Best Restaurants in Wellington (2026)

From buzzy neighbourhood bistros to destination restaurants drawing diners from across the country, Wellington punches well above its weight on the global food stage. Here are the highest-rated restaurants right now.

34 places

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The Leafy Stop

5.0(157)

cafe · Kilbirnie

At The Leafy Stop, we believe a pause is essential. We have created a space that feels like an extension of your front room, serving nourishing meals made with whole, plant-based ingredients.

cafe gluten-free plant-based

157 reviews

Everybody Eats Wellington

4.9(125)

restaurant · Te Aro

Everybody Eats is an innovative, charitable restaurant, transforming rescued ingredients into quality 3-course meals, for everyone to enjoy on a pay-what-you-can basis.

community meals local ingredients pay-what-you-can dining

125 reviews

$$ - $$$

Koji

4.9(538)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality, creative dishes, and outstanding service.

asian fusion

538 reviews

$$ - $$$

Mali Takeaway

4.9(85)

asian restaurant · Thorndon

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic and delicious food, highlighting the home-made quality and variety on the menu.

asian thai

85 reviews

Margot

4.9(116)

restaurant · entrance via Wilson Street

Margot focuses on seasonal produce, offering a menu that changes often to highlight the best ingredients available.

artisan fine dining new zealand cuisine

116 reviews

Ngon!

4.9(653)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Rooted in my family’s legacy of cooking and inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam, Ngon brings together the familiar and the unexpected.

asian fusion bao buns curry

456 reviews

$$ - $$$

Rosella

4.9(210)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Rosella is a neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar drawing inspiration from Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern flavours.

contemporary mediterranean middle eastern

210 reviews

September Vegan Food

4.9(249)

restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and friendly service, making it a favorite spot for vegans.

249 reviews

The Oatery

4.9(178)

breakfast restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the cozy atmosphere and the creative, well-presented food. The staff is noted for being lovely and accommodating.

178 reviews

$$ - $$$

A High Dining

4.8(164)

fine dining restaurant · Te Aro

Prepare for an exquisite dining experience that promises to redefine your perception of fine cuisine. A High Dining Restaurant, set in the heart of Te Aro, Wellington, brings new life to gourmet meals.

french fusion new zealand

110 reviews

$$$$

Hillside Kitchen

4.8(804)

restaurant · Thorndon

Hillside Kitchen & Cellar offers a plant-focused dining experience with menus based on seasonal ingredients and foraged items.

european healthy new zealand

804 reviews

$$ - $$$

Liberty Restaurant

4.8(969)

restaurant · Te Aro

Liberty Restaurant in Wellington is a place where unfussy dishes full of flavour and intrigue are made to be shared. Using the best seasonal ingredients from Aotearoa New Zealand and inspired by flavours of the world.

asian flavours of the world healthy

392 reviews

$$ - $$$

Rita

4.8(484)

restaurant · Aro Valley

We make a new three course menu every night, using the best local and seasonal produce.

contemporary european local ingredients

484 reviews

WOLF by Foxglove

4.8(742)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Housed within Foxglove Bar & Kitchen on Wellington’s waterfront, WOLF by Foxglove is a contemporary and carnivorous twist on a traditional concept, celebrating the finest cuts of locally sourced New Zealand beef and sustainable seafood.

fine wines signature sides steak restaurant

198 reviews

Khao Soi Welly Eatery

4.7(177)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious and authentic food, as well as the friendly service and vibrant atmosphere.

thai

177 reviews

$$ - $$$

Kisa

4.7(894)

restaurant · Te Aro

Kisa serves Middle Eastern inspired-cuisine, centred on Turkish flavours. Bold dishes, designed for sharing, featuring house-baked pita and a charcoal grill.

bold flavours charcoal grill house-baked pita

894 reviews

Neo Cafe & Eatery

4.7(1,957)

cafe · Te Aro

Bright, laid-back hangout offering a seasonal menu, all-day brunch & veggie options.

