Sarah Catherall

The latest

Now Open: Rosella Wine Bar Is Mount Victoria’s New Neighbourhood Gem

Now Open: Rosella Wine Bar Is Mount Victoria’s New Neighbourhood Gem

The Wellington venue is the Koji’s team’s second opening on the same street – and the two-storey bar and restaurant explores Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern flavours, with herbaceous cocktails to pair them with.

GPO, Intercontinental Wellington’s New Restaurant, Favours European and Mediterranean Flavours and Sustainable New Zealand Produce

GPO, Intercontinental Wellington’s New Restaurant, Favours European and Mediterranean Flavours and Sustainable New Zealand Produce

It’s a revitalised culinary offering for the Wellington Central hotel, overseen by executive chef Carl Maunder who’s keen to welcome one and all – no need to book a room. In the sophisticated dining room, eat hand-pinched butternut ravioli, spear-caught butterfish, and organic sourdough with cacio e pepe butter.

A Top Local Restaurant Has Taken Over the Cafe at Wellington Zoo

A Top Local Restaurant Has Taken Over the Cafe at Wellington Zoo

For the first time in nearly 12 years, the cafe at New Zealand’s oldest zoo has new ownership, with the Capitol team now at the helm. Zoo-goer or not, you can enjoy an expanded menu that includes hot, restaurant-worthy fare, plenty of plant-based and gluten-free options, and a wine, beer and cocktails menu.

Four To Try: Excellent Coffee, Stacked Sandwiches, and Inventive Baked Goods at These New Wellington Daytime Openings

Four To Try: Excellent Coffee, Stacked Sandwiches, and Inventive Baked Goods at These New Wellington Daytime Openings

Despite the challenges of Covid and lockdowns, a slew of new cafes and bakeries have opened around the capital. There’s a chef-run bakery, an upbeat orange-walled sandwich shop, a tiny pastry hole-in-the-wall, and a couple of coffee experts have opened their second spot in the suburbs.

First Look: Contemporary Middle Eastern Restaurant Kisa Has Opened in an Iconic Wellington Art Deco Building

First Look: Contemporary Middle Eastern Restaurant Kisa Has Opened in an Iconic Wellington Art Deco Building

From the team behind popular Wellington eateries Mr Go’s and Ombra, Kisa serves sophisticated yet approachable Turkish and Middle Eastern-inspired food. There’s hummus with red zhoug, crispy chickpeas and parsley oil; slow cooked, shawarma-spiced lamb shoulder; and a chocolate labneh cheesecake with lime-infused olive oil and sea salt.

Now Open: Flùr is Wellington’s New Boutique Pastry and Coffee Shop

Now Open: Flùr is Wellington’s New Boutique Pastry and Coffee Shop

Owner and pastry chef Sarah Mackenzie has worked in some of Wellington’s best eateries. You won’t find a single plain croissant at her tiny shop on Cuba Street, instead there are preserved fruit danishes, olive and feta tarts, ham and cheese brioches, and great coffee.

In a Leafy Wellington Suburb, New Wine Bar Graze Is Serving Hyperlocal, Pescatarian Small Plates and New Zealand Wines

In a Leafy Wellington Suburb, New Wine Bar Graze Is Serving Hyperlocal, Pescatarian Small Plates and New Zealand Wines

It’s about treading lightly on the earth at Max Gordy and Stina Persen’s 22-seater in Kelburn. This means minimising waste throughout the menu and fit-out, and a focus on local, ethically sourced ingredients. Cosy up for foraged mushroom perogies, sustainably caught seafood, and more.

Inspired by 20th Century European Bistros, Concord Is the New Restaurant From a Prolific Wellington Hospitality Duo

Inspired by 20th Century European Bistros, Concord Is the New Restaurant From a Prolific Wellington Hospitality Duo

At a well-known corner site that was previously home to a Wellington institution, the new venue from Sean Golding and Shepherd Elliott is “luxury European bistro” meets “New York steakhouse”.