WellingtonEat & Drink
Looking down at various dishes served at Ombra on the wooden table, including pizzas, salads and Toast.

Ombra

  • Location

    199 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website

    Ombra

Inspired by the backstreet restaurants of Venice, Ombra is Wellington’s very own bacaro, serving modern Italian small plates.

Known for its bustling, welcoming atmosphere as much as its delicious plates, Ombra is a slice of Venice in the heart of Cuba Street.

The Venetian bacaro is akin to an Italian osteria: a place for locals to pop in for a glass of wine and a snack while standing at the bar. Each day, Ombra takes bookings for half of its restaurant, saving the rest for walk-ins. This means that while it’s always busy, patient foodies are likely to snag a table after a short wait at the bar.

Whitewashed walls and polished concrete floors contribute to a casual but intimate environment, making Ombra perfect for both lunchtime escapes and date night dinners. Wraparound leadlight windows allow for plenty of light and make for great people-watching on Cuba Street.

Five stacked wooden shelves with bottles of wine and liquor on display.
A dish with Brussels sprouts topped with parmesan cheese and a glass of red wine on a table.
The entrance of Ombra, a Venetian restaurant.
A negroni.

The menu at Ombra is extensive and, at first glance, mind-boggling. Don’t panic, scroll to the bottom for a glossary of terms that illuminates any unfamiliar items. There is no coursing, instead, menu items arrive as they are ready. This approach lends itself to the laid-back atmosphere and keeps the dining experience interesting. The best way to enjoy the food at Ombra is to order at least one larger plate and several smaller ones to share. This ensures a wide range of flavours are enjoyed and helps to avoid the terrible fate of food envy.

The basic menu at Ombra never changes. You will always find Cicchetti (small plates), Verdure e Insalata (vegetables and salads), Pizzette (plate-sized pizza), Riso e Pasta (rice and pasta), Pesce e Carne (fish and meat) and Dolce (dessert). But within those categories, flavours constantly evolve to suit the seasonal availability of fresh produce. The baccala, or salt cod puree, is the only dish that has remained unchanged on the Ombra menu since it first opened.

The Ombra dining experience is different to many others offered in Wellington. It’s an excellent choice when you want to mix things up or feel like you’re travelling abroad without leaving the city. If you haven’t tried it yet, make a booking. Or, better yet, just show up and jostle for your table alongside other hungry visitors.

Looking for more?

At start of items
The exterior of a busy wine bar and restaurant with patrons filling both interior and exterior seating.

Noble Rot Wine Bar

Behind a distinctive red brick façade on Swan Lane, you’ll find exceptional cuisine and a vast wine collection. 

The dim and moody interior of Highwater eatery with customers siitng and bar staff working.

Highwater

Inner-city restaurant and bar Highwater Eatery walks the talk on sustainable and ethically sourced food.

The storefront of Liberty, a restaurant in Te Aro Wellington. It's a white building with black accents and six circular ceiling lights.

Liberty

Made by a talented team of chefs, the dishes at Liberty are full of flavour and made to be shared.

Waiter setting a table at Koji, the room has dim lighting and a large wooden feature wall.

Koji

Asian-inspired cuisine mixed with locally sourced produce creates a delicious dining experience.

Inside Rosella restaurant and bar. The large window on the ground floor lets in plenty of light with seats lining a narrow bench along the window.

Rosella Wine Bar

With a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, this Mount Victoria charmer is a quality dinner choice.

2 customers sniff their wine at Karahui wine bar.

Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery

Come together at this Martinborough restaurant, where an old bank has been transformed with classic, contemporary flair.

Interior shot of busy restaurant atmosphere.

Capitol

A local favourite since 2002, Capitol is a vibrant, family-run restaurant with a bistro-style menu.

The busy and vibrant interior of Charley Noble, with customers sitting at tables and servers waiting tables, and kitchen staff in the background preparing food.

Charley Noble

A haven for fine food lovers, this restaurant’s menu and drinks list matches the impressive surroundings of the building it resides in.

Interior with customers sitting down chatting, light blue and orange painted walls light up the space.

Chaat Street

Finger-lickin’ good Indian tapas will open your mind and fill your belly.

bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.

The Runholder

Encompassing a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, distillery, and barrel hall space, The Runholder offers an exquisite hospitality experience in Martinborough.