Eating and drinking in the capital is an experience in itself, and restaurants in Wellington play a big part in continuing to make this place a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. 

The colour, quirkiness and character of Wellington certainly revolves around people, and when those same people need to eat three times a day, then the restaurant scene quickly becomes very much tied in with how the city presents itself. 

Eating out at your favourite place is half the fun, the other half is deciding where to go next time. Much like the social scene hosted by bars in Wellington, restaurants here are plentiful, but each place comes with its own flair and flavour, and we are yet to hear of anyone ever getting bored with what is on offer. From spectacular fine-dining to fish and chips gone modern, to the cheap and cheerful places dotting Cuba Street, Wellington restaurants offer visitors the chance to taste a bit of home as well as cuisines from all over the world. Spanish tapas, Vietnamese spring rolls, Chinese dumplings, Indian curries and French crepes, the global palette finds itself right at home in Wellington, where locals are not afraid to try something different.

A trend towards plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets sees plenty on the menu for those with dietary requirements too, although this city is certainly not without an enthusiastic carnivorous crowd too. 

Foodie events throughout the year see the inner city come alive with friendly competition between restaurants, and just as frequently you will see eateries teaming up to bring you collaborations that are lip-lickingly good. Be wowed by the attention to detail that restaurants in Wellington ensure at their establishments, which means you will never feel like you are being treated to the same thing twice. 

A Guide to Asian Cuisine in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

The inside of a Japanese restaurant.
The Courtenay Precinct is Wellington’s premier place to play, packed with hundreds of businesses, theatres and hidden treasures – and it’s also home to some of the city’s best Asian cuisine. From bustling hotspots to hidden gems, here’s our guide to the rich selection of Asian cuisine in the Courtenay Precinct.

La Bella Italia

The exterior of La Bella Italia on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
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Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.

Brewtown Eat & Drink

Full of people eating and drinking at Brewtown.
Place Hutt Valley
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Widely regarded as Wellington’s premier craft beer destination, Brewtown isn’t just a mecca for beer lovers, but also for those who simply appreciate good food...

Keihei Chicken

A plate of fried chickens and burgers.
Place Hutt Valley
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A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.

Kilim Petone

Chairs and tables in kebab shop with Turkish decor and tapestry on walls
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.

Baylands Brewery

Interior of taproom at Baylands Brewery in Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.

Gerry's Charcoal Chicken

A large counter at Gerry's in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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On a small side street in the sleepy suburb of Elderslea, you’ll find what appears to be an unassuming - if not slightly dated - takeaway shop.

Joe & Joy

A large glass cabinet at the counter of Joe and Joy cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.

Long Beach Tavern

Graffiti art on an exterior wall.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.

Dine Around the World in Porirua

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Porirua isn’t just spectacular coastal views and chilled out beaches - it’s also home to a surprisingly diverse range of eateries.

Noble Rot

A seating area inside Noble Rot wine bar in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.

Willis Lane

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Place Wellington
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Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.

KC Café & Takeaway

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Place Wellington
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An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.

Indian Alley

A flatlay of curries and naan on plates.
Place Wellington
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Just a short stroll from Oriental Bay in Wellington, Indian Alley is a classy little restaurant that offers something new and exciting to even the most seasoned enthusiasts...

The Raumati Social Club

The exterior of Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Everything from an early risers' coffee stop to a late-night live music venue.

Passo

A colourful mural on the wall inside Passo.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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You wouldn’t expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to challenge your expectations.

Meat Masters: Inside the Rise of Wilson Barbecue

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From humble beginnings to roaring local success story. Meet Blair and Casey, the couple behind Wellington’s beloved Wilson Barbecue, who built a locally famous multi-venue business that draws crowds from near and far – smoking and serving some of the best authentic American barbecue with a distinctly Kiwi touch.

50-50

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Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Located in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach township, 50-50 is a destination restaurant with a dining experience not to be missed.

Salty's Diner

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Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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A hybrid between a pub and a restaurant, Salty's is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.

BambuchiSan

A colourful tiger cartoon painted on to a white brick wall inside Bambuchisan Wellington.
Place Wellington
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You’re in good hands at Hataitai’s very own neo-Japanese paradise.

Margot

The window seat inside Margot Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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Tucked away in the heart of Newtown in Wellington is the little restaurant, Margot.

