New Zealand's cool capital is known for its huge food scene. We may be a teensy bit biased, but we reckon Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington has some of the best restaurants in the country.
Whether you’re after cheap eats or something a little fancier, Urban List has you covered with 50 of the best restaurants in Wellington. N.B: These are in no particular order, other than alphabetical.
At a Glance
- Best Asian Fusion Restaurant: Koji
- Best Greek Restaurant: Oikos
- Best Wine Bar: Graze Wine Bar
- Best Italian Restaurant: Scopa
- Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Kisa
- Best Plant-Based Restaurant: Hillside Kitchen
- Best Polish Restaurant: Topor Bistro
- Best Syrian Restaurant: Damascus
- Best Seafood Restaurant: Ortega Fish Shack
- Best Fine Dining: Logan Brown
1154
132 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Settle in at the communal dining table and enjoy fast and fresh house-made pasta and organic wine at 1154, that won’t break your budget.
Insider Intel
- Do go to their weekly mac and cheese nights
- Walk-ins only, so factor in a potential wait time (but it’ll be worth it)
- Gluten-free and vegan pasta available but both dietaries together can’t be catered to
Apache
122 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington
A beautiful melange of Northern Vietnamese food and French cuisine—think fresh, herby salads combined with decadent French flavours. The Bang Bang Chicken Salad at Apache is a stand-out.
Insider Intel
- Right next to Michael Fowler Centre so it’s perfect for a pre-concert dinner
- Don’t skip the popcorn chicken
- Great for gluten-free
A Taste of Home
128 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington
If you’re in the mood for noods, look no further than A Taste Of Home. This teensy spot which dishes up Chinese street food, made with irresistibly fresh hand-pulled noodles.
Insider Intel
- There’s serious spice here if you want it
- Get involved in the dan dan noodles, hot oil noodles, and spicy fried tofu
- Finish with the fried taro and kumara balls
Baker Gramercy
465 Adelaide Road, Berhampore, Wellington
When you’re in the mood for world-changing bread and pastries, it’s Bakery Gramercy or nothing. The goods are handcrafted and available to order online for collection the next day or just turn up and discover what they’ve got in store for you (but it doesn’t hurt to cross your fingers for something along the lines of a carefully yet generously ham and gruyere-stuffed croissant).
Insider Intel
- Their almond-choc croissant is perfect and isn’t overly sweet
- These pastries taste just as amazing when cold
- Snag yourself a Sourdough Slayer while you’re there (it’s the only way to cut bread)
Boulcott Street Bistro
99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington
Set inside a historic cottage, Boulcott Street Bistro gives a nod to the fine dining scene of yesteryear with a good dash of modern flair.
Insider Intel
- Great for mid-week business lunches
- Gothic architecture vibes
- Tonnes of gluten-free options
The Botanist
219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington
For when you’ve got a veggie or vegan friend you want to impress. The Botanist cafe and restaurant provides plenty of delectable choices for your plant-lovin’ pals and carnivores alike.
Insider Intel
- Loads of gluten-free options but not suitable for coeliac as their seitan and bread are made in-house
- Don’t skip the tiramisu pancakes
- Dogs welcome
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Burger Liquor
129 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The classic combo of booze and burgers is hard to beat, and this place excels in both. Try a Smokey with a side of Punjabi Poutine at Burger Liquor, guaranteed to make your taste buds sizzle.
Insider Intel
- Burgers that are actually easy to eat
- Sunday Rum Club is all about new rum cocktails and a ‘break even rum bottle’ sold off-menu at cost price
- Swap your bun for a bowl if that’s your vibe
Chaat Street
171 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Chaat Street / Instagram
With nary a curry in sight, Chaat Street serves up Indian street food that packs a punch. Make sure you order the outstanding Aloo Tikki Chaat, a skillet potato with crunchy lentils and a flavour-filled sauce and the delectable Bhel Puri pictured above.
