Spoilt for choice — your list of special occasion spots

Described as “fine dining in disguise”, Ortega offers an approachable take on a fancy night out. Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant serves fresh and sustainable kaimoana, as well as an extensive menu of delicious meals (the steak and fries have a cult following). The 50-page drinks list deserves a mention, with chapters, amusing asides, and more sherries than you knew existed. 

Despite the name, Ortega is far from a “shack”. Housed in a cosy and quaint 1800s building in Mount Victoria, it features a laidback, nautical theme with just a touch of whimsy. 

Ortega is a very Wellington way to mark a special occasion. It’s fun, friendly, fine dining.

Tucked away in Aro Valley, don’t let Rita’s unassuming exterior fool you. The charming workers’ cottage houses one of the city’s top restaurants. You and the 20 or so other diners at either of Rita’s two evening sittings are in for a treat. Once you’re settled at your table, the staff will take you through the set menu and any sides you may want to nibble on. 

The chefs use ingredients in unexpected ways, but always with outstanding results. Rita’s cosy atmosphere makes it a great spot for an intimate celebration. 

While the restaurant can take bookings for tables up to six people, Rita’s charm is best enjoyed by a smaller group.

 Hillside Kitchen is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant with a twist — it’s completely meat-free. The restaurant focuses on sustainable produce from the local area and its own garden. 

The menu changes regularly. So often, in fact, that you won’t know what you’re getting until you’re seated. The degustation menu comes in five or seven courses and is always seasonal, delicious, and beautiful. Don’t be intimidated by the multi-course format. Hillside is far from a stuffy fine-dining experience. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere encourage you to sit back and enjoy your meal, the company, and whatever it is you’re celebrating.

With plush velvet furnishings, low lighting, and gold accents, Concord feels fancy from the moment you walk through the door. Inspired by 20th-century European bistros, the restaurant has a retro charm. 

The friendly staff create a more relaxed than stuffy atmosphere, but there is an air of elegance in the room. The menu balances French and American influences, with high and lower-brow options on offer. Steak and fries, or a dozen oysters? Cocktails, champagne, or a thoughtful wine list offer the perfect drop to toast your evening.

Hundreds of bottles of wine of every varietal and vintage imaginable line the walls of Noble Rot. The restaurant and wine bar is a haven for wine lovers and a great special occasion destination. 

Pair your drop of choice with a small plate, or order off the à la carte menu. If you’re looking to go all out, there’s a seasonal degustation menu of five or six courses. Naturally, there is a carefully considered wine match you can pair with your meal.

In one of the most impressive locations in the city, you’ll be hard-pressed to match the grandeur of Bellamys. On the third floor of the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament, aka The Beehive, Bellamys is the epitome of a special occasion spot. Overlooking the grounds and the city beyond, the surroundings are as extraordinary as the menu. 

Bellamys is open for lunch and dinner, offering a high-quality yet approachable dining experience. Each dish highlights incredible local produce and ingredients on a seasonal menu. Diners have the choice of two or three courses, with a carefully selected drinks match. Rub shoulders with politicians and celebrate in one of the most unique dining experiences in Wellington.

 The name Logan Brown is synonymous with fine dining in Wellington. 

An institution of the city’s hospitality scene, it’s been delighting the tastebuds of Wellingtonians and visitors for over 20 years. Housed in a 1920s former bank building, it has a vast domed ceiling and Corinthian columns. It’s a setting full of grandeur and drama — the perfect place to celebrate. 

While the setting is historic, the meal is contemporary. Logan Brown’s set menu changes often but always comes with three courses, fresh bread, and excellent service. The team focuses on a sustainable dining experience, reducing waste while elevating local ingredients to a world-class standard.