10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington

1. Logan Brown

Nestled in a grand 1920s heritage-listed building on iconic Cuba Street, Logan Brown is a Wellington institution that has been delighting diners for over two decades.

This fine-dining restaurant offers an ever-changing set menu that showcases excellent technique and quality ingredients. Expect bold and sometimes unexpected flavour combinations, always starting with fresh bread, followed by three exquisite courses.

The experience is elevated by the impressive six-metre dome ceiling, tall Corinthian columns, and arches that frame the dining room. For a truly special experience, we recommend booking for their five and seven-course degustation sessions on Saturdays.

Location: Cuba Street, Wellington, North Island

© Logan Brown

2. Whitebait

Embark on a culinary journey at Whitebait, where sustainability and local sourcing are at the forefront. This fine-dining gem on Wellington’s waterfront showcases one of New Zealand’s finest seafoods, cooked to perfection in their Josper charcoal-fired oven.

From handcrafted bread made with artesian spring water to locally sourced ingredients, every dish tells a story of Kiwi craftsmanship.

While seafood steals the show, their lamb dishes and desserts are equally tempting. The restaurant’s prime location offers stunning harbour views, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Location: Clyde Quay Wharf, Wellington, North Island

© White Bait Wellington

3. Bellamys

For a truly unique fine dining experience in Wellington, look no further than Bellamys. Nestled within the iconic Beehive, the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament, this restaurant offers a taste of political history alongside exquisite cuisine.

Open for lunch and dinner, Bellamys showcases high-quality, locally sourced produce through its carefully curated a la carte menu. You might find yourself savouring “Coastal Lamb Rump & Shank” or a “21 Day Aged Rangitikei T-Bone”, complemented by a thoughtfully selected drinks menu.

Bellamys provides a unique opportunity to dine where generations of politicians, Prime Ministers, and parliamentarians have gathered since 1854. Today, this historic dining room welcomes all food enthusiasts to experience its premium offerings and political ambience.

Location: The Beehive, Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington, North Island, Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, Lunch: 12 pm to 2 pm, Dinner: 5 pm to 8:30 pm

© Phoebe Mackenzie -WellingtonNZ

4. Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Indulge in a French-inspired fine dining experience at Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, one of Wellington’s most vivid and charming locales.

With its stunning harbour views, this restaurant offers a delightful adventure of indulgent comfort food, an enviable wine list, and irresistible cocktails.

The lavishly decorated bar is an attraction in itself, boasting some of the city’s most skilled cocktail mixologists. Whether you’re after a memorable meeting, exclusive dinner, or a colourful wedding, Hippopotamus can accommodate all your needs, from balls and banquets to high teas.

See more hotels in the city in 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Wellington.

Location: QT Hotel, Cable Street

© Hippopotamus Wellington

5. Shed 5

Nestled in one of Lambton Harbour’s oldest wharf stores, Shed 5 offers a captivating blend of history and culinary excellence.

This iconic restaurant, housed in a heritage-listed wooden warehouse from 1887, brings Wellington’s maritime past to life while serving up some of the freshest seafood in town.

Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the menu crafted by the restaurant’s dedicated in-house fishmonger, Richard Waru, who brings 30 years of expertise to the table.

For a true taste of New Zealand’s waters, try the “Market Fish” or indulge in the “Wild Venison Loin” for a land-based treat. With its warm ambience and waterfront views, Shed 5 offers a leisurely dining experience that’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

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

© Pexels

6. Noble Rot Wine Bar

Experience refined dining at Noble Rot Wine Bar, where exceptional dishes are perfectly paired with a remarkable selection of wines.

 Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until late, this award-winning establishment offers an extensive array of vintages, including local gems from the nearby Wairarapa Region.

We’re big fans of their culinary delights, particularly the “Prime Angus Beef Sirloin” and “Roasted Venison Denver Leg”. Noble Rot not only delights your palate but also informs both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts about the world of wine.

For those seeking a midday indulgence, groups of ten or more can arrange a lunch booking on any day of the week.

Location: Swan Lane, Wellington, North Island

© Noble Rot

7. 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

© Capture Studios - WellingtonNZ

8. Boulcott Street Bistro

Located in a charming heritage Victorian cottage, Boulcott Street Bistro has been delighting locals and visitors since 1991. This prestigious restaurant boasts a carefully crafted menu that combines timeless bistro dishes with contemporary flavours, all created using the freshest seasonal produce.

We can’t get enough of their mouthwatering mains, particularly the “Aged Fillet Of Beef” and “Confit Duck Leg”. Pair your meal with a selection from their well-stocked bar and extensive wine list featuring local and international favourites.

Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 12 pm and dinner Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm, Boulcott Street Bistro caters to both business and pleasure. They’re always happy to accommodate dietary requirements, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

Location: Boulcott Street, Wellington, North Island

© Boulcott Street Bistro

9. Jano Bistro

This  bistro offers a dynamic dining experience in the heart of Wellington. Nestled in a charming two-storey cottage with a vibrant yellow exterior, Jano Bistro serves up New Zealand-inspired cuisine with a French twist.

The restaurant’s ever-changing menu ensures a fresh experience every 6-8 weeks, perfect for foodie adventurers.

Diners can choose between the “Jano Ensemble” sharing plates or indulge in the renowned “Jano Experience” six-course degustation menu.

On Saturdays, the restaurant exclusively offers the Jano Experience with optional beverage pairings. The thoughtfully curated drinks menu features local and international wines, aperitifs, digestives, craft beers and spirits, as well as seasonal non-alcoholic beverages crafted in-house.

Location: Willis Street, Wellington, North Island

© Jano

10. Hillside Kitchen

For a truly unique fine dining experience in Wellington, look no further than Hillside Kitchen. This tiny restaurant showcases some of New Zealand’s regional cuisine, offering an innovative, plant-focused menu that changes with the seasons.

Hillside’s multi-course menus are crafted using ingredients from their own garden, foraged items, and locally-sourced produce. While the dishes are meatless, the focus is on creating delicious and creative flavour combinations that will impress even the most dedicated carnivores.

The drinks list is exclusively New Zealand-made, featuring vegan-friendly wines and house-made non-alcoholic options. With its intimate setting and commitment to sustainability, Hillside offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of modern Kiwi cuisine.

Location: 241 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington, North Island

© Hillside Kitchen