Wellington, the bustling capital of New Zealand, offers an array of delightful eateries. If you’re looking to impress a first date or treat a long-term partner to something a little different, selecting the best date night restaurant can be challenging. Thankfully, the windy city offers everything; from cosy eateries to fine dining venues, there’s something to suit every style and budget. Here are some of the best restaurants in Wellington for a romantic date night to remember.
1. Olive
Olive restaurant is one of the cosiest hangouts in Wellington, thanks to its private courtyard that provides the perfect setting for a romantic dinner date. The peaceful surroundings exude tranquillity, and the lush greenery adds the perfect dose of romance. Enjoy a shaded spot beneath the 20-year-old olive tree that offers a reprieve from the sun and a cosy nook for long conversations. Select a starter and main from head chef Jamie’s delectable menu; dishes include ginger beer battered scallops, crispy pork belly, leek & truffle risotto, and chargrilled 50-day aged beef fillet. Sit back and soak up the ambience as the evening progresses. The venue is open until late Tuesday to Saturday, so you won’t find the staff clock-watching; instead, you can relax, enjoy a drink, and cosy up with your date for a memorable evening in Wellington.
2. Rita
When you think date night, you want one of the best intimate restaurants in Wellington. Something unique that will offer a memorable experience. Rita is just that. Whether you’re a foodie, or simply looking for a special night out, this Wellington restaurant won’t disappoint. The chef at Rita creates a new three-course menu each night, and there’s no browsing the menu beforehand. Turn up to this house-converted restaurant setting and enjoy the night’s creations. Always using what’s fresh and seasonal, the food will be delightful. Check out their website for a sample menu to give you some idea. Rita is the ideal spot for a night with a loved one in Wellington.
3. ABV Rooftop Bar
Dine beneath the stars as you admire a lit-up vision of Wellington from atop the ABV bar. This is the perfect Wellington date night restaurant, thanks to its cosy vibes and elevated views. What could be more romantic than sitting on a rooftop, watching the sunset, and then dining under the twinkling lights of distant stars? The ABV Rooftop bar prides itself on the creativity of both its food and drinks menus, offering a unique range of tipples such as craft beers, rum, tequila, and exotic liquors. While the venue provides an elegant dining experience, the ambience is relaxed, and you’ll feel at ease as you enjoy your evening al fresco dining experience. Grab sharing platters of delicious nibbles such as the pull-apart garlic loaf with camembert, mozzarella & blue cheese or the buffalo wings with sticky bbq sauce. Then select a main from the extensive menu that includes several traditional favourites like beef wellington, lamb shank, and chicken parmigiana.
4. Counter Culture
Break away from tradition and try something different at Counter Culture. Whether you want to impress a first date or are looking for a way to add a twist to regular date nights, this quirky venue provides the perfect place to host a date night with a difference. The venue boasts over 900 board games which you can enjoy for up to three hours while you dine. Unleash your competitive side and get to know more about your partner as you challenge each other; plus, the gaming theme creates an effortless stream of conversation, so you’ll never run out of things to discuss. You can have a laugh picking your mains from the quirky menu with dishes such as “Oh my deer:” and “fowl play.” Keep it romantic and opt for “sharesies” on Lord of the Friends or wild meatballs and enjoy a glass of fizz from the drinks selection.
5. Jardin Grill
If you’re out to impress on date night, choose an upmarket venue like the Jardin Grill in the prestigious Sofitel. This luxurious setting oozes class with sophisticated decor, a copper kitchen, and a relaxed ambience. Dishes include contemporary cuisines accented with flavours from different regions and cultures. Start your evening in style at the oyster bar or pair a cold cuts platter with a selection of cheese. The entrees are highlighted by dishes from the sea, such as Ora king salmon and fried soft-shell crab. Meanwhile, the mains offer a range of meat, fish, and vegetables with dishes such as rotisseries pork belly, line-caught market fish, and spring vegetable risotto. If you’d like to add a romantic twist to the main, opt for one of the sharing dishes served with two sides and sauces. Jardin Grill offers a sophisticated dining experience where you can embark on an adventure in a venue that provides a feast for all the senses.
6. Shepherd
Shepherd has become well-known in the Wellington restaurant scene. Not pretentious but certainly in a league of its own. Tucked away down Hannah’s Laneway, this spot creates excitement from the get-go. Dishes like wild venison with walnut, plum, honey, truffle and cheese are show-stoppers. Try their set menu, or keep it personal for the special occasion and order your favourites off the impressive dinner menu. Shepherd is open for brunch too so add this to your list of restaurants in Wellington to visit at any time. Now a two-hatted restaurant, Shepherd is the perfect spot for a special night out.
For more incredible restaurants like this, check out our list of 15 of the Top Wellington Restaurants.
7. One 80°
Dine in style at the award-winning One80° restaurant and lounge bar that serves a range of culinary delights while providing you and your date with stunning views across Oriental Bay. Located on the seventh floor of the Copthorne Hotel, this elevated restaurant offers one of Wellington’s best date night venues. To make it an even more memorable evening, try the five-course degustation menu, which showcases fine dining dishes crafted from seasonal produce with a twist of international flavour. Mains include beef wellington and the signature chicken tikka lababdar curry. Choose from sweet or savoury desserts with a range of cheeses or sugary delights available. One 80° is one of Wellington’s best date night restaurants if you’re looking to treat your other half to a classy evening with incredible views.
