Have been here a couple of times for dinner and a couple of times just for drinks. The staff are always very friendly and attentive and the food tasty. The only issue I had with last time my partner and I went in for dinner was that we wanted to order the affogato for dessert, only to be told the coffee machine had already been cleaned. Normally I’d expect to be asked if we’d like a coffee before they clean it. It didn’t ruin our night however, and we’ll definitely go back again and again.

Today had the fabulous breakfast burrito and my husband had the huevos rancheros. both were absolutely delicious. Service good but slow due to only 2 waitstaff and our waitress was running from table to table! Coffees were very average and not hot. Would still go back!

I’m giving up on Duke’s. The food is very good, and I’m normally happy to put up with the average service, but it’s getting beyond a joke.

We arrived, and grabbed a recently vacated table outside. To make sure we didn’t get overlooked one of the group went straight in and let them know we had sat down outside. Then we waited. And waited. 20 minutes in to the wait I asked the waiter for some menus and a few minutes later they were delivered. After ordering we sat and chatted, and waited some more. Almost an hour after ordering our food arrived. I was on the verge of leaving and if I hadn’t been so hungry I would have sooner. No apologies or excuse given for the delay, and since the restaurant was less than half full I see no excuse for such poor service, especially during lunch. Definitely the last time I bother eating here.

Have been to this cafe twice, both times for brunch, the first on a Saturday and the second the following weekend on a Sunday. Astonishingly they “forgot” our order on both occasions – very apologetic but, nonetheless, a complete pain. It wasn’t as if they were busy at the time. Shant bother going back – there are plenty of other places in Wellington central.

Went there for a friend’s birthday on a 2 for 1 Monday night recently. Sage & gorgonzola gnocchi (sp?) ravishingly good; some kind of celery heart salad likewise; green beans perfectly cooked; ditto the brussel sprouts. The beetroot part of the beetroot & goat cheese bake was good, but the cheese wasn’t very present.

The maitre d’, like his brother at Scopa, is the perfect host; seems to love his job & love making you feel like a special, welcome person. Lovely service, lovely food. Can’t wait to go back.

An excellent hidden gem just off Cuba Street. Staff were pleasant and attentive, atmosphere warm and cosy, cocktails and wine list extensive (and barman experienced and took pride in his work). Tapas still food great for groups or romantic night out. Try it!

Went there for my birthday last night and it was brilliant. Tasty food and drinks. The staff were very helpful and friendly.
Happened to have live music, 2 guys on guitar (even if a bit loud at the start) which added to the fantastic atmosphere.
If you’re after something a little different then this is the place.

I love this place. You can’t beat it for a reliably fantastic evening in Wellington!

A fun atmosphere with personal, friendly and efficient service. They really have a passion for the food and wine they’re serving.

The food is really delicious! Lots of interesting but perfectly balanced flavours. Great wines.

The one drawback is that it can get busy.. but this just adds to the buzz of the atmosphere.

Me and my partner went to Duke Carvell’s on a 2 for 1 Monday night. It was really busy but the service was still fantastic, efficient and friendly. Love the atmosphere of the place and there is lots of interesting things to look at.
The menu was ideal for 2 as we each picked 3 things each and shared them. The food was so YUM, we especially enjoyed the grouper. Would definitely go back again!

This place has changed hands a number of times – but I always find the staff here helpful and friendly. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. Food is interesting – nice choices of tapas and very wide drinks selection – some nice emersons beers and other good things to try!
Will go back again.

Had dinner on 24/10. The service was excellent and the decor was lovely. The staff explained the tapas style menu very well, and we chose a variety of dishes to share. It took about 30-40 mins to arrive, not unreasonable as they were quite busy. The food ranged from amazing to awful – the garlic facille was good, the arancini (deep fried rice ball with Parmesan and sage leaves) was really good, the monk fish was soggy and bland, the asparagus with Parmesan was nice, the beetroot with goat cheese (very mild not a feta) was odd and bland. My husband had the chicken which he said was beautifully cooked with a spicy Moroccan paste.
The food over all was under-seasoned, but innovative, and unusual. I will go back and give them another try.

My favourite restaurant in Wellington. Great service, food and decor. Love the candle sticks and paintings on the wall, the place has a lot of character!

The menu has a chart at the back detailing the vegeterian / vegan / gluten free items, which is great when going out with mates as we are all fussy and have different eating requirements.

have visited dukes a couple of times.

on both occasions have found the service and food to be of a great quality.

the tapas style menu is an excellent way to dine with friends as it is encouraged to share the smaller servings amongst your table! a great way to sample many flavours!

the complexity of flavours in each dish has obviously been designed by someone that knows what they are doing.

Emerson’s beer on tap is all good too.

Myself and 2 friends met up for a casual drink last thursday evening, which tied in with the regular thursday jazz group they have there. none of us are jazz aficionados, but this was a rare treat. the staff were sociable, and we felt very comfortable there, though we did not try the menu. i recommend to others, especially when the band is playing.

i’m no review writer. but i fairly much had the complete opposite experience to the one star fiend who recently commented

Some friends and I went there for brunch on Sunday as one of us had been there for lunch during the week and liked it. Unfortunately it was a pretty bad experience. The service was slow. They got my order wrong so had to take it back (didn’t take long to fix), then I had to ask for new poached eggs as they were almost hard boiled. It took quite some time for them to bring me my meal (again) and it wasn’t great as they didn’t serve the tomato relish that was promised on the menu which left the poached eggs with bacon and hash really dry as the toast wasn’t even buttered.
All in all it was expensive, poor service and bad food. The coffee and decor were both good, but I left feeling ripped off and wouldn’t go back.