Schmap Wellington Dining & Drinking

Wellington - Dining & Drinking
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Wellington Home
Schmap Wellington guide and map

Wellington is a small capital city by international standards but you would not necessarily guess this given the outstanding choice of bars and restaurants that are squeezed into the downtown area between the harbour and the hills. A vibrant assortment of ethnic and European cuisine and the local fusion cooking, "Pacific Rim," caters to every taste and wallet size.

Courtenay Place

Courtenay Place is one of several distinct restaurant quarters in the city and is renowned for its lively nightlife. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and street musicians vie for attention day and night. For a superb meal treat yourself at contemporary favourite Beacon Woodfire and Grill which attracts a lively crowd who love fine food with a kiwi twist. For those who like a quirky, low light, lounge bar feel visit Castro's on Majoribanks Street. It is famous for its cocktails and original food. For a world-class menu with “Pacific Rim” and French provincial influences Icon at Te Papa Tongarewa with its wonderful balcony and fine sea views is unsurpassable.

If you are looking for value for money then head to the Courtenay Place Turkish, Thai, Malaysian, Mexican, Indian or Chinese restaurants. Enjoy yum cha at King Wah or try the murtabak at Satay Malaysia located on the restaurant-lined Allen Street. Both ensure culinary pleasure that will not break the bank. Little India on Blair Street comes highly recommended by Wellington's own galloping gourmand Des Britten. For gourmet pizza the popular One Red Dog is recommended--wash down a Thai Chilli Chicken pizza with a naturally brewed beer before a show or movie.

If you want neon dance rhythms and a party then this is the district to start cruising. Check out Molly Malones, an Irish pub that has live bands playing most nights. For drinking, dancing and playing pool try The Grand or the Big Easy for late night drinking and a techno beat.

Cuba Street

The Cuba Street area is another treasure chest of eateries and the centre of Wellington's alternative scene. For a taste of the variety the city has to offer in clothes, art, music and food stroll up Cuba Street and back down again. On the way, those seeking impeccable coffee and inexpensive snacks or a fine meal will be drawn to the popular Krazy Lounge. With its funky decor, crazy sculpture's, half moon-shaped booths and music, it attracts those who like fast, friendly, reasonably priced all-day dining venues. The popular Logan Brown, one of Wellington's leading restaurants, is the haunt for lovers and bankers. Located in a 1920s banking chamber it offers fine dining in elegant surroundings.

The Waterfront

Yes, Wellington is hip, it is cultured and it is lively but it is also a city that is dedicated to, and surrounded by the sea. Reflecting this love for the water, many of the city's restaurants specialise in fresh local seafood. The best place to find a taste of the ocean is the waterfront. Located here is Shed 5 a stylish up-market seafood restaurant in a painstakingly restored wharf woolshed built in 1888. There is a formal dining section excellent for a business lunch or dinner, a more casual cafe, bar and alfresco seating. Next door is the popular Dockside Restaurant and Bar that provides quality seafood in a converted wooden warehouse. This spot is always crowded on Friday nights with after-work drinkers and throughout lunch hours particularly when the sun shines.

Central Business District

The central business district, with Lambton Quay and Willis Street at its heart, is popular with business people and locals. The area is not renowned for its nightlife but there is a range of quality restaurants that are especially suited to a corporate lunch or quiet dinner for two. Try Copita on Featherston Street which serves Spanish/New Zealand cuisine in classic white tablecloth surroundings or the famous Boulcott Street Bistro which mixes top of the line wine and food with a historic and relaxed ambience. Petit Lyon offers truly exclusive dining in a small two-storey colonial building on upper Willis Street. Frequented by food lovers of all persuasions, this is a great place for an extra special dinner for two. It is not cheap but then what would you expect for a meal poetically titled “I must go down to the sea again”? For quality daytime eating in this area, you cannot go past the Nikau Gallery Cafe. It is attached to the City Gallery in the heart of Civic Square, one of Wellington's favourite places to relax on a fine afternoon. Alternatively there is Caffe Astoria, or Revive Sandwich & Espresso Bar or The CD Store Café, or Wholly Bagels or… The list could go on and on and on.

