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.

77 places

Crab Shack

4.3(7,697)

seafood restaurant · Wellington Central

Informal restaurant serving burgers, crab & other seafood dishes in a space with a coastal vibe.

affordable seafood bar, seafood casual dining

5,168 reviews

$$$

Dockside Restaurant & Bar

4.4(4,869)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Dockside Restaurant & Bar is situated at the heart of Queens Wharf, and is one of Wellington's most diverse venues with the ability to cater to every need from casual dining to wedding venue.

fine dining local produce new zealand cuisine

3,560 reviews

$$$

Charley Noble

4.5(4,662)

steak house · 1 Post Office Square

Happening restaurant featuring upmarket NZ cooking, wine & cocktails in a retro, industrial space.

fire pit cooking fresh food fresh local ingredients

3,573 reviews

Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant

4.1(4,610)

restaurant · Te Aro

Longtime, family-friendly spot with a leafy patio offering pub eats, drinks & diverse events.

casual dining craft beer family-friendly dining

4,278 reviews

Mama Brown

4.1(4,372)

american restaurant · Te Aro

We are known for our tasty American 'South of the Border' style food and the best milkshakes in town! We pride ourselves on great food, great service and great fun!

american cuisine gourmet burgers milkshakes

3,075 reviews

$$$

Shed 5

4.5(4,295)

seafood restaurant · Wellington Central

Upscale institution known for its seafood-centric menu & large windows facing Wellington Harbour.

fine dining fresh seafood new zealand seafood

2,928 reviews

Ombra

4.6(2,934)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

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

curated selection of wines italian cuisine italian, mediterranean

2,934 reviews

$$$

Ortega Fish Shack

4.8(2,922)

seafood restaurant · Mount Victoria

Popular locale offering upscale, creative fish dishes & steaks in a relaxed & bustling atmosphere.

fresh fish seafood seafood, european

2,922 reviews

The Botanist

4.3(2,699)

vegetarian restaurant · Lyall Bay

The Botanist brings the best in mouthwatering plant based cuisine to the south coast of Wellington. We use seasonal produce with local ingredients, fresh from the garden to your plate.

botanical cocktails craft beer flavourful dishes

2,058 reviews

Mr Go's

4.6(2,614)

restaurant · Te Aro

Relaxed joint whipping up creative regional Asian dishes in a bright space that has murals & a bar.

asian street food fried chicken grilled skewers

2,087 reviews

The Old Quarter

4.7(2,609)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Modern Vietnamese Resturant

asian, fusion bold flavours modern vietnamese

2,315 reviews

Coene's Bar & Eatery

4.4(2,509)

restaurant · Oriental Bay

Nautical-chic haunt with water views serving creative, international comfort fare & craft cocktails.

bar, seafood brunch fresh local ingredients

2,237 reviews

Foxglove Bar & Kitchen

4.1(2,382)

bar · Wellington Central

Casual harborfront spot with 2 levels of outdoor seating offering inventive NZ plates & drinks.

artisan burgers buttermilk fried chicken gourmet fries

2,382 reviews

Napoli

4.6(2,378)

pizza restaurant · Te Aro

Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, calzones & pasta in a casual, cozy atmosphere.

authentic italian pizza fully licensed italian cuisine

2,036 reviews

Great India Restaurant

4.4(2,240)

indian restaurant · Te Aro

Anglo-Indian restaurant serving a lengthy menu of classic & contemporary dishes since 1983.

curry indian cuisine northern indian dishes

1,963 reviews

Joe's Garage Wellington

4.3(2,161)

cafe · Te Aro

Good food, great coffee, no fuss. Breakfast, burgers and good times, whenever you feel like it.

brekkie burgers café

1,636 reviews

Lulu Bar & Restaurant

4.5(1,985)

restaurant · Te Aro

Modern New Zealand cocktails & wine with shared plates which draw inspiration from traditional Pacifica flavours & cooking techniques while utilising quality local seasonal ingredients.

