The Best Waterfront Restaurants In Wellington New Zealand

Wellington takes pride in its vibrant food venues, coffee culture and bar scene. In fact, you’ll find a treasure trove of waterfront dining establishments in New Zealand’s cool capital city. Follow this guide to start immersing yourself in the best, tastiest restaurants in the area that offer beautiful views of the idyllic harbour. Whether you’re a seafood lover seeking the freshest catch while gazing upon the tranquil waters or a gourmet enthusiast yearning for innovative culinary creations against a backdrop of sailboats and sunsets, Wellington’s waterfront dining scene caters to every palate and preference. As you indulge in delectable dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients, allow the gentle sea breeze and panoramic vistas to enrich every bite, making your dining experience not just a meal, but a harmonious symphony of flavors and aesthetics that captures the essence of Wellington’s coastal allure.

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Dockside Restaurant & Bar

You’ll find this delectable gem right at the heart of Wellington’s Queen’s Wharf. A maritime theme prevails in all aspects of the restaurant’s menu, from its platters right through to its mains. The menu changes on a daily basis, as the restaurant insists on sourcing all ingredients from local seafood markets.

If you’re venturing out to Oriental Bay, make sure to stop by this harbourside restaurant. Catering for the coffee crazy, brunching crowds, and fine diners, Beach Babylon is a great place to head to if you’re wanting to add a bit of variety as you wind down by the cool ocean waves.

Coene’s Bar & Eatery

A pleasant ambiance, fabulous waterfront views, and a rich seafood-based menu are what make Coene’s a popular attraction with Wellingtonians and tourists alike. This venue caters for all tastes and moods, from fine-dining delicacies, to bar essentials and coffee culture classics.

Mac’s Restaurant and Brewbar – now Shed22

Waterfront dining, craft beers and a dynamic central-Wellington location are some of Mac’s Restaurant and Brewbar’s main crowd-pleasers. On a sunny day, you’ll be able soak up some great views of the Wellington harbour as you sink your teeth into a nice selection of seafood staples, pub grub, or brunch favourites.

Foxglove Bar & Kitchen

Foxglove Bar & Kitchen is located right at the heart of the city, offering a satisfying experience with their dining treats. Grab a balcony table to get a nice glimpse of the Wellington waterfront, or settle yourself in the outdoor area below. The varied menu will keep you well and truly replenished, regardless of whether you’re in a fine-dining mood, craving a scenic lunch, or you’re simply stopping by for a few drinks on a summer’s evening.

The ambiance at Foxglove effortlessly complements its waterfront location. With the gentle sounds of the harbor as your backdrop, you can relish culinary creations that range from sumptuous seafood delights to delectable vegetarian options, all thoughtfully prepared by their skilled chefs. The venue’s attention to detail extends beyond the cuisine; the well-crafted cocktails and an impressive wine selection stand as a testament to the establishment’s commitment to excellence.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.