
The small but perfectly-formed capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famed for its culinary expertise. With 4 restaurants in Wellington being voted New New Zealand’s best restaurant in recent years, it’s obviously foodie heaven! Here are a few of our favourite places to eat in Wellington that you could enjoy when touring New Zealand.
Logan Brown
A winner at the Travellers Choice Awards 2016 and regarded as one of the very best places to eat in Wellington, Logan Brown blends innovation in dining trends and service styles with traditional favourites and locally sourced specialities. Dishes on the menu range from classic bistro fare to experimental tasting plates, with something to satisfy all tastes. Logan Brown restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored, high ceilinged former bank, giving a grand but friendly atmosphere.
Ortega Fish Shack
The clue is in the name – this restaurant is renowned for its superb seafood. At Ortega Fish Shack the aim is to provide a relaxing atmosphere combined with fine food at very reasonable prices. Although seafood is their speciality, the menu offers much for the carnivore and vegetarian too. The decor is quirky and there’s a fun vibe, but there’s no compromise on the professional service offered, and its Certificate of Excellence attests to Ortega’s position as one of the top restaurants in Wellington.
Cin Cin Italia
If its Italian food you fancy, head for Cin Cin, located in the heart of lively Cuba Street in Wellington. Gorgeous wood-fired pizzas, authentic Italian pasta dishes such as wild rabbit ravioli and a lasagne so good people drive from miles away to enjoy it. There is plenty of seafood on the menu too, and a warm and friendly atmosphere which makes Cin Cin one of the best restaurants in Wellington, popular with locals as well as visitors from overseas.
Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
The views of Wellington harbour are just one feature of this fine dining restaurant, located in the QT Museum Hotel. Hippopotamus Restaurant showcases exquisite French influenced cuisine in a refined environment, with delicious afternoon teas being a firm favourite. The food and ambience is cultured and artistic, with both home-grown and international ingredients incorporated into the menus to provide a very special dining experience.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a contemporary Asian dining lounge, with the emphasis being on sharing food from the exotic dishes offered. There’s a pre-theatre dinner menu, ideal if you’re taking in some culture in Wellington, and to complement the Asian flavours, Dragonfly also offers boutique beers, delicious cocktails and an extensive wine menu. There’s also a stylish courtyard to relax on a balmy evening.
So if you’re wondering where to eat in Wellington, as you can see, your only problem will be which restaurant to choose in this culinary capital!
First published 06/08/2015
Last updated: 12/11/2025
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