4 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.

On the otherwise sleepy Petone Wharf is a vibrant Italian trattoria, where prestigious awards, relics of family history, and shelves of the finest Italian ingredients cover the walls. This spot was awarded the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana quality-approved seal and is recognized as one of the top 70 Restaurants with Pizzeria in the World by Ristorazione Italiana.

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.

Adorned with its earthy-chic accents and wide wooden tables, Loretta makes a daily, but effortless transformation from a relaxed brunch spot to a bustling candle-lit restaurant. With their famously daily-evolving menu, brunches typically begin with smoothies and spritzers, waffles, and crumpets, each served with seasonal fruits. Lunch and dinner follow a similar seasonal theme with salads, wood-fired pizzas, savory pies, and hearty servings of seasoned meats to share.