If you’re looking for a generic guide about the best restaurants in Wellington, click the back button.
If you want specific ideas on where to eat in Wellington for various situations (plus suggestions on what to order) keep on reading.
Yes, that includes your casual Tinder date.
And why should you trust these Wellington restaurant/bar/cafe recommendations?
As a non-foodie I’ve asked the questions, and the awesome foodie, Kalliana, who runs the @wellingnoms Instagram account has provided the answers.
If anyone is qualified to make recommendations for Wellington restaurants, it’s Kalliana.
Here’s a list of the themes (they are clickable) of each recommendation. You’ll see the specific questions next to each recommendation.
1. Drinks + cheeseboard
2. Vegan/keto/GF etc.
3. Wine options
4. Awesome view
5. Watch the chefs cook
6. Pizza
7. BYO with friends
8. Sushi
9. Backpacker budget
10. Thai
11. Vegan
12. Vegetarian
13. Eat on the beach
14. Late night
15. Birthday
16. Instagrammable
17. Dog-friendly
18. Pie
19. Sweet tooth
20. Intimate
21. Tinder date
22. Burger
23. Kid-friendly
24. $$$$$
Let’s get into it (there’s a map of the places at the bottom of the post).
WHERE TO EAT IN WELLINGTON WHEN YOU…
…are meeting friends for a few drinks but secretly want an epic cheese board?
Noble Rot
6 Swan Lane, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 385 6671
Noble Rot has an epic wine list, knowledgeable staff and the selection of cheeses is enough to make any cheese addict happy.
Kalliana recommends the Fromage and charcuterie.
…need a Wellington restaurant that can satisfy everyone’s dietary requirements (gluten-free/vegan/keto etc)?
Apache
122 Wakefield Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 499 2999
Especially good for gluten-free folks, most dishes are gluten-free so they just point out which ones aren’t. Their food is also so delicious, packed with heaps of flavour. The menu changes with the seasons so you’ll get fresh and light in the warmer weather and comforting and rich during winter.
…would like to have a wide variety of wines?
Glass
8 Chews Lane, Wellington | Website | +64 4 471 1400
Glass is a bit of a hidden gem. Located down Chew’s Lane, their ever-changing list of wines varies from classic and approachable to the weird and wonderful. Also, while we can’t travel, their European heavy hitters are the best way to transport yourself to somewhere new.
Kalliana recommends whatever is pouring.
…want to have an awesome view while you eat?
Dockside
3 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | Website | +64 4 499 9900
Epic view of the Wellington Harbour while you enjoy delicious eats. Perfection.
Quick Tip: Dockside is one of the restaurants featured on First Table (in short, they offer 50% off your meals at restaurants in Wellington, and nationwide). If new members use the code ‘churnz’ when creating an account your first booking is $5 (or click this link) 1.
…want to be somewhere you can see the food being cooked in front of you?
Shepherd
1/5 Eva Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 385 7274
Seats at the pass at Shepherd are the most coveted, it’s always awesome to see the delicious food come together.
…want to eat a really good pizza?
Pizza Pomodoro
13 Leeds Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 381 2929
This family-run spot has been a Wellington staple since 2000 and I can’t imagine Wellington without it. They make the best-woodfired pizza, hands down. Perfect for taking home and smashing back in solitude or sharing with friends at nearby Golding’s Dive Bar.
Kalliana recommends paesana.
…want to go to the best BYO in Wellington with a bunch of mates?
Ram’s Crazy Dumplings
171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 803 3628
Come for the dumplings, which are delicious and amazing value. Stay for the potato tower. The narrow layout also means you will usually make new friends on a night out.
Kalliana recommends chili oil dumplings and potato tower.
…need to visit the best sushi restaurant in Wellington?
Yoshi
110 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central (1 of 3 locations) | Website | +64 4 473 4731
Freshly made sushi with the most delicate sushi rice, can’t beat it.
Kalliana recommends spicy tuna and avocado uramaki.
…are a backpacker on a budget and need a full meal for less than $10 (yay for cheap eats in Wellington)?
K C Cafe
39A Courtenay Place, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 385 8980
Chicken and corn soup hits under $10, but spend a little more and get anything your heart desires from the biggest menu in town – like the beef brisket noodle soup, which is easily big enough for two on a budget. An unassuming but delicious spot. A must try in Wellington.
The Original Thai, Island Bay
155 The Parade, Island Bay | Facebook | +64 4 383 5596
If you’re dining in – lovely service with a smile and a laugh. Food tastes just as good takeaway eating on the couch in your sweatpants. A true classic.
…have a vegan friend in town and want to take them to a vegan restaurant?
