WairarapaEat & Drink
Exterior shot of The Martinborough Hotel, a Victorian era building surrounded by trees and pedestrians.

Union Square Bistro & Bar

Elegant bistro dining meets classic country pub in the historic Martinborough Hotel.

Part bistro restaurant and part homely pub, Union Square is the place to go if you’re visiting Martinborough and are after a relaxing evening out.

The bistro and bar are set inside the historic Martinborough Hotel building, which dates back to the 1880s. Elegant and warm, Union Square is the perfect relaxing spot on long summer days and a cosy corner on cooler evenings.

Local wine, gin, and craft beers are served at the bar, along with a selection of some from further afield. You can grab a pint and a bite to eat — either bar snacks or a full dinner. Or sit down at the wooden tables (set with beautiful floral arrangements) and choose from a menu inspired by European and French flavours.

Hands holding a dish served at Union Square.

The food is hearty and flavourful. Sausages with buttery mash and mustard jus is a staple. The menu is full of seasonal, warming dishes, like pasta, risotto, burgers, and soup. To make sure the dishes are bursting with flavour, the chefs use local meat, produce, and seafood.

Chef Adam and his partner Nicola Newell are the makers and movers behind Union Square. After working in the hustle and bustle of Wellington’s hospitality sector, the dynamic duo decided to move over to the Wairarapa region for a slower pace.

At Union Square, you’ll find friendly staff and a bright atmosphere. The deck overlooks the square and is perfect for warmer days, while the casual bar and refined restaurant are great throughout the year.

The interior of Union Square Hotel, with dark wooden tables and a dark blue bar.

Looking for more?

Different tables with people dining and drinking wine at Astoria in Wellington.

Astoria

A downtown Wellington classic, where deals are made over great coffee and great food.

The vintage car themed interior of Gear Street Union Lower Hutt.

Gear Street Union

Gear Street Union is a bright and busy haven of drinks, diner-style food, and fun.

A table at Mr. Go's with dishes and drinks.

Daily dining deals in Wellington

No matter the day, there’s a foodie deal in the capital. From eggs for breakfast to pizza for dinner, you can have a delicious day, whatever your budget.

A chef working in the kitchen at 1154 Pastaria on Cuba Street.

1154 Pastaria

Pasta pioneers 1154 merge modern flavours with traditional techniques in delicious plates of carby goodness.

The exterior of Thistle Inn, the oldest standing tavern in New Zealand on Mulgrave street.

Thistle Inn

Grab a pint with a side of history at Wellington’s oldest pub.

A close-up of two dishes, two menus, and two cocktails in animal-shaped cups on a pale green table at Mr. Go's.

Mr Go’s

There’s a whole world of flavour on offer at Mr Go’s.

The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.

A chef from Scopa making pizzas with their back turned, wearing a yellow Scopa shirt.

Get a taste of Italy at Scopa

Owned a run by a pair of brothers, this Cuba Street institution serves up wood-fired pizzas and old-school charm.

Two friends enjoy yum cha at Dragons Chinese restaurant. There is an array of dishes, two cups and a teapot on the table.

Dragons

Experience yum cha and community at this award-winning family-run restaurant.

The cabinet food behind the glass at Nikau cafe, with a waiter behind the counter.

Good coffee and seasonal food at Nikau Café

Brunch classics, famous kedgeree, and some of the best cheese scones in town.