Regal Chinese Restaurant

Wellington Central

 20/05/2013

This is my favourite Yum Cha. It’s always busy and there is a fast turn around of dishes.. The tea is piping hot and plenty of it. Its the place to be on a Sunday morning, never disappoints. It’s great value too, and I like the way you can ask for specific dishes like their excellent sticky rice. Must be time for another visit..

Boat Cafe

Oriental Bay

 20/05/2013

I went to The Boat Cafe for lunch yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the venison pie – Osso Bucco I think it was called. It was delicious. Had a rich, satisfying gravy and was just what I felt like to warm up on a windy Wellington day! Coffee was great and the staff were very friendly. I have been before and like that they have a separate gluten free menu with lots of choices instead of the token one or two dishes. Love looking at that view too. Will be back.

Mojo Featherston Street

Wellington Central

 20/05/2013

You can always rely on Mojo to provide fabulous coffee and excellent service. Staff were friendly, helpful and the order was prepared promptly even during busy hours. The cafe atmosphere is really great, with a dynamic, modern feel about it.

Astoria

Wellington Central

 20/05/2013

Walk past Astoria during lunchtime and you’ll be sure to see a big crowd of people getting their lunch fix. Quite frankly, I don’t understand why so many people like this cafe. Yes, the name sounds rather flash but apart from that, it is just like any other cafe. While I have no major complaints about the food or service at Astoria, there is really nothing to set it apart from other Wellington cafes (apart from their name, perhaps). Having a wider range of cabinet food and improving the calibre of their coffee would be a great start.

Mediterranean Foods La Pizzeria

Kelburn

 20/05/2013

I recently tried the Mediterranean Food Warehouse in Kelburn for lunch. I had a voucher for a three course meal for two people which turned out to be incredibly good value for money. The starter plate, two pizzas and two desserts fed my wife and daughter and myself – I’m not sure if we’d been able to finish everything with just two adults. Apart from the generous portions, I was also impressed with the taste and presentation of the meals. Everything was cooked to perfection and the Italian flavours were just stunning! Service was fast, reliable and very friendly. Admittedly there wasn’t much going on during lunch, so they could focus all their attention on us, but they did so with genuine friendliness. I’d recommend this place (over any “American style” pizza) any time!

Moyses Taverna

Miramar

 19/05/2013

This unassuming looking restaurant offers authentic, fantastic Greek food. After visiting Greece and eating in many Greek restaurants, it is wonderful to have the real deal, with very warm, friendly service right here in Wellington. Traditional dishes are freshly prepared and you’re invited to share with each other. Very close to the airport, so it’s a bit of a drive from the other side of town, but worth the trip! No matter what dishes you choose, you won’t be disappointed. A nice array of New Zealand wines, beers and of course Greek retsina! Some prices were high, but since you are encouraged to share dishes, it can work out to a good price. I think they could give a bit more breador offer it at a lower price. Loved the fish, salads, dips, side dishes and dolmades. Their version of chips is unique, crispy and delicious! I’ve been coming to this restaurant sincee 2010 and highly recommend it if you want authentic, delicious, traditional Greek food. In the winter it can be a bit cool so bring a jumper in case you’re not too close to the heater. But definitely go!

Boat Cafe

Oriental Bay

 19/05/2013

Had brunch here today and it was terrible!! My partners chowder was late, about 15mins. When it did arrive there was no apology. It tasted like a thick sauce, not like a chowder. My Caesar salad was such a rip off!! Hard bits of cos lettuce, tiny grated bits of parmesan, not shavings, no egg as menu stated, just the lettuce, chicken, bacon, crouton strips?? Told staff when paying and instead of $21 i was charged $17!!! Wont go back there as service was also appalling.

Namastey India – CLOSED

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Tasteless food! Ordered chicken takka misala and came out tasting like it was just coconut milk with food colouring, rang to complain and the comment back was “yea sorry bro maybe next time” never going to be a next time!

Tandoori Heritage

Strathmore Park

 19/05/2013

We were really pleased to see this popular Kilbirnie Indian open up here in Strathmore. We love their cottage cheese dishes like Mattar Paneer and Kadai Paneer – big juicy chunks of (homemade?) cottage cheese. It’s a relaxed, friendly place to eat in and the takeaways are excellent too. We once did a phone order using the wrong menu but they just made a dish that wasn’t even on their takeaway list – it was yummy and that is pretty awesome service.