Sweet Release
99 Manners Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 27 285 3046
There’s a reason why this was 3rd place in the Burger Wellington competition in 2019. Sounds cliche, but you really don’t miss the meat when you’re at Sweet Release.
Kalliana recommends the jacked up burger.
RELATED POST: VEGAN BURGER SPOTS IN WELLINGTON
…want to go to a vegetarian restaurant?
Aunty Mena’s Vegetarian Cafe
167 Cuba Street, Te Aro | Facebook | +64 4 382 8288
This Wellington institution is loved by meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
…want to get something takeaway to eat on the beach at Oriental Parade?
Mt Vic Chippery
5 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria | Website | +64 4 382 8713
Can’t beat fish and chips at the beach. The burger form makes it easier to eat if it’s a bit of a blustery day!
Kalliana recommends the fish burger.
…have had a big night on the town, and want a kebab (or something else) on the way home?
Lucky Chicken
Nothing says a great night out like getting a burger that has both fried chicken AND fried halloumi in it.
Kalliana recommends the jackpot.
…celebrate a birthday with 10-20 friends?
Loretta
181 Cuba Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 384 2213
The massive dining hall means that all group sizes are easily accommodated plus the food and wine list is excellent.
Kalliana recommends chicken schnitzel and wood-fired pizza.
…need to get lots of likes on your Instagram photo of the meal?
Soul Shack
Everybody loves burgers and fried chicken. That’s a fact. And Soul Shack is some of the best out there.
Kalliana recommends chicken sando with a side of wings.
Quick Tip: Soul Shack’s neighbour, Birdcage Bar, is one of the restaurants featured on First Table (in short you can get 50% off your meals) and they’ll have Soul Shack delivered from next door to your seat at the bar. If new members use the code ‘Wellingnoms’ when creating an account your first booking is $5 (or click this link)2.
…need a cafe that’s dog friendly?
Parrotgog Lyall Bay
60/66 Kingsford Smith Street, Lyall Bay | Website | +64 4 384 8077
Right by the beach, puppies always welcome and lots of space to spread out
Kalliana recommends Fish sandwich, shoestring fries and a cold one.
…want to embrace #yearofthepie?
Jo’s Place
28 Cleveland Street, Brooklyn | Facebook | +64 4 384 4934
Absolutely the best pies in Wellington. Perfectly flaky pastry, stuffed with filling, and total satisfaction after eating one. Chef’s kiss.
Kalliana recommends steak and cheese.
…want to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Lashings
1/31 Dixon Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 22 611 0756
The best place to grab a sweet treat, sit in the window, and watch the world go by.
Kalliana recommends the loaded brownie and a caramel slice.
…want to take your significant other somewhere intimate?
Rita
89 Aro Street, Aro Valley | Website | +64 4 385 4555
The converted cottage is intimate and homely, making it feel like you are in someone’s dining room rather than a restaurant
Kalliana recommends the three-course set menu.
…are planning a tinder date (dinner) and want to go somewhere casual?
1154 pastaria
132 Cuba Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 213 9981
Delicious eats, nice wines, and casual vibes. Surely everything required for a first date?
Kalliana recommends canestrini alla vodka (Editors note: there menu is seasonal).
…want to have the best burger in Wellington?
Rogue Burger
101 The Terrace, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 260 5005
A classic done very well, these guys know burgers. Also, if you can get a double – always get the double.
Kalliana recommends the double cheeseburger.
…have the kids in tow and want life to be relatively easy?
Southern Cross
39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro | Website | +64 4 384 9085
Lots of space, lots of toys, and the most kid-friendly place in town.
Kalliana recommends cheerios with tomato sauce and a piece of cake from the cabinet.
…won lotto and budget is not a factor?
Hiakai
40 Wallace Street, Mount Cook | Website | +64 4 938 7360
Impeccable food, amazing service, and the most divine setting. Sit at the chef’s counter if you can.
Kalliana recommends Whitu wāhi, the seven-course experience with beverage matches.
A MAP OF THE 24 PLACES TO EAT IN WELLINGTON
And there we go, 24 nice places to eat in Wellington for 24 different scenarios. Of course, you could be a rebel and mix and match this list.
Taking your casual Tinder date to Lucky might not be the smartest idea though…
If you’ve got any recommendations on where to eat in Wellington for precise scenarios, drop a comment below.
RECOMMENDED READING
Some fun things to do in Wellington
When you’re not eating of course
10 Must Try Drinks From New Zealand
There’s more to life than water, yea?
Amazing Wellington Walks
Wellington is a great place to enjoy a walk…maybe not after stuffing your face full of food
Visiting Matiu/Somes Island
You know that island you can see in the middle of the harbour? That’s Matiu/Somes Island
PINTEREST IMAGES
If you want to save this post for later, save these two images to your boards.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.