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.

A few steps away from Courtenay Place you’ll find Koji. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and quality food, combining Asian cuisine and Aotearoa produce.

The menu comprises exciting dishes that mix traditional-style sauces with playful new ideas. The dishes come in different sizes and are set up for sharing. Koji’s family-style menu creates connection across the table. If you’re keen to take the pressure off — and make the evening extra special — go for the ‘just feed me’ menu. The chefs will pick nine of their favourite dishes, while you celebrate whatever the occasion may be.

This smart-casual steakhouse showcases wood-fired cooking, local ingredients, and an award-winning drinks list. Found in a grand 1920s building, the impressive location befits the impressive food on offer.

Charley Noble’s Zesti chargrill and rotisserie is the beating heart of the restaurant. It also provides incredible flavour and fills the grand space with enticing savoury aromas. A large, European-inspired menu allows you to sample and savour small plates and starters. Inevitably, though, you will arrive at the star of the show: the mains. Beef is Charley Noble’s speciality, and all cuts are aged for a minimum of 21 days.

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.

 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.