Venues are listed in no particular order.
1. Lulu Bar & Restaurant
There’s no better place for a little midweek fun in the city than Lulu. Taking inspiration from the South Pacific and Aotearoa, the bustling Te Aro bar exudes the ambience of a lively island locale with high-spirited nightlights and Maori portraits.
The modern share plates are not to be missed – think Ika Mata fish salad and prawn toast for starters, and salted pork with jerk bbq sauce and spiced lamb shoulder for something heartier. If you’re here to party and only have time for nibbles, Lulu’s got you too. The mid-week $10 menu is high on our list of bang-for-the-buck deals. The night is always young in here, so sip slow from the list of tropical cocktails like caramelised pineapple Pina Colada and espresso-spiked Rumtini.
Location: 31 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Opening hours: Sundays and Wednesdays 4 – 11pm, Thursdays 4pm – 1am, Fridays and Saturdays 4pm – 3am.
2. Salty Pidgin
Simple but sophisticated, this intimate eatery nestled in a Brooklyn Village heritage building should be on your Wellington radar. On the menu, evidently smart seasonal dishes featuring Middle Eastern and North African-inspired flavours. The roast quail, crispy cauliflower, and Turkish pide (stuffed flatbread) are what you’re here for. Although not exactly named after it, the bistro certainly nods to the delicious mutton bird, a real treat when it’s available.
A carefully curated wine list and inventive cocktails makes this a winner for both dinner and drinks. Adding character and a laidback, lounging vibe to the venue is the wide windows, split-level seating and eclectic furniture – a bit of Head Chef Amy Gilles’ past life as a furniture maker. Thanks to its proximity to the Penthouse Cinema, Salty Pidgin is also a perfect spot to gather for a great meal on movie nights.
Location: 5 Todman Street, Brooklyn, Wellington 6021
Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 4 – 11pm, Fridays 4pm – 12am, Saturdays 3pm – 12am, Sundays 3pm – 11pm
3. Napoli
Tucked in Courtenay Place in the heart of the city, Napoli hits different with its authentic Italian fare with a lighthearted, contemporary take. Wood-fired pizzas lead the charge here next to mouthwatering pasta dishes and not forgetting, desserts in the form of Dolce Della Casa, Italian doughnuts filled with chocolate.
The approachable front of house is eager to recommend the perfect wine pairings, or show you how they make the incredible house aioli. Accented by rustic decor and warm lighting, the cosy space is an ideal backdrop for wholesome gatherings with friends and family especially if it’s the occasional live music night.
Location: 1 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays, and Sundays 5 – 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5 – 10:30pm
4. Mabel's
Could we call this New Zealand’s best Burmese spot? The answer is clear when you get to know the time-honoured story behind this little eat and drink shop – one that began when the eponymous Auntie Mabel first brought her Myanmar recipes to the country back in the 70s. That heritage lives on in the beautiful and diverse dishes on Mabel’s menu today.
The Nga Gyi Kin is a must-order dish designed to impress, a whole grilled snapper that comes with a stellar dipping sauce and shrimp floss salad. You can’t leave without trying the Mohinga noodle soup that harks Myanmar national dish pride with fresh, herbaceous flavours. There’s so much to try here, so be glad that the menu – as it’s meant to be in the culture – is built in the spirit of communal dining. Mark this one down for a group event.
Location: 66 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Opening hours: Daily, 4:30 – 9pm
5. Olive
To dine like a Wellington local, swing by this stalwart two decades-old joint on Cuba Street that serves up a blend of modern, honest-to-goodness French and Italian fare. The decor is simple, the garden courtyard vibes are on point and the food is the kind of consistency you can count on!
Brunch is a whole affair at Olive, whether you’re after black pudding scotch eggs or Southern fried chicken with kale salad. Weekends are an extra indulgence with decadent daytime waffles. But don’t let that stop you from coming around for dinner either, as there’s also much to love about the heartier plates washed down with a cheeky cocktail.
Location: 170-172 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 10am – 9pm, Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturdays 8:30am – 9pm and Sundays 8:30am – 2:30pm
6. Graze Wine Bar
Good things come in small packages, like this casual, quirky 25-seater wine bar of dreams. Matching Kelburn’s own slow and leisurely pace, local favourite Graze Wine Bar is the kind of spot you pop into for a quick drink and snack and end up staying for the whole evening for. Whether you’re at the Chef’s Bar to watch the tasty small plates come together or seated at the low tables to cosy up with a date, there’s something from the well-curated New Zealand wine list for you.
On eats, Graze has taken a zero-waste, good-for-the-planet approach with sustainably line caught seafood and locally sourced produce, so expect to order in-season dishes from the blackboard.
Location: 95 Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Fridays 4 – 11pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 11pm
7. Damascus
Tory’s Street authentic Syrian spot Damascus is a homage to owner Hasan and Flora’s family recipes, so expect food with lots of heart. Middle Eastern must-haves like falafel, hummus and other mezze plates fill the menu, featuring Hasan’s housemade tahini and jibin (Syrian cheese). Then there are desserts, such as the quintessential baklava that’s known to blow sweet-toothed diners away, and drinks, like their Syrian Wahaj that uplifts with lemon and ginger flavours.
Don’t miss the specials either, as the team continuously recreates flavours that remind them of home – plenty of reason for repeat visits. The welcoming restaurant sporting warm lighting and long, group-friend tables is a no-brainer for occasions with the family. Tip: Book early as the 15-table space fills up quickly.
Location: 4/100 Tory Street, Wellington 6011
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 5 – 9pm, Saturdays 12 – 2pm
