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. Saint Sebastian

    $$$

    Experience delicious and unique takes on kaimoana (seafood) in this pale blue monument to the sea. The restaurant specializes in home-style cooking and features locally sourced ingredients from the Wairarapa pastures to the coast of Palliser Bay. The Paua (abalone) dumplings and Kohe Kohe oysters are not to be missed. Reservations are essential for dinner.

    109a Chapel St., Masterton, Wellington, 5810, New Zealand
    06-216–1471

    Known For

    • Great sharing plates
    • Popular with locals
    • Excellent service and ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 2. 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
  • 3. The White Swan Country Hotel Restaurant

    $$$

    This former railway administration building was chopped into several pieces and relocated before being transformed into a grand country hotel. The menu changes seasonally and incorporates locally sourced meat and vegetables. A big open fireplace, light modern furniture, and glittering chandeliers create a warm, welcoming dining room where the service is impeccable.

    109 Main St., Greytown, Wellington, 5712, New Zealand
    021-539–528

    Known For

    • Great accommodations on site
    • Excellent veranda seating
    • Good local wine selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.--Wed.
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