WellingtonEat & Drink
People sitting on lawn chairs and bean bags on a grassy lawn enjoying food and drinks on a lovely summers day.

Alfresco in the city

There’s a reason why they say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. When it’s one of those days, the capital has a great selection of outside dining options. Whether day or night check out these spaces for fair-weather dining and drinks.

Three friends and a dog sit on bean bag chairs on the grass outside of Rogue and Vagabond.
The Arborist's rooftop terrace in the evening with people sitting, eating and drinking with string lights above and buildings in the background.
Entrance of Mr Go's restaurant with a green sign, glass doors, white walls and wooden planters leading up to the door.
Outside seating area of Ascot, with barrel tables and high bar chairs. Orange painted brick walls and rustic decorations occupy the background.
Two women sit on a grassy lawn, clinking glasses on a summers day with other people, trees and buildings in the background.
A waterfront terrace with black iron tables and chairs, patio string lights hanging above and a view of the bay and blue sky dotted with a few clouds.
The exterior of Dockside, floating on the water off Queens Wharf, with a boat parked up beside.
Three friends and a dog sit on bean bag chairs on the grass outside of Rogue and Vagabond.

Rogue & Vagabond

18 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Glover Park between Ghuznee and Garret Streets is a fantastic inner-city suntrap. The Rogue & Vagabond opens straight out onto the park and provides beanbags and seating for a relaxed vibe. The bar has a large selection of craft beer, and the menu offers classic burgers and pizzas. Best of all — Fridays and Saturdays have live music. The gigs generally cover jazz, funk, and a bit of rock to set the mood. Bring the pooch, lie back on the grass and enjoy the buzz.

Rogue & Vagabond
The Arborist's rooftop terrace in the evening with people sitting, eating and drinking with string lights above and buildings in the background.

The Arborist

166 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A rooftop bar with a roof! The Arborist is the ideal spot to kick back with a drink. This central city hotspot has shelter from the predominant winds and sports a roof to retreat under if it gets too sunny or wet. The kitchen has something for everyone, from brunch to dinner. It aims to cater for all diets with a selection of modern New Zealand share plates. Look out across the church steeples and high-rises from a peaceful spot above the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Arborist
Entrance of Mr Go's restaurant with a green sign, glass doors, white walls and wooden planters leading up to the door.

Mr Go’s

3 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Sharing the Hannahs Laneway with a clutch of excellent bars and restaurants, Mr Go’s is the place to go. The restaurant, specialising in pan-Asian cuisine, is a popular gathering point in the central city. It’s got a seating area at the front open to the air. The buzz of people can be heard from down the lane. Mr Go’s has a 50% booking / 50% walk-in policy so the chances of getting a table are good.

Find out more
Outside seating area of Ascot, with barrel tables and high bar chairs. Orange painted brick walls and rustic decorations occupy the background.

Ascot

Level 3, 55 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Two flights of stairs above Ghuznee Street lies a laid-back watering hole. Ascot has been providing Wellington with a chilled atmosphere for evening drinks since 2018. Open to the sky, the patio surrounds the bar. The high walls provide shelter from the wind while the sun (or moonlight) shines down from above. Organic and natural wines on tap are complimented by some hearty hot dogs. Yes, it really works.

Find out more
Two women sit on a grassy lawn, clinking glasses on a summers day with other people, trees and buildings in the background.

St Johns

5 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Situated in the historic former Wellington Free Ambulance building, this popular waterfront bar and restaurant is the place to be on a sunny day. A sheltered grassy lawn is ideal for pulling up a bean bag and enjoying a drink and snack. Inside, the beautiful Art Deco-style building has period light fittings, plush velvet booths and potted palms. Soak up the lush atmosphere in the bar before heading next door to dine at the eatery.

St Johns Bar
A waterfront terrace with black iron tables and chairs, patio string lights hanging above and a view of the bay and blue sky dotted with a few clouds.

Foxglove

33 Queens Wharf, Wellington

On Wellington’s waterfront, Foxglove is a blend of 1930s vintage glamour and West Hollywood lounge. Spacious but made to feel intimate, Foxglove has sweeping harbour views, open fireplaces and one of the largest living green walls in New Zealand. With two levels of indoor and outdoor seating, there are plenty of options for groups or couples. Watch the sun go down amidst the waterfront vibe.

Foxglove
The exterior of Dockside, floating on the water off Queens Wharf, with a boat parked up beside.

Dockside

Shed 3 Queens Wharf, Wellington

A maritime-themed restaurant housed in a historic waterfront shed, Dockside has one of the largest outdoor dining areas over water in the Southern Hemisphere. On a sunny day, there’s nowhere better for a meal or a drink and on cooler ones, the deck can be covered with a large retractable roof. You can get the feel of alfresco dining but with a bit of shelter from the elements. There’s a strong seafood focus to the menu which is sourced daily from local markets.

Dockside Restaurant & Bar

Looking for more?

A family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside.

Where to eat with kids

Here’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together.

A variety of delicious-looking sandwiches on the front counter at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it, here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

Two people converse over a glass of wine in the corner booth at Puffin wine bar, a natural wine and cocktail bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)

Up a flight of winding stairs or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.

Three people sitting at a wooden picnic table on a patio at Brewtown in Upper Hutt, Wellington. They each have a flight of beers and are doing a cheers.

Grab a drink in the Hutt Valley

Home to Wellington’s only craft beer village, the Hutt Valley has more than its fair share of great places to grab a drink. From boutique breweries to lively bars, you’ll find some of the region’s tastiest brews right here.

Looking up at St James theatre from the road, as people walk inside to enjoy a show.

Where to eat near St James Theatre

Looking for a pre or post-show meal or drink? The St James Theatre is at the heart of Wellington and is surrounded by places to stop off before any event.

Four colourful cocktails lined up on the counter at Crumpet, a bar located on Manners Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Mix it up at Wellington’s cocktail bars

Shaken or stirred, the capital’s bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail. Revisit a classic, or ask for something made specially for you. These cocktail bars have a tipple or two to tempt your tastebuds.

Stacks of baked twists and scrolls sit on decorative plates.

Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

The Hutt Valley has a generous helping of artisan bakeries. From sourdough to pastries, here’s where you can find delicious goods wherever you go.

Five Asian-fusion dishes, a pink cocktail, dishes and utensils on a table at a restaurant.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city. There’s a raft of great options hidden away in neighbourhoods and suburbs beyond the city lights.

The exterior of Rita in Te Aro valley at sunset with their yellow lighting shining through the glass.

Cosy restaurants for winter dining

Think roaring fireplaces, candles, warm service, and hearty soul food. Just add a glass of local Martinborough pinot noir, and you have a perfect winter’s evening.

Heritage building facades line Jackson Street in Petone, as two people cross the pedestrian crossing with shopping bags.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.