Insider Intel
- New Deli-style Indian street food
- Lighter than the typical Indian fare you’ll find in these parts which tends to be Punjabi
- Now serving brunch
Charley Noble
Ground Huddart Parker Building, 1 Post Office Square, Wellington
Specialising in wood-fired delights and with a menu to please all palates, Charley Noble is always chocka. When you eat here you’ll understand why.
Insider Intel
- Dine kitchen-side to learn a thing or two about epic cooking
- Separate gluten-free menu
- Hatted by Cuisine Magazine
Cicio Cacio
167 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
The cutest and cosiest restaurant you ever did see. At Cicio Cacio tuck into homely, Italian fare, just like mamma used to make.
Insider Intel
- The fireplace (and oodles of carbs) makes this spot a winner in winter
- In a nutshell: good people, honest food, and true wines
- Formerly—many, many years ago—the building housed an eatery called Manon
Concord
81 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Cosy up at Concord and take your tastebuds on a transatlantic voyage. French classics like Steak Frites and Crème Brûlée rub shoulders with American faves like a good ole-fashioned Cheeseburger Royale, served in an elegant setting.
Insider Intel
- Perfect for when you’re feeling baller and have a hankering for steak and chips
- Not the best for dietaries
- Hatted by Cuisine Magazine
Damascus
4/100 Tory Street, Wellington
Celebrating his family’s recipes, Syrian-born Hasan Alwarhani brings the flavours of his homeland to Wellington at Damascus. Expect fresh, homey food that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Insider Intel
- Come here when you’ve time to spare so you can savour every bite
- Do partake in the cardamom tea
- Cute date night
Dragonfly
70 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Draped in dark curtains and with a moody vibe, Dragonfly is the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. Cosy up with modern Asian cuisine and decadent cocktails in the lantern-lit courtyard.
Insider Intel
- Leftover ingredients like pineapple skins and lemon peels are turned into syrups, sorbets, and cocktail garnishes to minimise waste
- Cocktail glassware has been swapped out for enamel tumblers for the same reason
- Pre-order the banquet for large groups
Dragons
25 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
If you’re a yum cha enthusiast—and who isn’t—then Dragons has got to be on your hit list.
Insider Intel
- Great for groups
- Separate menus for gluten-free and vegetarian
- Tends to be pretty busy most days
Egmont St Eatery
11 Egmont Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Hidden down a grungy laneway, Egmont St Eatery has undergone the ultimate makeover from car park to stylish restaurant, serving seasonally inspired dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Insider Intel
- Great brunch spot
- Their cornbread is the stuff of dreams
- Does dietaries well
El Matador
196 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: El Matador / Instagram
For food full of Argentinian flair, sink your teeth into a meat feast at El Matador down Cuba Street.
Insider Intel
- Great for carnivores and gym bros who can never get enough protein
- Don’t leave without trying the roasted bone marrow with bacon marmalade
- Great for gluten-free and nut-free diners
Graze Wine Bar
95 Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington
A brand new neighbourhood Graze Wine Bar that combines cosy seating with thoughtful and honest food.
Insider Intel
- Enjoying a glass of vino with a ‘snack attack’ is a must
- Massively committed to sustainability and are actively low waste while buying local and second hand
- Their fish, paua, and crayfish are caught by local fisherman
Havana
32a/34 Wigan Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Step inside the colourful cottages at Havana and be whisked away on a wild adventure of global flavours, exotic cocktails, and world-beats—all that’s missing are the Cuban cigars.
Insider Intel
- Keep an eye on their socials for live music
- Happy to adapt the menu for dietaries
- Sharing plates go down a treat
Highwater
54 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Highwater / Instagram
With exposed brick walls, Highwater has a frenetic open kitchen and an expansive bar, this modern eatery is a slice of the Big Apple. Nearly everything that arrives on your plate is made in-house, so you know it’s good.
Insider Intel
- Head-turning oysters
- Another great pre-concert dining spot
- Great for dietaries
Hillside Kitchen
241 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington
Proudly meat-free, Hillside’s menu has been carefully and cleverly crafted to showcase the humble veg. Even the most ardent carnivores might be tempted to switch sides.
