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Wellington is a small capital city by international standards but you would not necessarily guess this given the outstanding choice of bars and restaurants that are squeezed into the downtown area between the harbour and the hills. A vibrant assortment of ethnic and European cuisine and the local fusion cooking, "Pacific Rim," caters to every taste and wallet size.
Courtenay Place
Courtenay Place is one of several distinct restaurant quarters in the city and is renowned for its lively nightlife. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and street musicians vie for attention day and night. For a superb meal treat yourself at contemporary favourite Beacon Woodfire and Grill which attracts a lively crowd who love fine food with a kiwi twist. For those who like a quirky, low light, lounge bar feel visit Castro’s on Majoribanks Street. It is famous for its cocktails and original food. For a world-class menu with “Pacific Rim” and French provincial influences Icon at Te Papa Tongarewa with its wonderful balcony and fine sea views is unsurpassable.
If you are looking for value for money then head to the Courtenay Place Turkish, Thai, Malaysian, Mexican, Indian or Chinese restaurants. Enjoy yum cha at King Wah or try the murtabak at Satay Malaysia located on the restaurant-lined Allen Street. Both ensure culinary pleasure that will not break the bank. Little India on Blair Street comes highly recommended by Wellington’s own galloping gourmand Des Britten. For gourmet pizza the popular One Red Dog is recommended—wash down a Thai Chilli Chicken pizza with a naturally brewed beer before a show or movie.
If you want neon dance rhythms and a party then this is the district to start cruising. Check out Molly Malones, an Irish pub that has live bands playing most nights. For drinking, dancing and playing pool try The Grand or the Big Easy for late night drinking and a techno beat.
Cuba Street
The Cuba Street area is another treasure chest of eateries and the centre of Wellington's alternative scene. For a taste of the variety the city has to offer in clothes, art, music and food stroll up Cuba Street and back down again. On the way, those seeking impeccable coffee and inexpensive snacks or a fine meal will be drawn to the popular Krazy Lounge. With its funky decor, crazy sculpture’s, half moon-shaped booths and music, it attracts those who like fast, friendly, reasonably priced all-day dining venues. The popular Logan Brown, one of Wellington’s leading restaurants, is the haunt for lovers and bankers. Located in a 1920s banking chamber it offers fine dining in elegant surroundings.
The Waterfront
Yes, Wellington is hip, it is cultured and it is lively but it is also a city that is dedicated to, and surrounded by the sea. Reflecting this love for the water, many of the city's restaurants specialise in fresh local seafood. The best place to find a taste of the ocean is the waterfront. Located here is Shed 5 a stylish up-market seafood restaurant in a painstakingly restored wharf woolshed built in 1888. There is a formal dining section excellent for a business lunch or dinner, a more casual cafe, bar and alfresco seating. Next door is the popular Dockside Restaurant and Bar that provides quality seafood in a converted wooden warehouse. This spot is always crowded on Friday nights with after-work drinkers and throughout lunch hours particularly when the sun shines.
Central Business District
The central business district, with Lambton Quay and Willis Street at its heart, is popular with business people and locals. The area is not renowned for its nightlife but there is a range of quality restaurants that are especially suited to a corporate lunch or quiet dinner for two. Try Copita on Featherston Street which serves Spanish/New Zealand cuisine in classic white tablecloth surroundings or the famous Boulcott Street Bistro which mixes top of the line wine and food with a historic and relaxed ambience. Petit Lyon offers truly exclusive dining in a small two-storey colonial building on upper Willis Street. Frequented by food lovers of all persuasions, this is a great place for an extra special dinner for two. It is not cheap but then what would you expect for a meal poetically titled “I must go down to the sea again”?
For quality daytime eating in this area, you cannot go past the Nikau Gallery Cafe. It is attached to the City Gallery in the heart of Civic Square, one of Wellington's favourite places to relax on a fine afternoon. Alternatively there is Caffe Astoria, or Revive Sandwich & Espresso Bar or The CD Store Café, or Wholly Bagels or… The list could go on and on and on.
And that is why Wellington has become something of a haven for those who love to eat and drink well or just linger, with friends, over coffee. Some say Wellington has more restaurants, cafes and bars per capita then the sprawling metropolis of New York. It is certainly your duty, as a visitor to our shores, to meet the drinking and dining challenge that is Wellington City. It will allow you to experience, as nothing else can, some of the diversity that makes our city tick.
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