local seasonal ingredients modern new zealand cocktails pacifica flavours

853 reviews

$$$

Boulcott Street Bistro

4.7(1,979)

restaurant · Wellington Central

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

classic bistro dishes great wines modern fare

1,979 reviews

Neo Cafe & Eatery

4.7(1,958)

cafe · Te Aro

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

all day brunch cafe cafe, contemporary

1,958 reviews

$$$

Dragonfly

4.6(1,818)

restaurant · Te Aro

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

asian fusion cocktail bar contemporary dining

1,623 reviews

$$ - $$$

Masala Cafe & Bar

4.4(1,619)

indian restaurant · Te Aro

Masala Cafe & Bar offers authentic Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving customers since 2002.

authentic flavours halal meat indian cuisine

1,124 reviews

Rock Yard Restaurant

4.6(1,613)

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.

aromatic dishes asian, vietnamese balance of flavours

1,405 reviews

Nicolini's

4.6(1,515)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food and warm, friendly service, making it a popular choice for diners.

italian, european

1,515 reviews

Nolita

4.4(1,426)

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.

artisan pasta house-made cheese italian cuisine

1,118 reviews

Aunty Mena's Vegetarian Restaurant & Cafe

4.6(1,421)

vegetarian restaurant · Te Aro

Aunty Mena's Vegetarian Restaurant & Cafe offers all vegetarian and vegan foods in a welcoming environment.

asian cuisine vegan vegetarian

1,200 reviews

$$ - $$$

Oak & Vine Restaurant Wellington

4.6(1,332)

restaurant · Wellington 6011

Welcome to Oak & Vine Restaurant in Wellington, where the city’s energy is always part of the experience. Executive Chef Rajesh Barwal knows his way around our open grill, mixing modern Kiwi flavours with local inspiration and seasonal freshness.

grill indian, bar new zealand

327 reviews

$$ - $$$

WOLF by Foxglove

4.4(1,318)

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 locally sourced beef signature sides

768 reviews

Siem Reap Restaurant

4.6(1,194)

cambodian restaurant · Te Aro

Cambodian restaurant serving classic dishes & cocktails in a humble, traditional space.

958 reviews

$$$

Capitol Restaurant

4.6(1,124)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Relaxed corner restaurant serving brunch, New Zealand entrees & wine in a contemporary space.

local seafood modern italian plant-based dishes

867 reviews

Thai Chef's Restaurant Wellington

4.3(1,114)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

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

curry seafood spicy dishes

1,053 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.

aotearoa cuisine flavours of the world international flavours

392 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 dishes charcoal grill house-baked pita

894 reviews

$$$$

Hillside Kitchen

4.8(844)

restaurant · Thorndon

Our menus are written based on what’s in season, what we are growing in our garden or what we have foraged. We focus on making delicious meatless and vegetarian dishes.

modern kiwi food new zealand made drinks new zealand, healthy

804 reviews

WBC

4.7(809)

restaurant · Te Aro

Wholesale Boot Company (WBC) is a busy restaurant situated in an art deco era boot factory on Victoria Street in Wellington.

chili coriander lemon yoghurt

782 reviews

Jugnu's Duniya (Flavours of the World)

4.5(761)

restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Jugnu’s Duniya, your go-to destination in central Wellington for a delicious journey across global cuisines. We bring together the best of Indian, Asian and Western flavours under one roof.

asian flavours authentic indian authentic indian cuisine

563 reviews

Higher Taste Hare Krishna

4.4(742)

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 dining indian vegetarian cuisine indian vegetarian food

731 reviews

Indian Alley Wakefield Restaurant and Bar

4.5(739)

indian restaurant · Te Aro

Indian Alley offers an authentic food journey through India with a choice of modern casual dining or traditional fine dining experiences.

authentic indian cuisine buffet options fine dining

733 reviews

Kera-la-carte

4.4(738)

south indian restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic South Indian food and the warm, accommodating service.

