Dragons

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

Monday11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Tuesday11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Wednesday11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday11:00 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday10:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Sunday10:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:30 pm.

25 Tory Street, Te Aro

04 384 3288

A name synonymous with yum cha in Wellington, Dragons is an institution in the capital’s Asian dining scene. 

Few others match Dragons in terms of sheer presence and popularity. With a strong focus on bringing families - especially across generations - together through food, the place is abuzz most days of the week. It’s the weekends in particular when Dragons shines in all its glory though, as families from all walks of life pack the restaurant out for a hearty yum cha.

And there are few better places in town for a food-based gathering. The cavernous space seats 200, with speedy, efficient service keeping groups flowing through the doors. From the golden dragon ornament at the entrance through to the quirky artwork, culminating in a giant mural plastered across the rear wall, Dragons offers a bold proposition: that it's possible to stay true to your roots while having a bit of fun.

It's an approach reflected in its menu, which in true Chinese fashion, is as extensive as it is tantalising. You’ll find all the yum cha staples here - the pork and shrimp dim sum and barbecue pork buns are among the perennial favourites. The black truffle and prawn dumplings, a Dragons specialty, are another crowd-pleaser, fusing Chinese and Kiwi flavours. 

Come for dinner and you’re treated to a whole other dining experience, detailed page after page in the glossy menu. Signature dishes include the five-spiced slow-cooked duck with sweet soy sauce and a homemade casserole filled with homemade fish patties, vermicelli and Chinese cabbage.

With its diverse menu, handy central city location, and invariable service with a smile, Dragons is an ideal spot for both Chinese aficionados and those newer to the cuisine.

Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

25 Tory Street, Te Aro

Nearby Places

Boar and Blade

Boar head on a wall above a barber chair.
Place Wellington
Services key icon.

Whether you’re in need of a quick trim or a hot towel shave, the boys at Boar and Blade will have you looking your freshest in no time.

Hanging Ditch

People sitting in the bar.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon.

Hanging Ditch, for those who are yet to visit, is Leeds’ Street best little slice of stealth.

Ombra

A plate of food on a table.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street

Man with tattooed arm holding a loaf of sourdough bread in brown paper bag
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.

Similar Places

The Raumati Social Club

Customers sitting at tables inside a wooden decorated Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Raumati Social Club is a bit of an institution at Kāpiti Coast.

Peoples Coffee - Lukes Lane

View of the wooden counter and cafe.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

If you know Peoples Coffee in Wellington, you’ll know the business is much more than just a café and roastery.

Baker Gramercy

Two bakers working in the empty bakery in the dark morning.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

It’s the kind of simplistically stylish bakery you’d expect to find on a New York avenue or down a European side street.

Comes & Goes

Coffee brewing equipment on the counter at Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
Cafes key icon.

Comes & Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.