Best restaurant in Wellington

“Incredible meal and lovely night out. The service was superb, and food amazing. Considering we had 14 (I think?) courses, what was nice was having the space to feel like relaxed at dinner. We have done plenty of tasting menu's and sometimes you feel like you can't have a conversation without someone popping over and interrupting with something. It can't be easy to get the balance right on this! Wine menu also great, not the biggest selection - they probably don't have the storage space - but they were all super interesting and we enjoyed trying the tasting flight. We were asked what out favourite dish was and it was impossible to pick - it was all delicious.”

“We’ve always enjoyed the high-quality, convenient daytime meals at Sushil’s Musclechef, but our first evening dining experience was something genuinely special. The evening service offers a more intimate and refined atmosphere, paired with a thoughtful menu that highlights Sushil’s unique culinary identity—blending cultural heritage and modern flavour in a way that feels deeply personal and original. We started with the pumpkin soup with coconut, rich and comforting, and the smoked chicken Caesar salad, fresh, vibrant, and beautifully presented. The mains were outstanding: the braised lamb shank was melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with bold, soulful flavour, while the market fish was perfectly cooked and delicately seasoned. Dessert was a highlight—the chocolate fondant, with its warm molten centre and vanilla bean ice cream, was pure indulgence. We ended the night with extra hot oat flat whites, smooth and perfectly made. While the daytime menu brings quality and convenience, the evening experience feels crafted, personal, and elevated—a reflection of Sushil’s passion for food and hospitality. His presence and care make all the difference. A special experience worth repeating. We’ll definitely be back. A true local gem. Lalo Fiso”

“WOW! I love this little gem, Baos are amazing, the Panda dumplings are some of the best dumplings i’ve ever had and always served with a smile!”

“This is a amazing restaurant. The food is top notch and great size servings.”

“A hidden gem, the pizza was amazing. The bases were soft and fluffy. They only accept cash, you can take your own drinks, they have a few basics available. They were also selling freshly squeezed apple juice. Highly recommend. Don't forget to pre-order the bases very early in the week.”

“We like that it’s a small hole in the wall brick oven pizza place. Perfect for in and out. It is very nice, comfortable and welcoming. Fast & friendly service and pizza was superb. We got the Carne. Crust was thin, soft on the inside and a perfect slight chewiness on the outside. Also perfect amount of sauce & cheese. We totally enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend this place.”

“The best food in wainui, and my personal favorite sushi place”

“We tried this place a few weeks ago whilst travelling down to the South Island. We spent the next three weeks of our trip looking for another place with as good food and friendliness and couldn’t find it, so we just had to come back on our way driving to Auckland. Everything is so fresh and such care is taken to keep the restaurant clean and inviting. Thank you Bimi sushi!!”

“Lovely service, nice atmosphere (not too noisy/busy - picked a week night) and delicious food (we had one of the street food entrees, a lamb korma and a chicken korma - paired with a cheese and garlic naan). We will be back from Porirua!”

“Absolutely amazing! My partner and I meet for lunch here regularly, everything is always so delicious and the coffee never disappoints! The atmosphere is welcoming and sweet with Italian music usually playing in the background. The staff are warm and friendly too :) ps. life changing gnocchi.”

“Good authentic Thai food. Prob best in Wellington, worth a try esp if you have been to Thailand a crave a fix. Best Phad Thai I have had in Wellington.”

“Ordered two beef salads and two Pad Thai’s - best Pad Thai in Wellington- this is honestly the best takeaway place in Johnsonville- love all their meals!”

“Honestly, this is hands down the best sweet and sour pork I’ve ever eaten! And The staff is also very friendly.”

“I first visited this heart warming spot a year ago to celebrate my little brother's bday. Since then every mention of Vietnamese food has had me thinking about the exquisite crispy pork summer rolls, the most delectable Watermelon long island cocktail and the Pho - the Pho actually deserves its own 5 star review to be truthful, its succulent, amazingly flavorful, and its amazing flavour profile makes it feel like its good for your soul. When my brother offered to fly me down again this year for his birthday, one thing was on my mind PhoViet. And it was truly worth the wait. Walking in you often get greeted by Alex, the owner who makes you feel so welcomed and like your part of the family there. Remembers the orders of his regulars, and ensures you are always well fed. Alex greeted us and remembered me even after a year and ensured myself and my little brother had an amazing time eating truly fantastic food and enjoying amazing drinks. Big thank you to Alex and his team. I will be thinking about those summer rolls and those Watermelon long islands until I managed to get back to wellington to visit again.”

