Top 5 Outdoor Dining Wellington

22/03/2024

Top 5 Outdoor Dining Wellington

Experience the best of outdoor dining in Wellington with our top five picks, each offering a unique dining atmosphere under the open sky. From vibrant patios to hidden courtyards, these restaurants are the perfect spot for an after work outing or weekend brunch. Whether it's classic sharing plates or unique Asian-inspired dishes, Best Restaurants has summarised the top local Wellington outdoor dining spots.

St John's Bar and Restaurant
Te Aro, Wellington, North Island

At St Johns Bar and Eatery you can enjoy a blend of great food, refreshing drinks, and delightful company. Their menu boasts an array of small plates like ceviche, salt and pepper calamari, and maple and buffalo glaze chicken. For those craving something more substantial, indulge in their pasta, burgers, or larger share plates. Whether you're seeking a light bite or a satisfying meal, St Johns Bar and Eatery offers a welcoming ambiance to be enjoyed in their patio.
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Olive
Wellington, Central West, New South Wales

At Olive, begin your day with a steaming cup of morning coffee paired with a delectable cheese and chilli scone, or elevate your morning with a revitalising Bloody Mary alongside Olive's signature big breakfast. With menus available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, Olive has something for everyone. Indulge in menu highlights like the fried marinated pork ribs, pumpkin and tofu gnocchi, and pan-roasted lamb back-strap. Make sure to save room for dessert with delicious options like passionfruit panna cotta, or a curated cheese and wine pairing.
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Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
Wellington, Central West, New South Wales

For over a century, Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant has stood as a cherished meeting place for locals in Wellington. This is the perfect outdoor dining spot for a gathering with colleagues, friends, or family. The menu features diverse dishes, from brunch to dinner and dessert, and includes tempting options like cheesy garlic bread, fried chicken tenders, succulent pork belly, flavourful rigatoni, and soy-glazed tofu.
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Karaka Cafe
Taranaki Wharf, Wellington, North Island

Karaka Cafe & Summer Bar offers a unique twist with its Hāngi-inspired cuisine. Karaka celebrates the essence of traditional flavours, from the oven-steamed Hāngi to the Eggs Benedict served on Hāngi Hash. Don't miss out on favourites like smoked pork belly, Hāngi-style pulled pork and chicken with chips, or their raw fish with coconut cream. With a long list of stellar reviews and a delicious menu, Karaka Cafe is definitely on our list of top outdoor dining!
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Dragonfly
Te Aro, Wellington, North Island

Enjoy delightful Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails in Dragonfly’s hidden courtyard. Drawing inspiration from diverse Asian cuisines, including those of Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Dragonfly presents classic dishes with a modern twist. Indulge in starters like Wagyu orange beef tostadas or Taiwanese popcorn chicken before diving into main courses such as red duck curry or 55-day aged beef short ribs. Finish off with something sweet like their Korean twisted donuts or Vietnamese coffee mousse.
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Featured Locations

St John's Bar and Restaurant

St Johns Bar and Restaurant, nestled on the Wellington Waterfront, offers a modern dining experience with a focus on contemporary New Zealand cuisine. Whether inside its stunning art deco building or under the stars in winter igloos, guests enjoy a diverse menu of sharing-style dishes perfect for any occasion. Savour local craft beers, regional wines, and inventive cocktails amidst a casually stylish interior or on the inviting patio. Known for exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere, St Johns Bar and Restaurant is a year-round destination where good food, drinks, and company converge, making it a cherished spot in Wellington's dining scene.

Photography: Courtesy of St Johns Bar and Restaurant

Shared Plates, Burgers

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Olive

Photography: Courtesy of Olive

Modern New Zealand

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Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant

Photography: Courtesy of Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant

Modern New Zealand

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Karaka Cafe

Karaka Cafe offers a unique blend of Hāngi-inspired flavours in the heart of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Owned and operated by the Retimanu whānau since 2011, this café celebrates Māori and Pacific heritage through modern dishes like Oven-steamed Hāngi and Eggs Benedict on Hāngi Hash. Experience indigenous smoked flavours alongside Kiwi cuisine in a contemporary café setting. Don't miss their daily Happy Hour from 1pm to 3pm, offering two dishes for $30. Karaka Cafe invites you to savour a culinary journey that embodies the essence of Aotearoa's traditional cooking methods with a modern twist.

Photography: Courtesy of Karaka Cafe

Māori

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Dragonfly

In the heart of Courtenay Place, Dragonfly Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, and Courtyard offers a sophisticated, relaxed, and chic dining experience. The knowledgeable wait staff, well-versed in all aspects of the menu, encourage diners to share dishes and order for the table, fostering a sense of community and exploration. Inspired by the diverse cuisines of Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Dragonfly's menu presents classic Asian dishes with a modern twist. Whether indulging in happy-hour delights or enjoying their vegan options, there is something for everyone.

Photography: Courtesy of Dragonfly

Asian, Japanese

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