all day brunch cafe contemporary

1,957 reviews

Rock Yard Restaurant

4.7(1,405)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Rock Yard Restaurant, where Vietnamese culture meets culinary delight in Wellington. Our passion is to share the authentic tastes and traditions of our homeland with you, in a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

asian gluten-free options modern twists

1,405 reviews

The Original Thai Restaurant

4.7(316)

thai restaurant · Island Bay

Enduring BYOB outfit dispensing Southeast Asian classics, such as pad Thai & Massaman curry.

asian thai

316 reviews

$$ - $$$

The Ram

4.7(214)

gastropub · Te Aro

We are a walk-in only venue & do not take bookings of any size.

european international

214 reviews

Aunty Mena's Vegetarian Restaurant & Cafe

4.6(970)

vegetarian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service, making it a must-visit for vegetarians.

970 reviews

$$$

Boulcott Street Bistro

4.6(1,979)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Cozy, upscale establishment in a Victorian cottage featuring classic & modern NZ dishes & fine wine.

classic bistro dishes european great wines

1,979 reviews

$$$

Dragonfly

4.6(1,818)

restaurant · Te Aro

Restaurant & bar serving Asian dishes & cocktails in a stylish, intimate space with a courtyard.

asian asian dining contemporary asian

1,623 reviews

Ombra

4.6(2,933)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

Wine & small plates in a cozy establishment inspired by the informal bacaros of Venice.

cicchetti contemporary curated selection of wines

2,933 reviews

The Old Quarter

4.6(2,311)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot.

asian fusion healthy

2,311 reviews

Yor Yak Thai Eatery

4.6(484)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Traditional Thai Food Wellington

thai cuisine traditional thai food wellington thai restaurant

484 reviews

Nolita

4.5(1,407)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

Nolita is New Zealand's first plant-based pizza & pastaria on Wellington's buzzing Cuba St. We do things a little differently with 48 hour fermented sourdough, house-made cheese, pasta & flatbreads.

cashew mozzarella contemporary dining bars

1,116 reviews

Somtum Thai

4.5(630)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

At Somtum Thai Restaurant, we offer authentic Thai meals of excellent quality and invite you to try our delicious Thai food. We are located in the heart of Wellington at 124 Cuba Street.

authentic thai food byo fresh ingredients

630 reviews

$$ - $$$

HIDEOUT

4.4(529)

asian fusion restaurant · Te Aro

Hideout is an Asian Fusion Restaurant designed for sharing, offering a carefully curated menu that encourages experimentation with new flavors.

asian asian fusion cocktails

529 reviews

Higher Taste Hare Krishna

4.4(682)

vegetarian restaurant · Te Aro

Higher Taste Hare Krishna Restaurant is known for its delicious vegetarian food, prepared with love and devotion, offering a unique dining experience in Wellington.

authentic indian cuisine indian vegan dishes pure vegan cuisine

682 reviews

PhuThai Esarn Restaurant

4.4(441)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Relaxed restaurant serving Thai curries, noodles & mains in a traditional, red-walled space.

asian authentic thai cuisine north and north eastern thai cuisine

441 reviews

$$ - $$$

Supra Restaurant

4.4(282)

restaurant · Te Aro

Supra is a small restaurant in Te Aro, Wellington, focused on providing the best dining experience with an emphasis on originality and authenticity.

american australian food eastern european

282 reviews

The Botanist

4.3(2,107)

vegetarian restaurant · Lyall Bay

The Botanist brings the best in innovative plant based cuisine to the stunning south coast of Wellington. We're bringing real food to the people - fresh & healthy, comforting & tasty.

botanical cocktails cafe european

2,058 reviews

Thai Chef's Restaurant Wellington

4.2(1,114)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Thai restaurant serving classic & vegetarian menus, plus cocktails, in an easygoing atmosphere.

asian curry noodles

1,053 reviews