And that is why Wellington has become something of a haven for those who love to eat and drink well or just linger, with friends, over coffee. Some say Wellington has more restaurants, cafes and bars per capita then the sprawling metropolis of New York. It is certainly your duty, as a visitor to our shores, to meet the drinking and dining challenge that is Wellington City. It will allow you to experience, as nothing else can, some of the diversity that makes our city tick.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

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Boulcott Street Bistro

Top-class cuisine in historic Plimmer House

99 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 499 4199
http://www.boulcottstreetbistr...
info@boulcottstbistro.co.nz

This top-class restaurant, situated in an 1870s colonial house, exudes an intimate, relaxed and friendly ambience. Spacious but intimate dining and bar facilities are offered, as well as an attic room suitable for small private functions. The distinguished a la carte menu features fresh seasonal foods with a French influence. Delicious main entrees such as Pan Roasted Fillet Steak with Pomme Frites and Bearnaise Sauce are available. There is a quality wine list and full bar. Evening seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: wcities

CD Store Cafe

Mellow music and coffee 250 Lambton Quay
Capital on the Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 471 1352 Read about new music releases at your table top, then hear them at the listening posts while savouring coffee and cake at this casual cafe. With its roomy and contemporary style and laid-back, comfortable feel, it easily attracts a spill-over crowd from the compact disc store next door. Serves breakfast and lunch. Main meals such as soup, pasta, wedges and smoked chicken salad are very reasonably priced. Refreshments include iced drinks, tea, smoothies and, of course, coffee.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Caffe Astoria

Fresh coffee on Midland 159 Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 473 8500 This cafe is beautifully situated on the edge of Midland Park in the heart of the shopping district. A favourite haunt of the corporate crowd (take your cellphone to feel at home) who, in summer, spill onto the square as diners meet workers with packed lunches in the sun. Reminiscent of a Vienna coffee house, this warm wood panelled cafe is the place for a revitalising coffee made from beans freshly ground on the premises. Also serves snacks, light lunches and dinner. Licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Caffe Astoria photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Castros

Cocktails and casual dining 12 Majorbanks Street
Mount Victoria
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 8733 Quirky, casual, cool and cocktails describe this upbeat city restaurant, with food by chef 'Mad Tim Jones', at the foot of Mount Victoria. Diners with attitude frequent this great New York style eatery and cocktail house. Check out the wall tiles and relax in the slightly retro ambience of the place. The restaurant offers an international menu with a difference including the likes of Cantonese style pork and Rocket of Lamb. The restaurant is licensed and well known for its classic cocktails.

Review © 2007, Wcities

City Gallery

Innovative central city art gallery 101 Wakefield Street
Civic Square
Wellington 6015
+64 4 801 3952
http://www.city-gallery.org.nz
art.gallery@wcc.govt.nz Housed over several levels of the old Wellington Public Library building the City Gallery exhibits the work of significant New Zealand artists and international figures. The gallery, often described as challenging and innovative, offers patrons a varied exhibition programme of art, architecture and design. As well as exhibitions the gallery offers lectures and artists' talks, videos and films as well as literary events and educational programmes for a variety of audiences. When you have seen all you like take a break in the popular Nikau Café on the ground floor. Admission is free, but charges apply for international exhibitions.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mandy Simpson
Photo: Malcolm Ting

Civic Square

Magnet for tourists Bordered by Wakefield Street, Mercer Street, Victoria Street and Aotea Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 802 4860 (Tourist Information Centre) This splendid open space, used regularly for recreation and entertainment, is a tribute to the city's town planners, architects and artists. Combining terracotta tiles, trees and water features and bounded by interesting places such as the City to Sea Bridge, the City Gallery, and Central Library it is a natural draw card for visitors. Look out for the suspended spherical fern sculpture by Neil Dawson and the wonderful nikau palms by Ian Athfield. Amid the sculptures and waterfalls there are of course places to quietly sit and eat lunch.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Alyssa Umsawasdi
Photo: Keith Miller
Photo: Nathan Anderson
Photo: Phillip Hutchings
Photo: Persephone Giddens
Photo: Christoph Buente
Photo: Graeme Basire
Photo: Lisa Wilde

Photo: David Loong
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Photo: Michelle Harrison
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Copita

Spanish flavour in the central business district 146 Featherston Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 473 6001
http://www.copita.co.nz/ This restaurant shimmers with Spanish style. Enjoy a tapas plate over a drink at the bar, or settle in for a long business lunch. The decor is refreshing and stylish, and the focal point is the long bar for pre-dinner drinks. The walls are set off by large, flashy mirrors that give a feeling of space. The service is exceptional. Try out entrees, such as Paella Balls with Smoked Paprika Aioli and mains, such as Fillet Steak. There is a good wine list featuring quality Spanish, New Zealand and Australian wines.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Courtenay Place

Courtenay Place is the centre of local theatrical activity and the favoured destination for those seeking entertainment into the small hours. Restaurants, cafes, wine bars and pubs line both sides of this long, wide strip. A good spread of ethnic tastes is evident in their many and varied menus.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: David Leverton
Photo: Cherrie Kong
Photo: michael fryer
Photo: Peter Trevor
Photo: Edmond Ortal