“The food was exceptionally prepared and presented. It was full of flavour and melted in your mouth. Loved the extra details and the friendly service. We had the set menu and it is well balanced and just exquisite. This restaurant never disappoints.”

“Always excellent customer service being provided by staff especially the woman celebrating her birthday today.”

“Mushroom quesadilla on a Sunday afternoon - glorious. We ordered then waited on the balcony of Goldings bar with a drink. Whilst it took a bit longer than expected it was well worth the wait! Highly recommend if you're after a Mexi-fix.”

“Dined at Oikos for the first time this evening, and we will definitely be back. We ordered a variety of dishes to share – the lamb shoulder was super tender, the chicken skewers were delicious, and the honey feta was lovely. The portion sizes aren’t massive, but this is the sort of restaurant you’d visit for the experience and the quality of flavours, rather than to leave feeling absolutely full. My only suggestions would be to provide salt and pepper on the tables and to consider offering some non-alcoholic wine options. Warm service and a lovely atmosphere – many thanks!”

“Wow wow wow. A truly transcendent dining experience, Ortega Fish Shack is a shining exemplar of culinary excellence, rivaling our beloved Chef's Table. Every aspect of our visit was nothing short of extraordinary. The service was impeccable, the food sublime. The oysters were a revelation, the steak cooked to perfection. Honestly, it's a testament to the power of exceptional cuisine to uplift and inspire.”

“We had a lovely time dining at Rita. The service was very friendly, professional, and attentive. The restaurant is set in a cute narrow building and they make good use of the space. The design is minimalist. We enjoyed all our dishes. Portion sizes are on the smaller side, but you’re not coming here for quantity. It’s about the quality and pairing of the ingredients. You’ll still leave feeling full. Would easily recommend to anyone looking for something new and different. Note the menu changes regularly, I think even daily. Whatever is on the menu that day is what you’ll get. Great if you struggle to make decisions!”

“It's a take out place. The food was amazing. They are not kidding on the level of Sichuan”

“Dining at Polemo the other night was an absolute treat. Nestled right on the waterfront, the restaurant offers not just stunning views but also exceptional food and service. The beef short ribs were a standout—so tender and flavorful they quite literally melted in your mouth. The pork belly roll was equally impressive, perfectly seasoned to bring out its rich flavours. A special shoutout to Kevin for his excellent menu recommendations, and to Kelly who is a dessert queen that panna cotta was phenomenal!”

“Ordered a Cajun lamb and Chilli lamb souvlaki. Both super delicious. Service was excellent. Souvlakis were made in 10 mins. Happy customer.”

“I am working on the same building and this is not only a very convenient place to go, but best stop for cheese scone and coffee! Yummy Prestigios and delish Empañadas. We went to try the WOP burger and it is a success! Rodrigo is lovely, always have a nice word! Well done”

“First day open as a restaurant and still temporary place in dixon street. But the food. OMG such a bunch of flavors. Just great. Indian food different from what you get at an normal indian restaurant. So tasty and nicely made. Quick service with their 8 minute serving policy. Will come again as i have still some dishes on their menu to taste.”

“My absolute favourite food truck along the waterfront. Staff are always so friendly and up for a banter. Food is always on point. Love grabbing a bite over and over again :)”

“An absolute staple of my lunchtime routine, if in doubt on what to have for my midweek lunch I always come here. Great price great food awesome service!”

“We stopped in for a late lunch on Saturday and the place had a steady stream of customers either eating in or taking away. My boyfriend and I both ordered the dosa and agreed it was some of the best we’d had. The service was super attentive (given the chef / owner was the only one working that shift), the food was delicious, and the restaurant and toilets were nice and clean. We’ve both happily agreed to make this a new regular.”

“Cute little neighbourhood Argentinian run cafe on Oriental Bay. With a seaside view this place offers a simple modern interior decor, funky contemporary music that serves coffee and Argentinian treats and pastry. The empanadas are delicious but my favourites are the egg and bacon pastry/tart and they serve the best cheese scones I’ve ever had- I taste test cheese scones wherever I go! The egg and bacon pastry/tart is served with this special Argentinian sauce that’s unique and delicious that I highly recommend trying- Chimichurra sauce. Service is courteous, polite and friendly.”

“There’s a good reason you’re likely to see queues out the door for Goods. They’re consistently baking the BEST pastries, serving it with great coffee and the friendliest service. In my partner’s words: “this place makes me glad I live in Wellington.” Unbeatably cosy vibes.”