Top 10 Restaurants in Wellington

Wellington is best known for its diverse restaurant scene. This culinary capital of New Zealand houses an ample amount of hidden bars, great diners, fancy restaurants, and artisan eateries. While staying at home, you do not need to deprive yourself of good food. All these restaurants are now offering special take out menus. Once it’s all okay to travel again, book your transfer with minibus hire in Wellington for a pleasant stay. Check out our comprehensive list of top 10 restaurants in Wellington. 

Hiakai 

Hiakai is a multi-award-winning restaurant by celebrity chef Monique Fiso offering a life-altering dining experience. “Haikai” means hungry. The restaurant is devoted to serving Maori food and using traditional cooking techniques. The food here is thought-provoking. It is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. You can choose from two dinner time slots, 5.30 and 8.30. They offer a 7-course set menu that you can pair with either alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage matching or order from a la carte. The seven-course experience will cost $120, and a 7-course experience at the chef’s table will cost $150. The beverage matching starts from $65. It will surely strain your wallet, but it’s worth it. If you are looking for something more than a meal, then Hiakai is a must-visit. 

1154 Pastaria

Eleven fifty-four Pastaria serves fresh homemade classic pasta using local ingredients. The Pastaria lies on the heart of Cuba street. At 1154, pasta is made fresh from scratch by hand every single day. 1154 serves the best versions of a classics like a carbonara, bolognese and tortelloni. The highlights on the menu are Fusilli Pesto and the Linguine Al Vongole. The drink list features an excellent selection of organic wines. The simple and cosy interior is perfect for enjoying the classic combination of wine and pasta. Besides, take away, they also provide ready to cook pasta bags that are perfect for a quick delicious meal at home.

Great India

Great India Restaurant is a favourite spot for Indian food for locals and tourists alike since 1983. Over the years it has become the most popular spot for Indian food in Wellington. They serve dishes from south Gujarat, and north India prepared with chef’s specially made herbs and spices. The long menu comprises more than 60 specialities, both traditional and modern. Highlight on the menu is classic butter chicken, rogan josh, and lamb vindaloo. The drinks menu features an impressive list of New Zealand and international wine along with local and international beers.

Apache

Apache serves modern Vietnamese cuisine with a french twist. This place is all about good food. Even with the modern take, the flavours of the dishes stay true to fundamental Vietnamese flavours – sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty. Apache uses free-range pork, chicken, eggs, halal meats, and organic products to prepare the food. Dishes on the menu are ideal for sharing. The beverage menu includes New Zeland and Vietnamese wine and beer. Apache brings a little piece of Vietnam in Wellington. It is a go-to place for authentic Vietnamese street lunch and dinner dishes for locals and tourists. They offer a set banquet menu for large bookings. In a nutshell, Apache is a simple place serving fantastic food.

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus delivers a contemporary French fine-dining experience. You will find this iconic French restaurant in Artistic and luxurious QT Wellington hotel. The restaurant has mesmerizing decor with a bold colour palette and patterns. Chef Laurent Loudeac presents a simple menu of classic French cuisine with a hint of local flavours. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner. Their degustation dining requires booking. Hippo Breakfast and Le Chevreuil Sauvage are some of their signature must-try dishes. Wines and cocktails match eloquently with the dishes. Save this one for a special occasion.

Sweet Mother’s Kitchen

Head to Sweet Mother’s Kitchen for comfort food made with home-style cooking. The dishes here are made to feed your soul. It is open seven days a week and offers all-day breakfast on weekends. You will literally get everything here, waffles, burgers, burritos, curly fries, pasta, pies, sandwiches, milkshakes, cocktails, coffee and the list goes on. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all your cravings. It is a fun place to be with diner-style booths and old photos on the wall. It is a great place to eat your heart out. Despite being a diner-style restaurant, it is always hard to find a table here. 

Chow

Chow serves the best pan-Asian food in Wellington. It is a complete package offering creative cocktails and tangy dishes to accompany them perfectly. There is also a great selection of vegan, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free foods. The menu includes flavourful fresh and healthy specialities like dumplings, curries, grill, and much more. They also have a 15$ lunch menu for those who want to grab a quick lunch on weekdays. Look out for their impressive daily deals. With its friendly vibe and relaxed ambience, it will quickly become your regular hangout spot.  

Olive 

Olive is another favourite hot spot on Cuba street serving modern New Zealand cuisine. Chef Jamie Morgan uses seasonal local ingredients cooked with traditional and contemporary technology to create a balanced menu. Olive is famous for its beautiful and green courtyard space. The unique, friendly ambience is chic and relaxing. If you wish to seat in the courtyard, make sure to book well in advance. It sells out rather quickly. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out their weekly specials to make the most of it.   

Shepherd Restaurant

If you love good food, you will love Shepherd. This place does complete justice to high-quality local produce. The menu is seasonal and compact. It usually includes snacks, appetizers, mains and desserts. There is also an outstanding beverage selection.  You can see their passion for serving great food in each of their dishes. You can book the chef’s table for an exceptional experience. Chef’s table has 9 seats, so reserve your place well in advance.

The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Flying Burrito Brothers Cantina and Tequileria have changed the Mexican food scene in New Zealand. It serves the most authentic, local and fresh Mexican food in Wellington. Enjoy reasonably priced dishes in a bright, colourful environment. The menu offers dishes like tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and quesadillas, and a great selection of appetizers. On top of that, they have delicious cocktails. It is one of the favourite spots on vibrant Cuba Street.