealand cheeses and the locally made Remutaka Pass Creamery range, including organic blues and washed-rind varieties infused with regional wines.
Visa Wellington On a Plate(opens in new window) is New Zealand’s largest food festival, celebrating local talent with burgers, cocktails, exclusive menus, and creative dining events across the region every August.
