Best Restaurants in Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington

Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington’s food scene is as bold and creative as the city itself. Narrowing it down to just five restaurants was no easy task — this capital is packed with incredible places to eat. Whether you’re after fine dining, hidden gems or casual bites done right, these spots each earned a perfect score for flavour, atmosphere and overall experience. These are our favourite places to dine when we are in Wellington.

🍲 Damascus

Damascus is a true Syrian culinary delight, lovingly owned and operated by our dear friends Hasan and Flora. We’ve known them since their early days serving food at the Wellington Night Markets, where we were fellow vendors. Today, their dream has grown into a beautiful restaurant that feels both welcoming and authentic.

Every dish on the menu reflects their passion and heritage, from fragrant slow-cooked lamb and smoky baba ghanoush to crisp falafel and handmade flatbreads fresh from the oven. The flavours are rich and comforting, offering a taste of Syria with a Kiwi twist of hospitality.

• Style: Warm, colourful and family-friendly with a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
• Signature Dishes: Lamb shawarma, falafel, baba ghanoush and handmade flatbreads.
• Why we love it: Hasan and Flora pour their hearts into every detail — not just the food but the warmth of their welcome. Dining here feels like being part of their extended family.

🐟 Wellington Seamarket

If you’re after classic Kiwi fish and chips, Wellington Seamarket is unbeatable. Fresh seafood is delivered daily, and the cabinet lets you choose your fish on the spot — whether it’s snapper, tarakihi or gurnard. Everything is cooked to order, so you’re guaranteed a hot, crispy parcel every time.

The atmosphere is casual and no-frills but that’s part of the charm. Order a scoop of chips add a splash of vinegar and find a sunny bench by the water. It’s a simple pleasure that captures the essence of Wellington’s coastal life.

• Style: No-frills, casual takeaway and dine-in, perfect for a quick bite.
• Signature Dishes: Classic fish’n’chips, crumbed or battered snapper and seafood packs.
• Why we love it: The freshest and best fish ’n’ chips in Wellington — we never leave disappointed.

🍷 Salty Pidgin – Brooklyn

Tucked away in Brooklyn, Salty Pidgin is a neighbourhood bistro with serious flair. The vibe is relaxed but stylish and the menu celebrates local ingredients through creative, seasonal dishes paired with a fantastic drinks list. It’s the kind of spot that keeps you coming back because no two visits are the same.

• Style: Intimate bistro dining, lively yet refined.
• Signature Dishes: Ever-changing seasonal plates — past highlights include wild venison, fresh kaimoana and creative small plates.
• Why we love it: One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Wellington — outstanding food, an excellent wine list, great service and a warm, welcoming setting.

🍜 The Ramen Shop – Newtown

In the heart of Newtown, The Ramen Shop serves bowls of comfort that locals adore. Rich broths, perfectly chewy noodles and all the classic toppings make it authentic and satisfying. On our last visit, we discovered they’ve expanded into a small franchise with several spots around Wellington — yet the quality and flavours remain consistently top-notch.

• Style: Simple, bustling, and family-friendly with shared tables.
• Signature Dishes: Tonkotsu ramen, miso ramen, gyoza sides.
• Why we love it: The flavours are enough to keep us coming back again and again — it’s proof that quality ramen doesn’t need frills.

🥟 Dragons Restaurant – Courtenay Place

Dragons Restaurant is legendary in Wellington for Yum Cha, and once you’ve been, you’ll see why. Trolleys of steaming baskets weave their way through the dining room, filled with dumplings, pork buns, rice rolls and other dim sum favourites. The lively energy makes it a must-do for groups.

• Style: Large, buzzing, family-style dining.
• Signature Dishes: Har gow dumplings, char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), rice noodle rolls.
• Why we love it: Ultimately our go-to every time we visit Wellington. The selection is amazing, and the service is always fast and friendly. This is a big statement to make, but we would rank Dragons up there as one of the best Yum Cha restaurants in Aotearoa.

Closing Thought

Wellington’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new flavours and hidden gems appearing all the time. These five restaurants are just a taste of what the capital has to offer. Whether you’re after casual comfort food or a dining experience to remember, Whanganui-a-Tara will keep surprising you. We’ll definitely be back to try even more on our next visit — and one stop we never miss is the Sunday Markets, where our good friend Hasan serves up the most delicious Moroccan wraps from his food truck, Zaaffran – Taste of Morocco, always with the biggest smile on his face.