New Zealand's cool capital is known for its huge food scene. We may be a teensy bit biased, but we reckon Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington has some of the best restaurants in the country.
Whether you’re after cheap eats or something a little fancier, Urban List has you covered with 50 of the best restaurants in Wellington. N.B: These are in no particular order, other than alphabetical.
1154
132 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Settle in at the communal dining table and enjoy fast and fresh house-made pasta and organic wine at 1154, that won’t break your budget.
Apache
122 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington
A beautiful melange of Northern Vietnamese food and French cuisine—think fresh, herby salads combined with decadent French flavours. The Bang Bang Chicken Salad at Apache is a stand-out.
A Taste of Home
128 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington
If you’re in the mood for noods, look no further than A taste of Home. This teensy spot which dishes up Chinese street food, made with irresistibly fresh hand-pulled noodles.
Boulcott Street Bistro
99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington
Set inside a historic cottage, Boulcott Street Bistro gives a nod to the fine dining scene of yesteryear with a good dash of modern flair.
The Botanist
219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington
For when you’ve got a veggie or vegan friend you want to impress. The Botanist cafe and restaurant provides plenty of delectable choices for your plant-lovin’ pals and carnivores alike.
You might also like:
Burger Liquor
129 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The classic combo of booze and burgers is hard to beat, and this place excels in both. Try a Smokey with a side of Punjabi Poutine at Burger Liquor, guaranteed to make your taste buds sizzle.
Chaat Street
171 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Chaat Street / Instagram
With nary a curry in sight, Chaat Street serves up tasty Indian street food that packs a punch. Make sure you order the outstanding Aloo Tikki Chaat, a skillet potato with crunchy lentils and a flavour-filled sauce and the delectable Bhel Puri pictured above.
Charley Noble
Ground Huddart Parker Building, 1 Post Office Square, Wellington
Specialising in wood-fired delights and with a menu to please all palates, Charley Noble is always chocka. When you eat here you’ll understand why.
Cicio Cacio
167 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
The cutest and cosiest restaurant you ever did see. At Cicio Cacio tuck into homely, Italian fare, just like mamma used to make.
Concord
81 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Cosy up at Concord and take your tastebuds on a transatlantic voyage. French classics like Steak Frites and Crème Brûlée rub shoulders with American faves like a good ole-fashioned Cheeseburger Royale, served in an elegant setting.
Damascus
4/100 Tory Street, Wellington
Celebrating his family’s recipes, Syrian-born Hasan Alwarhani brings the flavours of his homeland to Wellington at Damascus. Expect fresh, homey food that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Dragonfly
70 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Draped in dark curtains and with a moody vibe, Dragonfly is the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. Cosy up with modern Asian cuisine and decadent cocktails in the lantern-lit courtyard.
Dragons
25 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
If you’re a yum cha enthusiast—and who isn’t—then Dragons has got to be on your hit list.
Egmont St Eatery
11 Egmont Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Hidden down a grungy laneway, Egmont St Eatery has undergone the ultimate makeover from car park to stylish restaurant, serving seasonally inspired dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner.
El Matador
196 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: El Matador / Instagram
For food full of Argentinian flair, sink your teeth into a meat feast at El Matador down Cuba Street.
Graze Wine Bar
95 Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington
A brand new neighbourhood Graze wine bar that combines cosy seating with thoughtful and honest food.
Havana
32a/34 Wigan Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Step inside the colourful cottages at Havana and be whisked away on a wild adventure of global flavours, exotic cocktails, and world-beats—all that’s missing are the Cuban cigars.
Hiakai
40 Wallace Street, Mount Cook, Wellington
Helmed by celeb chef Monique Fiso, Hiakai celebrates Maori ingredients and cooking styles and serves up a truly unique food adventure. Book well in advance.
Highwater
54 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Highwater / Instagram
With exposed brick walls, Highwater has a frenetic open kitchen and an expansive bar, this modern eatery is a slice of the Big Apple. Nearly everything that arrives on your plate is made in-house, so you know it’s good.
Hillside Kitchen
241 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington
Proudly meat-free, Hillside’s menu has been carefully and cleverly crafted to showcase the humble veg. Even the most ardent carnivores might be tempted to switch sides.
Jano
270 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Nestled in a cute yellow villa, Jano is an unassuming gem. Settle in for a tasting menu full of utterly gorgeous food that’s screaming to go on the ‘Gram – if that’s what you’re into.
Kisa
195 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
An impeccable new hotspot on Cuba Street, Kisa slings Turkish and Middle-eastern-inspired eats from the legends behind Mr Go's and Ombra.
Koji
12 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
A love child of Asian cuisine and NZ ingredients, Koji's new addition to Majoribanks St has a creative, from scratch approach to big flavours. Treat yourself to the nine-course chef’s menu, your taste buds will thank you.
Liberty
227 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Liberty / Instagram
From the talented team behind iconic fine-dining restaurant Logan Brown. While the approach is slightly more casual than its older sibling, Liberty’s food is just as impressive. Enjoy a culinary adventure, with sharing style plates that offer a taste of “here and there”.
Little Penang
179 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
For a cheap and cheerful weekday lunch or dinner, you can’t go past Little Penang and their belly-warming Malaysian food.
Logan Brown
192 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Synonymous with fine dining in Wellington, Logan Brown is still a top spot if you’re in the mood for a fancy pants dinner. Make sure the famous paua ravioli lands on your plate.