738 reviews

Curry Heaven

4.6(721)

indian restaurant · Newtown

Curry Heaven is a beloved destination for authentic Indian cuisine, known for its rich flavours and welcoming atmosphere.

authentic indian cuisine fresh naan homemade paneer

677 reviews

$$ - $$$

Le Bouillon Bel Air

4.8(696)

restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to our Bouillon Bel Air, where we bring a slice of Parisian tradition to Wellington. We offer affordable classic French cuisine, inspired by the historic 'Bouillon parisien'.

affordable french cuisine classic french dishes parisian tradition

692 reviews

Somtum Thai

4.5(668)

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 authentic thai food byo

630 reviews

$$ - $$$

Ngon!

4.8(663)

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 bold flavours dine in

466 reviews

Taste Of India

4.6(629)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

Taste of India, located at 19 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington, is a vibrant and authentic Indian restaurant that brings the rich flavours of the Indian subcontinent to the heart of New Zealand's capital.

authentic indian cuisine fresh naan breads gluten-free options

629 reviews

Chaat Street by Vaibhav Vishen

4.2(616)

indian restaurant · Te Aro

Chaat Street is a homage to homesickness, bringing authentic North Indian street food to Wellington, crafted by Vaibhav Vishen.

fabulous flatbreads fluffy dumplings indian street food

616 reviews

Punjabi Rasoi Newlands

4.9(551)

indian restaurant · Newlands

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic flavours and friendly service, making it a must-visit for Indian food lovers.

551 reviews

$$ - $$$

Koji

4.9(538)

restaurant · Mount Victoria

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality, creative dishes, and outstanding service, making it a must-visit in Wellington.

asian, fusion

538 reviews

$$ - $$$

HIDEOUT

4.4(529)

asian fusion restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Hideout - an Asian Fusion Restaurant. Designed for sharing, our carefully curated menu will push you to experiment with new flavours, whilst also offering options for those with more timid palates.

asian asian fusion cocktail bar

529 reviews

$$ - $$$

Highwater Eatery

4.5(492)

restaurant · Te Aro

Highwater Eatery on Cuba Street, Wellington, is a restaurant and wine bar serving acclaimed modern New Zealand cuisine. Enjoy seasonal menus and local produce.

charcoal oven cooking fresh oysters house-made pasta

492 reviews

Yor Yak Thai Eatery

4.6(486)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Traditional Thai Food Wellington

authentic thai food fresh local ingredients traditional thai food

486 reviews

$$ - $$$

Rita

4.8(484)

restaurant · Aro Valley

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

local ingredients seasonal produce three course menu

484 reviews

Saffron Haveli

4.4(478)

indian restaurant · Mount Victoria

HAVELI refers to a Mansion where families live and eat together. It contains partitions which divide the big hall into small but innovative parts, creating a beautiful ambience.

aromatic spices authentic indian cuisine flavourful meals

399 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 curries

441 reviews

Baar Baar - Indian Gastro Bar

4.4(420)

indian restaurant · Te Aro

A vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage, our menu masterfully blends the diverse flavors of its regions with the finest locally sourced ingredients.

artisan cocktails fusion gastro bar

245 reviews

August Eatery

4.7(386)

restaurant · Te Aro

Like its namesake, August Eatery strives to produce magnificence and strength through food, combining tradition and modernity through the fresh fusion of Mediterranean food.

artisan breakfast brunch mediterranean fusion

386 reviews

Flavours Of Rajasthan

4.5(364)

restaurant · Te Aro

Flavours Of Rajasthan brings the authentic taste of India to the shores of Aotearoa, sharing a rich culinary heritage passed down through generations in the royal kitchens of Rajasthan.

authentic indian cuisine rajasthani dishes royal recipes

364 reviews

Mother of Coffee

4.6(351)

ethiopian restaurant · Cuba Street

Mother of Coffee offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes and a unique coffee ceremony experience.

ethiopian cuisine gluten-free options injera

351 reviews

Graze Wine Bar

4.9(332)

wine bar · Kelburn

A wine bar in the Kelburn village with a thoughtful and ethical focus.

local produce new zealand wines seasonal cocktails

332 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.