Cuba Street

Head to crazy Cuba on a Sunday Access from Wakefield Street and Web Street
Wellington 6001
+64 25 660 4848 (Mobile) / +64 4 802 4860 (Tourist Information Centre)
http://www.cuba.co.nz/
internet@cuba.co.nz This is downtown's creative quarter with its eclectic array of old and new shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes and slightly rundown aura. It is named after the New Zealand Company ship Cuba that arrived with some of the areas first settlers in 1840. A part of the street has been closed off to cars and provides a pleasant place to amble or take coffee al fresco. The kids will like it here too - there is a small children's playground and the beloved bucket fountain that could splatter those getting too close anytime.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Gary Korhonen
Photo: Brenda Wallace
Photo: Andrew Ecclestone
Photo: Seth Daire
Photo: www.miteymiss.com
Photo: Kacey Lizon

Cuba Street

For the young urban dweller, Cuba Street and Manners Mall are the locations of choice in which to see and be seen. Street theatre and busking are common, especially during the Fringe Festival and the Wellington Festival of the Arts. This area also boasts innovative sculptures and water features that impart a colourful sense of creativity. Contributing further to this vibrant atmosphere is the phenomenal concentration of cafes on Cuba Street-there is something to suit most moods and palates.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: evade
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Photo: Andrew Mercer
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Photo: Rupert Reynolds-MacL

Photo: HANA
Photo: Markku Lassila
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Dockside Restaurant and Bar

Lively seafood restaurant near the harbour Queens Wharf
(Jervois Quay)
Wellington 6001
+64 4 499 9900
http://www.docksidenz.com/
dine@docksidenz.com This quality seafood restaurant, in a converted wooden warehouse, is uniquely positioned on the waterfront for relaxed indoor and outdoor dining. It is crowded on Friday nights with after-work drinkers and at lunch time when the sun shines. Try the fresh seafoods such as salmon and whitebait cooked to perfection with New Zealand flair. The restaurant is licensed, there is a full bar and an excellent New Zealand-focused wine list.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Dockside Restaurant and Bar photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Icon

Innovative cuisine in the Museum of New Zealand Cable Street
Te Papa Museum
Wellington 6001
+64 4 381 7272
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz
mail@tepapa.govt.nz If you're looking for some fine catering service then Icon at the Te Papa Museum is a good choice. With the Icon room that you can book for NZD 700, you can throw a grand cocktail party or dinner party. An extensive range of set catering menus are available for you to choose from. The professional Icon catering team is sure to charm your guests! So here's to some authentic New Zealand culinary delights!

Review © 2007, Wcities

Icon photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

King Wah

A favourite for yum char 27 Courtney Place
Wellington 6001
+64 4 801 5657 This established restaurant in the heart of Courtney Place is great for lovers of real Chinese chow. Down the corridor entranceway you will find an authentic Chinese restaurant--rich red decor, fish tanks, and large tables with lazy susans. Serves an extensive range of meals with mains like Crispy Skin Chicken and Thai Style Chilli Chicken. Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights from 10p and one of the best Yum Char selections in town (at lunch time on Sundays).

Review © 2007, Wcities

Krazy Lounge

Busy cafe with all day menu 132 Cuba Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 801 6652
krazy@paradise.net.nz Krazy cafe, established in 1996, offers fast, friendly, all-day dining. It is favoured by inner city dwellers, workers and Cuba Street strollers, and it is always busy. The corner site, funky decor, crazy sculptures, half moon-shaped booths and music create a colourful ambience. It serves something for every taste and wallet - breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper and all-day snacks. Wine is available by the bottle or glass.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Krazy Lounge photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Little India Bistro & Tandoor

Something for everyone 18 Blair Street
Courtney Place
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 9989
http://www.littleindia.co.nz/ This restaurant is highly recommended by Wellington's own galloping gourmand Des Britten. Try it if you are a lover of this fantastic cuisine. Contemporary decor set off by walls painted deep saffron gold creates a modern, lively and relaxed ambience. Offers a large selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains. There are also banquet menus that have a little of practically everything.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Little India Bistro & Tandoor photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Logan Brown Restaurant & Bar

Class in a spectacular 1920s banking chamber 192 Cuba Street
Corner of Cuba & Vivian streets
Wellington 6001
+64 4 801 5114
http://www.loganbrown.co.nz
queries@loganbrown.co.nz Located in a beautifully restored 1920s-era building, this spacious, white tableclothed and elegantly decorated restaurant is one of Wellington's favourites, loved by business people for lunch and gourmands for dinner. It features a cocktail wine bar that is open late for supper. The owners serve food of international standard with style and grace. A jazz band entertains on some nights. The menu is reasonably expensive, so inquire about the three-course pre-theatre set menus and bankers' lunches. These are good value options.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Michael D