Insider Intel
- Head here for earth-friendly, plant-based degustation done right
- Meals never fail to intrigue and they do some really fun non-alcoholic drink matches like kefir
- Menu is ever-changing according to the seasons, what’s in their garden, and what their chef has managed to forage
Jano
270 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Nestled in a cute yellow villa, Jano is an unassuming gem. Settle in for a tasting menu full of utterly gorgeous food that’s screaming to go on the ‘Gram – if that’s what you’re into.
Insider Intel
- A cult favourite for a reason
- Great for a celebratory night out
- It’s giving jovial pops of colour and top tier taste explosions
Kisa
195 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
An impeccable new hotspot on Cuba Street, Kisa slings Turkish and Middle-eastern-inspired eats from the legends behind Mr Go's and Ombra.
Insider Intel
- Life-changing brussel sprouts
- Cocktails on point
- Great for crowds
Koji
12 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
A love child of Asian cuisine and NZ ingredients, Koji's new addition to Majoribanks St has a creative, from scratch approach to big flavours. Treat yourself to the nine-course chef’s menu, your taste buds will thank you.
Insider Intel
- Utter 'Just Feed Me' and see what happens
- Separate plant-based menu
- Don’t skip the venison pie tee
Liberty
227 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Liberty / Instagram
From the talented team behind iconic fine-dining restaurant Logan Brown. While the approach is slightly more casual than its older sibling, Liberty’s food is just as impressive. Enjoy a culinary adventure, with sharing style plates that offer a taste of “here and there”.
Insider Intel
- A grazer's heaven
- Staff are super helpful with suggestions if you're feeling indecisive
- Keep an eye on their socials for themed dinners
Little Grump
142 Featherston Street, Wellington
This pastry and sandwich shop knows how to deliver the goods. At Little Grump everything is baked onsite every day. The cabinet features an ever-changing treasure trove of treats in addition to their popular staples: almond croissants, cinnamon morning buns, ham and egg pies, and red pesto twists.
Insider Intel
- You’ll want the salmon sandwich on the daily
- From the folks who brought us Goods Wellington
- Their toasties make a great winter warmer
Little Penang
179 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
For a cheap and cheerful weekday lunch or dinner, you can’t go past Little Penang and their belly-warming Malaysian food.
Insider Intel
- The real deal—approved by punters with Malaysian heritage
- Great for a quick lunch
- Eat well for less
Logan Brown
192 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Synonymous with fine dining in Wellington, Logan Brown is still a top spot if you’re in the mood for a fancy pants dinner. Make sure the famous paua ravioli lands on your plate.
Insider Intel
- Venison done right
- Great for a celebratory night out
- Don’t skip the paua ravioli
Lola Rouge
181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Lola Rouge | supplied
Enter the house of pan-Asian eats and impeccable aesthetics (yes, in a red palette—how did you guess?). Pull up a pew at Lola Rouge and let Executive Chef Jason Ng's culinary art feed your soul.
Insider Intel
- Hire out The Red Room (pictured above) for your next soirée
- Perfect for dates
- Don't skip the cocktails, they're as delectable as they are 'Gram-worthy
Loretta
181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Catering to your brekkie, brunch, lunch and dinner needs, Loretta is a good time any time of day. The menu has a little something for everyone, from pies to pizza, schnitzel to salads.
Insider Intel
- Stellar weekend brunch spot
- Perfect for dates
- Menu changes seasonally
Lucky
105 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Lucky | Instagram @tact.creative
Not strictly a restaurant, but the burgers at Lucky are so darn good it would be a crime not to mention it. While the fried chicken rules the roost, wait until you try the halloumi burger, aptly named the ‘Happy’.
Insider Intel
- For when you’re in need of a late-night feed
- Refuel between dancefloors
- Golden, fried goodness
Moy Hall
1 Martins Road, Martinborough
For when you’ve been to Poppies a bunch of times and are keen to branch out and try another one of Martinborough’s vineyard restaurants. At Moy Hall, feast on sharing plates while you soak up the winery vibes.
