Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Wellington

If you haven't experienced Wellington's food scene lately, you're in for a treat! While the city has long been famous for its coffee culture, these days it's the restaurants that are stealing the spotlight. Join us, as we explore the best of what the windy city is serving up!

Is Wellington New Zealand's Next Culinary Hotspot?

Wellington has a brilliant knack for taking local ingredients and turning them into something spectacular. Whether you're after harbour views with your seafood or intimate bistros tucked away in heritage buildings, Wellington's serving up experiences that'll have you planning your next meal before you've finished your first!

Which Fine Dining Restaurants Should Be on Your List?

If fine dining is your bread and butter, Wellington has some of NZ’s most iconic spots. First up, there's Bellamy's at the Beehive – yes, that Beehive! Tucked away in Parliament House, it's where power lunches turn into sophisticated evening affairs. The seasonal menu here is something else, and their wine list? Let's just say they take their vino very seriously.

If you're after something with a bit of character, Jano Bistro is housed in this gorgeous Victorian villa that'll charm your socks off. They do this brilliant thing with French cuisine where they respect the classics but aren't afraid to push boundaries.

Then there's Rita, hidden away in Aro Valley – it's like being invited to an intimate dinner party where the menu changes daily based on whatever's best at the market.

For those who appreciate timeless elegance (without the stuffiness), Boulcott Street Bistro is your spot. Housed in one of Wellington's oldest buildings, they've been nailing the fine dining game for years. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, even though the food could hold its own against any high-end restaurant in the world.

Looking for Casual but Gourmet Eats in Wellington?

Here's the brilliant thing about Wellington – you don't need to don your fancy pants to get an amazing meal. Take Plonk, for instance. Sure, it presents itself as a wine bar, but don't let that fool you. The kitchen here pumps out dishes that are so good, you'll forget you're in what's technically a bar.

For something completely different, Koji brings Japanese dining into the 21st century with style. And if you're a meat lover, WOLF is where you want to head – they treat their steaks with the kind of respect that would make any carnivore weep with joy.

Where Can You Get the Best Waterfront Dining Experience?

Let's talk about dining with a view, because Wellington's harbour is something special. Dockside is the obvious star here – housed in a historic warehouse right on the water, it's where fresh seafood meets colonial charm. The views are spectacular, but honestly, the food might distract you from them.

Just a stone's throw away, Charley Noble has made a name for itself with its wood-fired cooking techniques and commitment to sustainable practices. While it's slightly back from the water's edge, the seafood here is so fresh you'd swear they caught it themselves.

Why The Hotel Grand Chancellor is Perfect for Food-Loving Travellers

Here's a hot tip for making the most of Wellington's food scene – base yourself at The Hotel Grand Chancellor. Why? The hotel's central location means you're never more than a short walk from your next culinary adventure, and the concierge team knows their stuff when it comes to scoring reservations at the hot spots.

PLUS the comfortable rooms are the perfect setting to sink into even the deepest of food comas.

Ready to eat? Click here to check out our accommodation options today.