Loretta
181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Catering to your brekkie, brunch, lunch and dinner needs, Loretta is a good time any time of day. The menu has a little something for everyone, from pies to pizza, schnitzel to salads.
Lucky
105 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Lucky | Instagram @tact.creative
Not strictly a restaurant, but the burgers at Lucky are so darn good it would be a crime not to mention it. While the fried chicken rules the roost, wait until you try the halloumi burger, aptly named the ‘Happy’.
Margot
163 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
A small and perfectly formed neighbourhood eatery and wine bar, tucked away on a side street in Newtown. Take a date to Margot and graze on European-inspired small plates.
Moy Hall
1 Martins Road, Martinborough
For when you’ve been to Poppies a bunch of times and are keen to branch out and try another one of Martinborough’s vineyard restaurants. At Moy Hall, feast on sharing plates while you soak up the winery vibes.
Mr Go’s
3 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Mr Go's is the place to go when you’ve got a hungry crowd and you just can’t decide what to eat. Order a bunch of pan-Asian dishes and watch it disappear in a flash.
Noble Rot
6 Swan Lane, Te Aro, Wellington
Cheese, charcuterie and over 500 wines to try at Noble Rot– need we say more?
Oiko’s
382 Broadway, Miramar, Wellington
Oiko's Fancy Greek food in the suburbs will make you want to smash your plate – but probably best not to.
Old Quarter
39 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Old Quarter Website / Website
Vietnamese classics like Beef Pho and Bun Cha Hanoi get a fun, modern twist at Old Quarter, which also knocks out a killer cocktail list full of exotic flavours. It’s a trip for your tastebuds.
Olive
170-172 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Tuck yourself away in the leafy courtyard and savour innovative, contemporary fare at Olive, a Cuba Street fave. Swing by on a Tuesday and nab three courses for $55. An absolute steal.
Ortega Fish Shack
16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
Ortega Fish Shack is hands down the best seafood joint in Wellington, and some of the best service too. This is fine dining without the stiffness.
Panhead at Brewtown
1 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Round up the meat fiends in your life for a mouthwatering feast at Panhead at Brewtown. Think pork belly burnt ends, brisket burgers, and platters of meat cooked low and slow. Wash it all down with fresh beersies, naturally.
Pizza Pomodoro
Unit 24, ground floor/13 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Put down that subpar delivery menu and make a beeline for Pizza Pomodoro, this take-out joint which cooks legit Neapolitan-style pizza. Grab a seat at Goldings Bar and have your pizza delivered direct to your seat.
Poppies
91 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
If you haven’t tried one of Poppie’s famous platters, have you even lived? The wine is outstanding too, so be sure you order a bottle or several over lunch at this spot a little over an hour outside of Wellington.
The Ram (On Cuba Street)
103 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: The Ram | Instagram
If tiramisu by the scoop and negroni on tap sounds like your jam (it does), make a beeline for The Ram, Cuba Street's newly opened restaurant by the Fred's Sandwiches crew.
Rams
171 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
We’ll be the first to admit this place looks a bit average from the outside, but once you’ve tried the world-famous in Wellington chilli oil dumplings and legendary potato tower, you’ll have Rams on regular rotation.
The Ramen Shop
191 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
The Ramen Shop does what it says on the tin. Soul-warming, fresh ramen that will make you rethink your penchant for two-minute noodles.
Rita
89 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington
This cute-as-a-button restaurant in a quaint cottage serves a three-course set menu which changes as often as Wellington’s weather. Rita also claims one of Welly’s best loos too (trust us).
Rosella
18 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
Image credit: Rosella | Supplied
Hot new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar Rosella comes direct from the team at Koji, this time with an emphasis on big, bold flavours from the Med, Middle East and North Africa. Expect on-point service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina & Taco Joint
4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central, Wellington
From California to the capital, Rosie's playful eatery dishes up street food inspired by LA and the Baja Coast. Order a round of slushy margaritas and Monster Nachos and you’ve got yourself a party.
Salty Pidgin
5 Todman Street, Brooklyn, Wellington
In trendy Brooklyn, this pub-come-restaurant is the kind of spot you want to be your local. Top-notch grub, fresh bevvies, and a welcoming vibe make Salty Pidgin a home away from home.
Scopa
141 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
At its heart, Scopa is a pizzeria, but you’d be a fool to skip over the other menu goodies, like the fried chicken or “Sexy Fries”. Just make sure you save room for the house tiramisu and/or the authentic Italian hot chocolate.
Soul Shack
120 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
No one does a spicy fried chicken sando better than Soul Shack, and they’ve recently expanded their beloved tiny shop into a larger sit-down venue. Things can get pretty hot around here, so choose your spice level wisely.
Topor
3 Beach Road, Plimmerton, Porirua
Fondly referred to as “That Polish place”, Topor is a friendly, neighbourhood eatery in Plimmerton that serves up wholesome Polish cuisine. Wash it down with plenty of vodka. Na zdrowie!
Union Square
Martinborough Hotel, Martinborough
Union Square is a fine establishment for a chill Sunday arvo bevvy or a slap-up brekkie when you’re nursing a hangover after a few too many of Martinborough’s famous vinos.
Looking for more to do in Welly? Check out:
Main image credit: Liberty Restaurant | Facebook
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.