Insider Intel
- Pair a wine flight with cheese or dessert in the courtyard
- Bring a hat, you know what they say about Wellington (and adjacent) on a good day
- Open seven days over the summer months
Mr Go’s
3 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Mr Go's is the place to go when you’ve got a hungry crowd and you just can’t decide what to eat. Order a bunch of pan-Asian dishes and watch it disappear in a flash.
Insider Intel
- Daily bao, drink, and snack specials
- Caters to coeliacs
- Comprehensive dietary menu available
Noble Rot
6 Swan Lane, Te Aro, Wellington
Cheese, charcuterie and over 500 wines to try at Noble Rot–need we say more?
Insider Intel
- Great for dates
- Don’t skip the ‘Coravin Experience’ wine journey
- So much more than a wine bar
Oikos
382 Broadway, Miramar, Wellington
Oikos Fancy Greek food in the suburbs will make you want to smash your plate – but probably best not to.
Insider Intel
- A little out of the way but worth the trek
- Good for dietaries although not suitable for coeliac
- Set yourself up with the sharing menu
Old Quarter
39 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Old Quarter Website / Website
Vietnamese classics like Beef Pho and Bun Cha Hanoi get a fun, modern twist at Old Quarter, which also knocks out a killer cocktail list full of exotic flavours. It’s a trip for your tastebuds.
Insider Intel
- Get involved in the epic lunch specials
- Bangin’ daily happy hour from 5 ‘til 6.30pm
- Good for dietaries
Olive
170-172 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Tuck yourself away in the leafy courtyard and savour innovative, contemporary fare at Olive, a Cuba Street fave. Swing by on a Tuesday and nab three courses for $55. An absolute steal.
Insider Intel
- A classic
- Cosy interiors and a cute outdoor area out the back
- Great for dates
Ortega Fish Shack
16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
Ortega Fish Shack is hands down the best seafood joint in Wellington, and some of the best service too. This is fine dining without the stiffness.
Insider Intel
- Locally sourced seafood
- Top tier service
- Accept no other
Panhead at Brewtown
1 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Round up the meat fiends in your life for a mouthwatering feast at Panhead at Brewtown. Think pork belly burnt ends, brisket burgers, and platters of meat cooked low and slow. Wash it all down with fresh beersies, naturally.
Insider Intel
- With sixteen taps these guys aren’t messing around
- Their pulled jackfruit fries are a great vege option
- They’re self-acclaimed “beer bogans”, and that’s the exact description of the people we want pouring our pints
Pizza Pomodoro
Unit 24, ground floor/13 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Put down that subpar delivery menu and make a beeline for Pizza Pomodoro, this take-out joint which cooks legit Neapolitan-style pizza. Grab a seat at Goldings Bar and have your pizza delivered direct to your seat.
Insider Intel
- Head here for delightfully woodfired, thin pizza bases
- Vegan and gluten-free pizza available
- Two words: pistachio tiramisu
Poppies
91 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
If you haven’t tried one of Poppie’s famous platters, have you even lived? The wine is outstanding too, so be sure you order a bottle or several over lunch at this spot a little over an hour outside of Wellington.
Insider Intel
- Book into the winery apartment for a couple of nights and live your vineyard fantasy
- Happily caters to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dietaries
- Join the Poppies Wine Club for invites to lush events
Pour And Twist
13 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Manual brew coffee exists but only at Pour and Twist. Seriously, no one else in Aotearoa does it. Take your pick of fancy coffees from around the world or opt for a more slow-release caffeine hit with a hand-whisked ceremonial grade matcha. In the absence of the periodic hum of an espresso machine, it’s all about slow, meditative moments here.
Insider Intel
- Ask the crew for recommendations, they really know their stuff
- Find this spot tucked away in an alley off Cuba Streeet
- If you spy something on their ‘Gram but can’t find it on the menu, chat to the team, they’ll more than likely be happy to whip it up for you anyway, secret menu-style
The Puffin
60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Stop by Puffin wine bar and stay a while, lingering over a glass of organic, minimal intervention wines, or beer and cocktails alongside small plates of really great kai. Booking’s aren’t available so saunter on down when it takes your fancy and see if the universe delivers.
