Top 6 Places to Eat in Wellington

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
A striking evening aerial view of Wellington city skyline with vibrant lights reflecting on the waterfront.
Lucas W, Pexels

Wellington's culinary scene is a vibrant and diverse landscape, offering a range of dining experiences from high-end establishments to excellent cheap eats, catering to various tastes and budgets.

1. Logan Brown Restaurant and Bar

Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand

Stepping into Logan Brown, you are immersed in an elegant setting within a beautifully restored 1920s bank building. The focus here is on showcasing the best of New Zealand's seasonal ingredients with innovative and contemporary flair. A must-try is their signature pāua ravioli, a dish that has been on the menu since 1996 and offers a unique tribute to local classics with modern culinary touches. It's a place for a truly memorable culinary journey, perfect for a special occasion.

Price: Mains typically over NZD 40 / USD 25-30, degustation menus available.

Getting There: Located on Cuba Street in the Wellington CBD, it is easily accessible by walking from most central city areas.

2. Ortega Fish Shack

Cuisine: Seafood

Ortega Fish Shack offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those seeking fresh, expertly prepared seafood. You can expect a menu featuring locally sourced catches, with highlights often including their ceviche, grilled octopus, and the daily fish special. The green-lipped mussels, snapper, and octopus are particularly notable for their perfect execution. This spot provides a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Price: Mains typically NZD 30-50 / USD 18-30.

Getting There: Situated on Majoribanks Street in Mount Victoria, it is a short taxi ride (approximately NZD 10-15) or a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from the central city.

3. Kisa

Cuisine: Turkish and Middle Eastern

Dining at Kisa transports you with its enchanting blend of Turkish and Middle Eastern flavors. The menu features an impressive array of mezze plates, such as velvety smoked eggplant moutabel, and hearty dishes like succulent shawarma spiced lamb shoulder. The crispy fried Brussels sprouts are a delightful and crunchy treat. The focus on quality local ingredients ensures a vibrant and flavorful experience.

Price: Mains typically NZD 20-40 / USD 12-25.

Getting There: Found on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Kisa is conveniently located within walking distance of many central Wellington attractions.

4. 1154 Pastaria

Cuisine: Italian (Pasta)

At 1154 Pastaria, the experience is centered around delicious, homemade pasta crafted with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is welcoming, offering a sense of community whether you choose a communal table or a window seat. I particularly enjoyed their expertly crafted pasta, and the weekday special presents a fantastic value. Do not forget a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauces.

Price: Pasta dishes around NZD 10-20 / USD 6-12. Weekday specials can be as low as NZD 10 / USD 7.50.

Getting There: Located on Cuba Street in Te Aro, it is easily reachable by walking from the main areas of the city.

5. Little Penang

Cuisine: Malaysian

Little Penang is a beloved Wellington institution, celebrating the authentic flavors of Malaysia. Their soy sauces are imported directly from Malaysia, contributing to dishes like the lip-smacking mee goreng mamak and the best char kway teow in town. The daily specials, karipap (curry puffs), roti with sambal, and flaky pastry pork buns are also highly recommended. Despite potential queues, the wait is always worthwhile for this flavorful experience.

Price: Mains typically NZD 12-20 / USD 7-12, with lunch deals for curries/rendangs around NZD 19.50-20.

Getting There: With locations on Victoria Street and The Terrace in Te Aro, Little Penang is easily accessible on foot within the central business district.

6. Taste of Home

Cuisine: Chinese Street Food

Taste of Home offers authentic Chinese-style street food, specializing in comforting and flavorful dishes. Their hand-pulled Yo Po Mian (hot oil noodles), laden with peanuts and seasonal vegetables, are a must-try. Other popular options include spicy deep-fried tofu 'munchies' and deep-fried mini milk buns drenched in condensed milk. The menu is consistently affordable, providing excellent value for a satisfying meal.

Price: Most dishes are under NZD 21 / USD 13, with some snacks around NZD 10-15.

Getting There: Situated on Vivian Street in Te Aro, it is within walking distance of central Wellington. Finding a seat can sometimes be a challenge due to its popularity, so many opt for takeaway.

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