Have eaten here often and continue to return. Make sure to book a table in the bar area, better service, more atmosphere. They have often given us a complimentary glass of wine. I love the Stewart Island Oysters when available. We will drop in, not booked, sit at the bar and snack on Oysters and such, sort of reminds me of the Oyster Bar in NY, I love it.

I have eaten here twice and can honestly say that they have delivered two of the best three meals I have eaten in New Zealand. Obviously they have a very high focus on sourcing quality ingredients, and the chefs really know how to turn these into absolute masterpieces.

If the jugs of sangria are available when you visit on a hot summers evening, definitely get one for the table.

The tuna is absolutely incredible, but then all four mains I have tried are divine so you can’t go wrong.

Wait staff are incredibly attentive and very good at reading the diners and what level of interaction they desire.

All in all a restaurant doing everything right.

Divine! I had prawns as a starter, and they were the freshest you can find. The pan roasted gurnard was done to perfection, the best I have had ever. We also had the nelson scallops and they were fantastic. The only thing is that the sauce is a tag too salty for me, but still a very very enjoyable dinner.

Fantastic service, attentive without being intrusive. Excellent atmosphere even on a busy night. Great tasty food with wonderful flavours. Sides not needed but were also delicious. Extensive wine menu and great cocktails. Good non seafood options also. A great night out, will be returning!

Booked a table for four mid week and found the place already buzzing when we arrived to a cheerful welcome at 7.30.

The service was great; friendly, attentive, professional.

The food was outstanding; between us we had tuna, salmon, gurnard and tarakhi, all delicious.

The wine list is comprehensive – we were recommended an excellent NZ Pinot Gris (The Elder?).

So, all in all, a great experience and it is easy to see why this place is so popular.

We popped in last night (Wednesday) on the off chance they could seat us for dinner. They had a cosy table for two and we both loved our meals. We shared the pate as a starter where the waitress bought out more bread when she spotted we had eaten it but still had ample pate remaining. I had the salmon for the main and he had the warehou. Both meals were delicious as were the fries and asparagus accompanying them. The service by the staff was spotless, the beer menu was fantastic (great to see craft beers dominating), the ambience and decor just spot on. We will be back.

Dined at Ortega following a recommendation from a friend, and it didn’t disappoint.

There was a group of 12 of us, so they sat us upstairs in a semi private room (one other group). It was a great. Loved the decor, it created a nice relaxing atmosphere. The service was friendly and attentive. Everyone was happy with their choices, including one steak loving/seafood hating friend!!!

Possibly on the slightly pricey side, but would definately dine here again.

I went here last weekend with Hubby and had a great meal.
We had called to say we would be late for our table,they were happy to hold it even though it was a full house on arrival and there were people waiting at the bar.
We ate upstairs. I am on the fence about the decor, I get what they have gone for, but its not my thing… its all a little to busy and the places in Spain that they are emulating are dressed this way in earnest, not a touch of irony.. not sure if the same can be said for Ortega.
The table and chairs were pretty shaky (bit of an understatement actually) but when the staff couldn’t sort it with a wedge of card, we decided to just hold onto our glasses and enjoy our night out!.
The food was delicious… simple dishes, done perfectly, lots of full tastes made with fresh products.I had oysters, prawns w linguine, seared tuna and if it was humanly possible I would have gone back for more!.
The wine menu was really great… so much so that we flagged ordering a generic bottle and matched glasses for each dish.. heaven!.
Staff were competent/ experienced… though a little rushed and it showed a bit.
We had a fun night, left full and happy and will be back to try more!.

Very nice Dinner out for 3. We had a great time with all that was on offer. I don’t know if a clipboard menu is my thing?? perhaps its the new new!
Food was very well presented and the service polished but there just seemed to be a slight lack of heart from the staff. It seemed they were conducting a routine with their operating & that becomes obvious throughout the evening when you are a later dining table. The Prawns & linguine were an amazing dish as was the Beef. Terrific food but am holding my breath on the service

What a nice venue!

Good service, Great food.

Only issues were the shaky table & the thin 3 slices of bread accompaning the Duck Pate

Will definitely be back & really enjoy the environment

Really great food! Excellent service, good atmosphere, and delicious! Double baked gruyere souffle absolutely divine!! Will definitely go again.

Went for lunch with a group on Friday.

It was a typical cold, wet and very windy Wellington day, but Ortega’s was warm and welcoming.

A good lunchtime set menu, and a great wine list was served well by the staff.

An Entree of bluff oysters (either Au natural or tempura battered) was well received.

The appetiser of garlic prawns was a little bit “meh” for me, but certainly seemed to go down well around the table.

The main was a choice of beef or fish, I personally enjoyed a very nice beef fillet cooked medium-rare to perfection.

All three course were served with wines, with the steward prepared to delve into his list to find interesting matches.

A cheeseboard for desert – you pay by the weight of cheese you eat sounded like it would be delicious – but I’d had my fill.

Overall a great way to spend a couple of hours on a cold Friday afternoon – and I’d certainly return.

Recommended

The night we dined was exceptionally busy, everyone enjoying the great service and the fine food.

The steak & “cafe-de-paris” butter was wonderful, we think it might even be better than the original in Geneva. The crepes are as good as any you would find in Paris, and the fish is excellent.

Great food, great service, great value!