Wellington and the Wairarapa Restaurants

In Wellington, restaurants, cafés, and sports bars spring up overnight like mushrooms. Although you'll never be without the classic meal of steak, fries, and ale, city eateries have also embraced more adventurous fare. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines are increasingly common. Indigenous food, too, is appearing in restaurants around the city—native plants might be paired with traditional seafood or made into sauces to accompany meat or sweet-potato dishes.

In rural areas outside Wellington, the wine industry has revolutionized local tables, with excellent dining and wine-tasting spots. In the Wairarapa, restaurants are winning a reputation for creative cuisine.

Generally, lunch runs from noon until 2, and most restaurants close for a few hours before opening for dinner around 6. On Monday, many restaurants are shuttered. Dress codes are still really relaxed; jeans would be frowned on only in the top restaurants.

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  • 1. La Bella Italia

    $$$ | Petone

    On the otherwise sleepy Petone Wharf is a vibrant Italian trattoria, where prestigious awards, relics of family history, and shelves of the finest Italian ingredients cover the walls. This spot was awarded the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana quality-approved seal and is recognized as one of the top 70 Restaurants with Pizzeria in the World by Ristorazione Italiana.

    10 Nevis St., Wellington, Wellington, 5012, New Zealand
    04-566–9303

    Known For

    • The award-winning bravo gubello salmon pizza
    • Welcoming family atmosphere
    • Phenomenal salumeria

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential
  • 2. Loretta

    $$$ | Wellington Central

    Adorned with its earthy-chic accents and wide wooden tables, Loretta makes a daily, but effortless transformation from a relaxed brunch spot to a bustling candle-lit restaurant. With their famously daily-evolving menu, brunches typically begin with smoothies and spritzers, waffles, and crumpets, each served with seasonal fruits. Lunch and dinner follow a similar seasonal theme with salads, wood-fired pizzas, savory pies, and hearty servings of seasoned meats to share.

    181 Cuba St., Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
    04-384–2213

    Known For

    • An extensive wine list available by the glass
    • An easy-going atmosphere great for families
    • Daily-changing menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 3. Master Kong

    $$$ | Wellington Central

    Reveling in the lively waterfront atmosphere, Master Kong has a vibrant, fun, and sometimes spicy personality, both in its cuisine and its decor. The menu covers the most-beloved Asian street foods, ranging from fresh sake-cured salmon bites, to flavorful fusion-style dumplings, to Korean barbecue banquets. The menu is equally complemented by a large list of elaborate cocktails and mocktails. The varied and comprehensive menu, friendly service, and large tables make this an enjoyable spot for families and groups.

    33 Customhouse Quay, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
    04-471–1776

    Known For

    • Peking duck pancake feast
    • Bright and lively waterfront location
    • Extravagant and creative cocktails
  • 4. The Botanist

    $$$ | Wellington Central

    Though right at home among the seaside cottages of Lyall Bay, this plant-based haven is anything but traditional. The Botanist offers tasty and innovative takes on traditionally meat-centered meals in a seasonally evolving menu. It opens for brunch and then runs to late-night cocktail hours every day, and the menu is also complemented with appropriately botanical teas, kombuchas, and cocktails.

    219 Onepu Rd., Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
    04-891–0198

    Known For

    • Seaside views
    • 100% plant-based menu
    • Sheltered sunny courtyard
  • 5. The Crab Shack

    $$$

    Set on the waterfront, with crab-pots and ropes hanging from the ceiling and walls bedecked in old-world maps and colorful recycled timber, the Crab Shack is an American-style diner with a Kiwi twist. Strong Cajun flavors and massive crab dishes are the order of the day, but there are plenty of land-based options if you don't feel like seafood.

    Queens Wharf, Wellington, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
    04-916--4250

    Known For

    • <PRO>engaging and fun staff</PRO>
    • <PRO>broad menu options but a big focus on seafood</PRO>
    • <PRO>dishes for sharing</PRO>
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Farriers Bar & Eatery

    $$$

    At The Farriers, you can watch the chefs in the open kitchen while waiting for your order to arrive. Much of the large menu is devoted to pub fare and wood-fired pizzas, all made from scratch, but interesting main courses tempt those with more ambitious appetites.

    4 Queen St. N, Masterton, Wellington, 5810, New Zealand
    06-377–1107

    Known For

    • Popular with locals
    • Basic, well-executed menu
    • Courtyard for summer seating

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