Wellington dining and drinking
Wellington is a small capital by international standards but you would not necessarily guess that given the outstanding choice of bars and restaurants that are squeezed into the downtown area between the harbour and the hills. A vibrant assortment of ethnic and European cuisines and the local fusion cooking 'Pacific Rim' caters for every taste and wallet.
Courtenay Place
Courtenay Place is one of several distinct restaurant quarters in the city and is renowned for its lively nightlife. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and street musicians vie for attention day and night. For a superb meal treat yourself at contemporary favourite Beacon Woodfire and Grill which attracts a lively crowd who love fine food with a kiwi twist. For those who like a quirky, low light, lounge bar feel visit Castros on Majoribanks Street. It is famous for its cocktails and original food. For a world-class menu with pacific rim and French provincial influences Icon at Te Papa Museum with its wonderful balcony and fine sea views is unsurpassable.
If you are looking for value for money then head to Courtenay Places Turkish, Thai, Malaysian, Mexican, Indian or Chinese restaurants. A yum char at the King Wah or murtabak at Satay Malaysia on restaurant-lined Allen Street will be a culinary pleasure that won't break the bank. Little India on Blair Street comes highly recommended by Wellingtons own galloping gourmand Des Britten. For gourmet pizza the popular One Red Dog is recommended. Wash down a Thai Chilli Chicken pizza with the naturally brewed beer before a show or movie.
If you want neon, dance rhythms and a party then this is the district to start cruising. Check out Molly Malones Irish pub which has live bands playing most nights, the Grand for drinking, dancing and playing pool, or the Judder Bar for late night drinking and a techno beat.
Cuba Street
The Cuba Street area is another treasure chest of eateries and the centre of Wellingtons alternative scene. For a taste of the variety the city has to offer in clothes, art, music and food stroll up Cuba and back down again. On the way, those seeking impeccable coffee and inexpensive snacks or a fine meal will be drawn to the always-full Krazy Lounge. With its funky decor, crazy sculptures, half moon-shaped booths and music it attracts those who like fast, friendly, reasonably priced all-day dining places. The popular Logan Brown, one of Wellingtons leading restaurants, will be the choice of lovers and bankers. Located in a 1920s banking chamber it offers fine dining in elegant surroundings.
Cuba Street is also fast becoming Wellingtons cyber street with several cyber cafes offering all day access to the world via the web. Look out for Load Cybercafe, a black and red space, very stylish, very new millennium, with its rows of fantastic fluorescent tubes making a dramatic "who needs art" statement.
The Waterfront
Yes, Wellington is hip, its cultured and its lively but it is also a city that is dedicated to, and surrounded by the sea. Many of the citys restaurants reflecting this specialise in fresh local seafood. The best place to find a taste of the ocean is the waterfront. Located there is Shed 5 a stylish upmarket seafood restaurant in a painstakingly restored wharf woolshed built in 1888. There is a formal dining section excellent for a business lunch or dinner, a more casual café, bar and al fresco seating. Next door is the ever-popular Dockside Restaurant and Bar providing quality seafood in a converted wooden warehouse. Its always crowded on Friday nights with after work drinkers and at lunchtime when the sun shines.
Central Business District
The central business district, with Lambton Quay and Willis Street at its heart, is popular with business people and locals. The area is not renowned for its nightlife but there is a range of quality restaurants that are especially suited to a corporate lunch or quiet dinner for two. Try Copita on Featherston Street which serves Spanish/New Zealand cuisine in classic white tablecloth surroundings or the famous Boulcott Street Bistro which mixes top of the line wine and food with a historic and relaxed ambience. Petit Lyon offers truly exclusive dining in a small two-storey colonial building on upper Willis Street. Frequented by food lovers of all persuasions, this is a great place for an extra special dinner for two. Its not cheap but then what would you expect for a meal poetically called 'I must go down to the sea again'?
For quality daytime eating, in this area, you can't go past the Nikau Gallery Café. It is attached to the City Art Gallery in the heart of Civic Square, one of Wellingtons favourite places to relax on a fine afternoon, or there is Caffe Astoria, or Silos or The CD Store Café, or Wholly Bagels or? The list could go on and on and on.
And that is why Wellington, which has some say more restaurants, cafes and bars per capita then the sprawling metropolis of New York, has become something of a mecca for those who love to eat and drink well or just linger, with friends, over coffee. Its certainly your duty, as a visitor to our shores, to meet the drinking and dining challenge that is Wellington City. It will allow you to experience, as nothing else can, some of the diversity that makes our city tick.
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