316 reviews

$$ - $$$

Supra Restaurant

4.5(282)

restaurant · Te Aro

Supra is a small restaurant in Te Aro, Wellington, focused on providing an authentic and memorable dining experience with a unique perspective on food.

american australian cuisine eastern european

282 reviews

September Vegan Food

4.9(249)

restaurant · Te Aro

September Vegan is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant located behind bus stop 108 Manners Street in Te Aro, Wellington, offering a variety of vegan Asian dishes.

100% vegan asian cuisine

249 reviews

$$ - $$$

The Ram

4.5(214)

gastropub · Te Aro

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

214 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.

mediterranean middle eastern north african

210 reviews

The Oatery

4.9(178)

breakfast restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the cosy atmosphere and the creative, well-presented food. The staff are described as lovely and accommodating.

178 reviews

Khao Soi Welly Eatery

4.7(177)

thai restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious and authentic flavours of the food, along with the friendly service and vibrant atmosphere.

authentic thai thai cuisine wellington dining

177 reviews

Everybody Eats Wellington

4.8(176)

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 pay-what-you-can vegetarian options

125 reviews

$$ - $$$

A High Dining

4.7(164)

fine dining restaurant · Te Aro

A HIGH offers a fresh, innovative approach to fine dining in Wellington, inspired by the spirit of nouvelle cuisine.

cozy ambience fine dining modern french cuisine

110 reviews

The Leafy Stop

5.0(158)

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.

gluten-free healthy lunch nourishing meals

158 reviews

Curry Garden

4.5(134)

indian restaurant · Thorndon

Curry Garden is more than just a dining destination—it’s an experience that celebrates the warmth, culture, and culinary traditions of India. We are committed to using only the finest, freshest ingredients to create dishes that are true to their heritage.

aromatic curries authentic indian cuisine flavourful biryanis

101 reviews

Margot

4.9(116)

restaurant · entrance via Wilson Street

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

artisan fine dining new zealand cuisine

116 reviews

Punjabi Cafe & Takeaway

4.6(116)

north indian restaurant · Te Aro

Founded in 2024, Punjabi Café & Takeaway is a family-oriented cafeteria dedicated to bringing the authentic taste of India to your table.

aromatic dishes authentic indian food family-oriented dining

116 reviews

Pango Pearl - Wellington

4.8(113)

restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic South Indian flavours and the friendly service, making it a beloved spot.

113 reviews

$$ - $$$

Mali Takeaway

4.9(85)

asian restaurant · Thorndon

Mali Restaurant & TakeAways is a Thai restaurant offering a variety of Asian dishes for takeaway.

asian asian takeaway meal takeaway

85 reviews

Hot N Spicy Indian takeaway

4.9(75)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions, authentic flavours, and warm customer service at Hot N Spicy Indian takeaway.

indian takeaway naan bread samosas

75 reviews

Food for the People

4.8(70)

seafood restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service, high-quality food, and the enjoyable waterfront location.

70 reviews

Bombay tandoor and charcoal grill

4.9(54)

meal takeaway · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic flavour and quality of the food, along with friendly and attentive service.

54 reviews

Grandma'sKitchen ,Traditional Indian Cuisine

4.5(32)

restaurant · Te Aro

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service and the authentic, flavourful Indian cuisine, making it a must-visit.

32 reviews

Indian Tandoori Flame Miramar Wellington

4.8(28)

restaurant · Miramar

Reviewers consistently praise the rich flavours, generous portions, and friendly service, making it a must-visit for Indian cuisine.

28 reviews