Hotel Catalina

Unlike the planes you can watch whizzing overhead, Hotel Catalina is a place that leans into the simple pleasure of being exactly where you want to be, for as long as you feel like staying. 

Sunlight, salty air, and the breezy hum of seaside chatter set the tone at this eatery, once the home of the popular Spruce Goose. It’s the kind of spot that pivots effortlessly with the day - coffee in hand in the morning, something sparkling by late afternoon - without ever losing its easy rhythm. The fitout carries this same breezy confidence: warm tones, open spaces, and a layout designed for lingering give it a social, come-as-you-are feel. There’s a steady flow of locals, beachgoers, and groups of friends dropping in, the energy gently building as the day rolls on.

The menu is all about Italian influence meeting Kiwi coastal sensibility. Pizzas arrive crisp, pastas are generously portioned, and the seafood brings a freshness that feels right at home. The pāua arancini presents a neat local twist, while the eggs benedict on house-made rosti has quickly earned a following. It’s food designed to be shared, passed around, and paired with something cold or caffeinated, along with stunning views of course.

Indeed, few places in Wellington offer a front-row seat to both rolling waves and the quiet theatre of planes arriving and departing. It’s a combination that ensures Hotel Catalina does this revered spot justice - a relaxed, lively spot where good food, good company, and a constantly changing view do most of the talking.