Insider Intel
- It might take you a hot minute to find this spot but it’s worth the hunt
- Great for cute dates in a speakeasy-style atmosphere
- Right next to The Intrepid hotel
The Ram (On Cuba Street)
103 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: The Ram | Instagram
If tiramisu by the scoop and negroni on tap sounds like your jam (it does), make a beeline for The Ram, Cuba Street's newly opened restaurant by the Fred's Sandwiches crew.
Insider Intel
- Top-tier happy hour with $5, $5, and $6 small plates, beers, and cocktails
- Two words: tiramisu drawer
- Swing by on Sunday for a roast
Rams
171 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
We’ll be the first to admit this place looks a bit average from the outside, but once you’ve tried the world-famous in Wellington chilli oil dumplings and legendary potato tower, you’ll have Rams on regular rotation.
Insider Intel
- Really good, cheap Chinese food
- Don’t be fooled by the lack of vibes
- Best with a large group so you can eat ‘em all
Rita
89 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington
This cute-as-a-button restaurant in a quaint cottage serves a three-course set menu which changes as often as Wellington’s weather. Rita also claims one of Welly’s best loos too (trust us).
Insider Intel
- You’ll feel like you’re at home… if your designated chef was as skilled as Rita’s.
- Personalise your setty with extra plates
- Expect a lively atmosphere
Rosella
18 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
Image credit: Rosella | Supplied
Hot new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar Rosella comes direct from the team at Koji, this time with an emphasis on big, bold flavours from the Med, Middle East and North Africa. Expect on-point service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Insider Intel
- Don’t miss their potato pancakes
- If you’re feeling indecisive, opt for their ‘snack me’
- Great vegetarian options
Salty Pidgin
5 Todman Street, Brooklyn, Wellington
In trendy Brooklyn, this pub-come-restaurant is the kind of spot you want to be your local. Top-notch grub, fresh bevvies, and a welcoming vibe make Salty Pidgin a home away from home.
Insider Intel
- Great for drinks and top-tier bar snacks
- Don’t leave without sinking your teeth into their pide
- Complete your evening with dessert or a cheeseboard
Scopa
141 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
At its heart, Scopa is a pizzeria, but you’d be a fool to skip over the other menu goodies, like the fried chicken or “Sexy Fries”. Just make sure you save room for the house tiramisu and/or the authentic Italian hot chocolate.
Insider Intel
- Perfect for a late night date
- The chilli oil’s a scorcher, in the best way
- The pizza’s aren’t massive but that only ensures you have enough room to indulge in their hot chocolate
Tatsushi
19 Edward Street, Te Aro, Wellington
One of the best places for sushi in Wellington, Tatsushi which is named after owner and chef, Tatsushi Mikuni, specialises in recreating Japanese dishes exactly how they’d be if you ordered them in Japan. Quality is at the heart of everything that comes out of the kitchen—their soup stock is made with real bonito flakes and kelp, their tofu is made from scratch, and their sashimi is made from fish caught that day.
Insider Intel
- Did someone say late night sushi? This spot’s open ‘til 10pm most nights.
- Don’t leave without trying their homemade tofu
- No takeaways
Topor
3 Beach Road, Plimmerton, Porirua
Fondly referred to as “That Polish place”, Topor is a friendly, neighbourhood eatery in Plimmerton that serves up wholesome Polish cuisine. Wash it down with plenty of vodka. Na zdrowie!
Insider Intel
- Wine match who? It’s all about in-house vodka matches here
- Their Polish picnic’s a great shout for lunch for two
- Does dietaries well
Union Square
Martinborough Hotel, Martinborough
Union Square is a fine establishment for a chill Sunday arvo bevvy or a slap-up brekkie when you’re nursing a hangover after a few too many of Martinborough’s famous vinos.
Insider Intel
- Great for celebrations
- Swipe left on their beef roast every Sunday from 12pm
- Does dietaries well
Looking for more to do in Welly? Check out:
Main image credit: Liberty Restaurant | Facebook
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