A Guide to Asian Cuisine in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

Tucked above Courtenay Place, this small, lively spot is full of charm. Head upstairs and you’ll find an intimate space that’s perfect for groups or date nights, complete with yakitori hot off the grill, steaming bowls of ramen, plus sake and beer towers aplenty. Slide into a cosy nook or grab a seat on the balcony, with an unrivalled birds-eye view of Courtenay Place below. A well-kept secret gem. 

This is the place for a hearty South Indian feast. Specialising in the heritage cuisine of India's Kerala, this humble, family-owned eatery serves up some serious flavour with their range of coconut-rich curries, dosa, and more – with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Few places nearby seem to attract the local Indian community quite like this restaurant does, and it’s easy to see why. Affordable, homely, and full of crowd-pleasers, it’s a must-visit for curry lovers.

This Wellington institution is a true local go-to for those in the know, famed for its 160+ dish menu and cult-status following. Open late and always generous, this spot is heaving with hungry locals in search of warm, authentic Chinese dishes every night of the week. It’s so beloved, in fact, that it even has its own Instagram fanpage – run by two dedicated regulars documenting their quest to try and review every dish on the menu.

For Korean fried chicken done right, head to Zzan.

Pair it with some of their bulgogi beef, a tteokbokki bowl or a “So Mack” combo (that’s soju and beer), and you’ve got yourself a feast. The unmissable quirky decor adds to the charm, with neon signs, repurposed-soju-bottle lights and polaroids of grinning patrons strung up along the walls. 

Plus, if you're up for it, there’s even a mini arcade and pay-per-song karaoke booths out the back, just in case you feel like whipping out a quick ballad or two after your meal.

Always bustling and friendly, this award-winning, family-run restaurant is a top spot in Wellington for Yum Cha, family gatherings, and Sunday morning Cantonese treats. It’s all about communal dining here, so gather your friends and order plenty. This is the place to enjoy a long, leisurely meal over a glorious array of steaming plates and several pots of tea.

No one’s too old for the whimsical allure of a sushi train. If you’re craving something fresh, this busy little venue is the place – with high-quality, reasonably priced sushi and made-to-order dishes, all flying past and ready to eat. You have to be nimble to grab the dish you’ve got your eye on, but it’s all part of the fun. Perfect for a quick, easy lunch or dinner, it’s a much-loved spot for locals and tourists for good reason.

Although it often flies under the radar, Magic Kitchen is definitely worth a visit for some of the best Cantonese comfort food in Wellington. Their extensive menu is packed with fresh, flavourful and interesting dishes, and the staff are known for being friendly and welcoming. A great spot for a laid-back family meal or a casual dinner with friends.

Steeped in family history, Mabel’s restaurant is a tribute to their very own Auntie Mabel, who first introduced Wellington to Burmese cuisine when she brought her family, culture and traditional cooking with her from Myanmar to Te Aro in the late 1970s. With a mouthwatering array of authentic, textural food designed to be eaten communally, there’s a tangible sense of cultural heritage here – a place to warm the heart and the belly.

It wouldn’t be right not to show some love to a few neighbouring restaurants that deserve an honourable mention. 

Jinweide Beef Noodles follows through on its name – serving up delicious hand-pulled noodles that have earned a loyal following, and their handmade xiao long bao is a rare find in Wellington. A few steps over the road there’s Aries Restaurant, a local treasure for Yum Cha lovers. Like all good Chinese restaurants, the fish tanks are huge, the food is amazing, and there’s a giant water feature to greet you as you enter.

Both are well worth a visit for a taste of something special.