9 Best Restaurants in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

A well-respected institution on the Wellington dining scene, this old colonial-style house conveys tradition and class. The delightful bistro menu features long-standing dishes like the aged beef fillet with béarnaise sauce. The crème brûlée with poached seasonal fruit is a classic dessert that will satisfy the most discerning palate.

The imposing exterior and classical interior of this former bank building showcase the fact that this Wellington stalwart delivers exceptional dining in an unpretentious way. The menu highlights New Zealand's produce and exemplary wines; knowledgeable and friendly staff talk you through each dish, and there’s an early bistro menu or a longer degustation menu if you want to make a night of it.

A wood-beam roof and oiled floorboards enhance the nautical vibe at this former warehouse on the wharf, and you can get close to the water on the large harborfront deck. Inside or out, it's a lively spot, particularly on Friday nights, and as expected, the menu features a broad range of fresh seafood.

Tucked away in a nook of suburban Newtown, the deceptive frontage suggests Mason offers little else beyond a trendy wine bar. However, once you look beyond the local and organic wine and beer lists, you'll also find a celebration of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Though a succinct menu of small plates and indulgent desserts, there is a generous rotation of specials and salatim (Israeli-style side dishes), all likely to be re-ordered immediately after you finish the first plate.

Three king-size chandeliers dominate the high ceilings in this classic, old Wellington building; the café area has half-paneled walls and a matching bar that gives a touch of understated class. The menu changes regularly to capture the best of the season's produce and if you're passing by during the day, their cheese scones are much loved by locals.

Huge windows facing the harbor disguise the fact that this historic building on the wharf was once a woolshed. On the menu, seafood stands out; the daily fish selection is sourced and filleted on-site by Shed 5's fishmonger, and the seafood risotto changes daily depending on what the tide brings in.

The dark-tile floor and white tablecloths put this classy dining area way above the usual winery restaurant, and a wrought-iron door, black leather chairs, and polished-brass ceiling fan add to the aura. It's a prix-fixe dinner menu, and there is usually a lamb and a beef dish among their offerings. It all comes with impeccable and friendly service.

Located and independently operated within the historic Martinborough Hotel, the decor here is understated yet comfortable. The classic bistro menu offers European favorites for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends.

An art-deco-era factory floor is now a popular fusion restaurant and local institution. Enjoying the large, elegant windows from its predecessor, WBC's dining hall has an open and airy atmosphere that balances the lively bustle from the open kitchen. The menu is composed of a rich selection of small and large plates to share, complemented by the rapidly rotating specials and an ever-evolving local wine list.