Kisa

Inside Kisa Restaurant Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Middle Eastern dining revolves around sharing - of food, conversation, and good times.

Mabel's

Salad from Mabel's, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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When it comes to evoking a sense of identity through spatial design, few restaurants in the capital do it better than Mabel’s.

Next Door

Exterior of Next Door, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Positioned right next to neighbourhood favourite Margot, Next Door makes up one...

Dragons

Stacks of bamboo steamer baskets with different types of dumplings inside each.
Place Wellington
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A name synonymous with yum cha in Wellington, Dragons is an institution in the capital’s Asian dining scene.

Eat Your Heart Out: Culinary Delights in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct

A hand holding a pastry on a plate.
Here are the best places to eat in and around Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, the heart of Wellington city.

Wilson Barbecue

Customer at Wilson Barbecue enjoying the food.
Place Wellington
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Wilson Barbecue has a new permanent home after wowing Wellingtonian's with their food truck delights and pop-up stints. Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation.

Los Banditos

Colourful Mexican bar at Los Banditos
Place Wellington
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Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.

Highwater Eatery

Long narrow restaurant with people dining in rows.
Place Wellington
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This new eatery combines its efforts of sustainability with celebrating the good times - meaning you can eat and drink and have a great time with the knowledge that you're supporting the good guys.

Taste of Home

Woman eating noodle bowl.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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This place has a cult following simply due to word of mouth - proof that the flavours here are something Wellingtonians just can’t get enough of.

Ascot

Woman holding hotdog.
Place Wellington
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Hotdogs and wine might seem like an unlikely combination, but at The Ascot, no one’s going to judge you holding a glass of wine in one hand and a saucy dog in the other.

Heyday

Outdoor courtyard at Heyday, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.

Brewing Dreams: Hannah & Andrew Childs of Churly’s CBD

A man and woman standing behind a bar counter in Wellington.
Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Churly’s CBD is the latest venture from Andrew and Hannah Childs – the dynamic duo behind Behemoth Brewing. Andrew, a public servant turned award-winning brewer, and Hannah, a trained chef, butcher and culinary talent, have combined their passions to create a space where exceptional beer meets exquisite charcuterie.

Charley Noble

Chef at work in the kitchen at Charley Noble, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A favourite spot for nearby business people, don't be surprised to see Charley Noble buzzing with guests even early in the week right through from breakfast till dinnertime.

1154

Waiter holds three dishes at 1154, Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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A pastaria with style in the heart of Cuba Street.

Burger Liquor

The entrance to Burger Liquor.
Place Wellington
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Here, the burgers are fist-sized and delicious.

Ombra

Flatlay of food on the table.
Place Wellington
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Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Ortega Fish Shack

Table by photo frames on wall.
Place Wellington
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A favourite amongst Wellingtonians, Ortega Fish Shack is a must go-to seafood restaurant within the city.

Olive

Plants in outside area.
Place Wellington
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Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.

Salty Pidgin

Inside the restaurant.
Place Wellington
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A suburban eatery with city sophistication.

Mr Go's

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Place Wellington
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A happy mix of West meets East, pink meets green, and beer meets bao, Mr Go’s is proof that an eatery needn’t stick to one concrete theme.

Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown

People walking under a large 'Brewtown' stign.
Just a stone’s throw from Upper Hutt train station lies Brewtown, a 6,000 square metre entertainment and dining hub that effortlessly attracts families, parties, and thrill seekers from around Wellington and beyond.

Havana Bar

Cocktails being made.
Place Wellington
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Part restaurant, part bar, Havana is an absolute essential in every sense of those two words.

Cicio Cacio

Art on white brick.
Place Wellington
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You might try Cicio Cacio before a gig next door but the food in itself is worth a quick 10-minute bus trip or Uber from the city.

Pizza Pomodoro

The entrance to Pizza Pomodoro.
Place Wellington
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Wellington's favourite Neapolitan pizza.

Hillside Kitchen & Cellar

Seating inside the restaurant.
Place Wellington
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Without any conventional marketing, Hillside’s profile has been built by partnering with great local producers like Six Barrel Soda, Fig & Fog, Two Sisters wine, and Noble Estate Olive Oil.

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
Place Wellington
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A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.

Apache

Inside the restaurant.
Place Wellington
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Apachè takes a modern approach to Vietnamese hawker food.