Iconic Wellington dining experiences

Hillside

Seasonal vegetables are used in innovative ways to delicious effect at this purely plant-based fine-dining restaurant. Don’t let the meat-free menu put you off — Hillside has won awards for its multi-course offering and focus on sustainability.

Burger Liquor

A Kiwi take on an American burger bar, this casual restaurant brings a sense of fun to both the menu and the atmosphere. The Smokey is a menu classic and Burger Liquor’s most well-known burger, having served almost 200,000 of them.

Ortega Fish Shack

Ortega is Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant. The food is upmarket, while the atmosphere is relaxed. The ceviche is a local favourite, and, despite being a seafood restaurant, so are the steak frites.

Garage Project

Wellington has a reputation as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. A proudly local craft beer brewery, Garage Project remains in the petrol station where it started (and inspired its namesake) in Aro Valley. Head into the brew HQ to see the product being made, or pop across the road to the taproom, 91 Aro, to sample a drop.

Puffin

Hidden away under The Intrepid Hotel, Puffin is a stylish, relaxed wine bar. The wine list changes weekly and heavily features organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines. Low lighting and thoughtful decor make it the perfect place for a nightcap.

L’affare

Visit the café and coffee roastery that was a pioneer of Wellington’s celebrated and world-famous coffee culture. The all-day menu offers classic café and brunch favourites and strong coffee. You can even try one of Wellington’s favourite baked goods: cheese scones.

Scopa

Owned and run by a pair of brothers, Scopa is a beloved local Italian restaurant and pizzeria on iconic Cuba Street. All pizzas are made in wood-fired ovens, with fresh high-quality toppings on light crunchy bases. For many locals, Scopa is famous for its hot chocolate. They’re so thick you can eat them with a spoon.

Karaka Café

Karaka is a Māori and Pacifica-owned café open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Found on the waterfront on the edge of the lagoon, it’s great for summer coffee or drinks. The menu combines the flavours of local Indigenous cuisine with modern café fare.

Logan Brown

In a heritage-listed former bank on Cuba Street, Logan Brown is an icon of the city’s hospitality scene. The fine-dining restaurant has been open for 20 years, with a menu that focuses on excellent technique and quality ingredients.