Molly Malone's

Irish pub offering satisfying lunches Corner of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street
PO Box 9088
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 2896 This great Irish bar, located in the heart of Wellingon's entertainment district, is loved by every one for its rocking music and its cheap, hearty lunches. Live bands play most nights, and good Irish fare to suit all budgets is available either at the bar or one of the two in-house restaurants. The Dubliner Whiskey Bar boasts 105 selections of whiskey from around the world. A fun atmosphere and a friendly staff completes the experience.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mandy Simpson
Photo: Callum O'Hagan
Photo: Matt Scholz
Photo: Captain Tractor
Photo: Stefanie Segers
Photo: megacaptain

Nikau Gallery Cafe

Fresh, light, fabulous food City Gallery Building
Civic Square
Wellington 6001
+64 4 801 4168
nikaucafe@xtra.co.nz The cafe is attached to the City Gallery in the heart of Civic Square, one of Wellington's favourite places to relax. The decor is contemporary with floor to ceiling windows surrounding a courtyard that provides a sheltered sunny alcove for al fresco dining on a good day. Open all day for coffee, wine, snacks and extra fresh light lunches. Try the crispy White Bread with homemade Plum Chutney and Ham Off the Bone or a Pan Fried Warehou, Potato Salad and Green Goddess Dressing.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Sarah McManus

One Red Dog

Great gourmet pizza bar 9-11 Blair Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 9777 This popular destination attracting an eclectic crowd is seldom empty and always buzzing. Family groups are welcome especially early in the evening. The restaurant combines great food, served in booths or at long tables for pizza sharing groups, with bar space and a small courtyard at the back for those enjoying a drink. Offers a fabulous array of gourmet pizza and pasta. Try the addictive Thai Chilli Chicken pizza.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Jonathan Ah Kit
Photo: Gary Korhonen
Photo: kate mew
Photo: Duane Weller

Petit Lyon

For something extra 270 Willis Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 9402 The great Wellington tradition of Petit Lyon continues in this small two storey colonial building on the city fringe. The upstairs dining salon is intimate and classic. Frequented by food lovers of all persuasions and those romantics intent on the surprise menu at 150 NZD (includes all food, wine and taxes). Not cheap, but varied. Menu changes regularly but you will always find a mouth-watering selection of entrees and wonderful sounding mains like Beef Fillet Redemption.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Petit Lyon photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Revive Cafe

Al fresco favourite 5 Woodward Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 472 7222
revivecafe@clear.net.nz This is Woodward Street's favourite coffee house and with friendly staff, good food and superb coffee are guaranteed. There are bar stools, tables and al fresco seating which is absolutely perfect on a fine day. The food is simple and light but tasty. Try a panini for lunch, a bagel or perhaps a more substantial Chicken Salad. Good range of coffee, tea and juices are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Satay India Bistro and Tandoor

Spicy specials 18-24 Allen Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 385 7709 This well-established popular eatery serves Malaysian and Indian food at great prices. Spacious, the restaurant exudes warmth and good cheer, with its brick feature walls, honeyed wood furnishings and dedication to group eating. Ideal for shared meals as a variety of main dishes can be served to suit guest numbers.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Satay India Bistro and Tandoor photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Shed 5

Fabulous seafood in a waterfront heritage building Queens Wharf
P.O.Box 1738
Wellington 6001
+64 4 499 9069
http://www.shed5.co.nz
astrid@shed5.co.nz This stylish upmarket seafood restaurant and bar is situated in a painstakingly restored wharf woolshed built in 1888. Enjoy the seascapes from the big windows and the spacious wood surroundings. There is a formal dining section frequented by corporate types, a café, bar and outdoor waterfront seating. The extensive menu and quality cooking, with an emphasis on New Zealand seafood, is highly regarded. Fabulous Thai Fishcakes and seasonal whitebait are treats not to be missed.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: philip@turntable.com

Te Papa Tongarewa

Interactive entertainment, history, art Cable Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 381 7000
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz
mail@tepapa.govt.nz Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, is a fitting testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse for some of the country's most precious treasures. Te Papa celebrates the unique multicultural nature of New Zealand through art, exhibitions and multimedia. Highlights include virtual bungy jumping, a day in the life of a junk shop and the chance to walk through a reconstructed slice of real New Zealand countryside. Come for an afternoon--spend a week! Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Tristan Clements
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Wholly Bagels

Wholly fantastic 39 Johnston Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 499 2435
http://www.whollybagels.co.nz/
ian@whollybagels.co.nz This authentic New York-style bagel shop is great for something quick and different. Spacious, contemporary, and relaxed, the café with its lime green touches and plenty of reading material exudes relaxation. An extensive range of bagels are available filled with just about anything you can think of. Try the smoked salmon and cream cheese, or blueberry, lemon and cream cheese, fresh or toasted.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: caroln

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