Luxury Dining in Wellington
When you’re in New Zealand’s “coolest little capital”, you’re in one of the most creative food scenes in the country. Wellington is a city that thrives on food, with docks pulling in fresh fish daily and vineyards in two neighbouring regions. However, choosing that one restaurant to treat your loved one to or simply to indulge in some of the city’s finest cuisine can be an overwhelming experience. We’ve compiled some of our top recommendations when it comes to luxury dining in this list of fine dining restaurants in Wellington!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Luxury Guide to Wellington, as well as 10 Luxury Activities in Wellington. Plus, find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
1. Logan Brown
One of the most renowned eateries in town, Logan Brown is a must for fine dining foodies! Set in a historic banking chamber on Wellington’s iconic Cuba Street, Logan Brown has an ever-changing menu to keep in tune with the latest dining trends. What’s more, the restaurant has a philosophy of using sustainable and local ingredients. We recommend booking a table for Saturdays to try their five and seven-course degustation sessions.
Location: Cuba Street
© Logan Brown2. Whitebait
Dine on delectable seafood dishes at Whitebait. Fresh seafood is cooked in a Josper charcoal-fired oven for some of the most mouthwatering meals. What’s more, this fine-dining restaurant in Wellington has a prime position on the Wellington waterfront. The lamb dishes and desserts are also well worth indulging in if you’re not into fish.
Location: Clyde Quay Wharf
© White Bait Wellington3. Shepherd
Hidden down Hannahs Laneway, Shepherd is Wellington’s worst-kept secret. The focus here is Kiwi cuisine, using locally and ethically-sourced ingredients to produce New Zealand-style dishes. We’re talking venison with tamarillo, fig, walnuts, truffle and more, smoked fish and rhubarb, for example. Admittedly, Shepherd is an informal restaurant, so don’t expect the “fine dining” ambience – just delectable food!
Location: Eva Street
© Pexels4. Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located in one of Wellington’s most luxurious hotels, Hippopotamus Restaurant provides a fine dining experience with a French flair. Indulge in a broad menu, from comfort foods to fine dining with degustation menus available. The bar is lavishly decorated, making the venue an attraction in itself. Behind the bar are some of the most skilled cocktail mixologists in the city. See more hotels in the city in 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Wellington.
Location: QT Hotel, Cable Street
© Hippopotamus Wellington5. Shed 5
Another excellent seafood restaurant on the waterfront, Shed 5 occupies one of the oldest wharf stores in the Lambton Harbour. The restaurant has its own fishmonger, ensuring some of the freshest seafood dishes around. Try market fish in three different ways, delve into the fabulous seafood risotto, keep it familiar with the gourmet fish & chips, or opt-out of the fish altogether with the lamb and beef mains. There is also a vegetarian menu – find out more about travelling New Zealand as a “vege” in the Vegetarian Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Location: Queens Wharf
© Pexels6. Noble Rot Wine Bar
Pair delectable dishes with fine wines at Noble Rot Wine Bar. The award-winning wine bar and restaurant offers an array of wines to choose from, including from the nearby Wairarapa Region – see 10 Exquisite Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough for more information. Noble Rot not only aims to excite you with flavour combinations but educate newbies and even seasoned wine-drinkers in the world of “vino”.
Location: Swan Lane
© Noble Rot7. Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
As you may have guessed, seafood is a big deal in the coastal city of Wellington. Ortega Fish Shack offers a range of set menus, as well as a la carte dining. It’s definitely likely that you’ll try something new with the innovative menus here, with dishes such as yellowtail kingfish ceviche, avocado, Vietnamese mint and lemongrass and crayfish oil or steamed tuatuas, nduja, potato skordalia, coco beans and cavolo nero.
Location: Majoribanks Street
© Ortega8. Boulcott Street Bistro
Cosy up in the gorgeous setting of Boulcott Street Bistro, located inside a heritage Victorian cottage. The prestigious restaurant has a New Zealand Beef & Lamb Ambassador and culinary judge as their head chef. As for the food, choose from a menu of Kiwi and French fusion cuisine. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list to try some local and international favourites. Boulcott Street Bistro is open for lunch and dinner.
Location: Boulcott Street
© Boulcott Street Bistro9. Jano Bistro
This award-winning bistro provides some of the most Instagrammable plates in the city. Diners are treated to New Zealand-style cuisine with a French twist. Part of the experience is relaxing in a historic two-storey cottage that’s easy to locate with its bright yellow facade. Try some of the latest wines out of New Zealand, indulge in set menus like “The Jano Sampler” or “The Jano Experience” with beverage-match and more.
Location: Willis Street
© Jano10. Chameleon Restaurant
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chameleon Restaurant is a restaurant you can rely on all day. The menu offers international favourites with a Kiwi twist, using local and fresh ingredients. The entree to main-sized plates encourages diners to try a few different dishes, with mains inspired by the sea, farm and plants. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options are also available.
Location: Grey Street
© Chameleon Restaurant
