6 Best Restaurants in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

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.

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.

Right across the way from the Parliament buildings sits this landmark watering hole where politicians grab a cold beer after a hot debate. The walls have become a gallery of political cartoons and caricature puppets of government characters and well-known sports figures, while menu items are named after notable politicians.

At this rustic barnlike café with a sunny outdoor courtyard, all the food is made from local ingredients. The cooks even smoke their own salmon and stuff their own sausages. A great start to a day of wine tasting, since the food is hearty enough to keep you going all day.

This former railway administration building was chopped into several pieces and relocated before being transformed into a grand country hotel. The menu changes seasonally and incorporates locally sourced meat and vegetables. A big open fireplace, light modern furniture, and glittering chandeliers create a warm, welcoming dining room where the service is impeccable.