Speight’s Ale House Restaurant

Thorndon

 19/05/2013

After living in Petone for a few years my life and I finally decided to give this place a go. We turned up on a Thursday night and it was busy. We stood there for 5 mins watching waitresses walking past us and not saying a word. I approached the bar man and he asked me whether I had resevations. I said no and he said “I think you may have to wait for a while”. Hey it’s okay if you are busy, at least say something. We gave it another go on a Sunday night which was not busy at all. The waitress saw us, walked past us and not saying a thing! Hello? how about a hello?! Are we invisible? Fine then, I won’t come again.

Viva Mexico

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Went last night for the first time. There was a wait for about 5 minutes for a table, and we were initially seated outside. A hot water bottle was brought out for the child in our group. We ordered, then were offered a table inside when one came up. We had the Jalapeño Rollenios, which were so excellent we ordered another 2 rounds. I had the tortilla soup, which was incredible with a bit of heat, but such a great combination of flavours, and textures. Then I had a chicken taco, which was simple, authentic, and just delicious. My dining companions had enchiladas, and a pulled pork torta (sandwich) all of which the thoroughly enjoyed. The place was humming, and service was friendly and efficient, we were not made to feel hurried, it was just a great experience. Will definitely be back… Still dreaming about those Rollenios…

Capitol Restaurant

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Fantastic food. Awesome to visit for either lunch or dinner. Just nice attention to detail, lovely flavours and really quite reasonable for what is local, well sort produce, free-range, organic produce. Service also good. Like to the small surroundings as well. A lovely Wellington classic.

The White House Restaurant

Oriental Bay

 19/05/2013

Attention to detail and the plating is impressive. The flavours were lovely. I did get a bit of food envy though, as my partner picked a much nicer entree and main then I did (Don’t like it when I concentrate on another plate and not my own) Sort of dampens the experience, and plates should be equally impressive. Service good. Booked a week in advance for two, however disappointed that we were seated back and not at a window seat for our special occasion. However a place you must go to. If your complaining about price though, you are not suited to be at The White house. I paid $300 for two and overall I was happy with the whole night.

Siem Reap Restaurant

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Very nice Cambodian food. Nice attention put into the food. When it comes out, the effort and choice of produce is evident. (its not chucked together in a wok like asian food) Very nice flavours. Nice atmosphere, but the place is a bit low in lighting for my liking. Walked out nice & full.

The Gasworks

Miramar

 19/05/2013

Good pub grub, good portions, hot, fast and good atmosphere & friendly staff. Nice to go to for lunch and chill. Good for groups and basically delivered to me what I expected of them.

Big Bad Wolf Gourmet Charcuterie

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Well, not what I was expecting. They should just keep to selling cold meats as a butcher and not have a eat in menu. I went with a friend and we both ordered the pork rolls with hot drinks. Asked for our hot drinks in takeaway cups, however they came out in mugs with no marshmellows Also they need to get someone who knows how to make coffees and hot chocolates! My hot chocolate was mostly froth with hardly any chocolate, also tasted like that cheap laffare powder you get in the supermarkets. They are marketing themselves as high end (their prices sure are!) however they cant make coffee and in Wellington thats just no good! especially with Pandoro next door. Pork rolls not out of this world! had better at a school fair. The doors wide open on a very cold Wellington day also not ideal. Place doesn’t feel warm & inviting? Will not go back. Tempted to rate these guys a 2.

Joe’s Garage

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Very good service – friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. Just there for a coffee and a slice but they were very good. I’ll be back. Not much more to say really but my review was too short to post!

Oriental Thai Restaurant

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

Worst service in Wellington. If you are considering a Thai place in Wellington–do not go here. There are so many other amazing thai places that deserve your business! We booked a fairly large table for a party. It took the waitresses an hour and a half before they bothered to take our order. We had to actually stand up and ask for menus, even ask for them to please, please, please serve us before we collapsed of hunger. It was only when we were ready to leave when they stepped up. When we expressed our dissatisfaction, the wait staff was rude (one woman practically rolling her eyes!) and somehow implied it was our fault because we didn’t flag them down earlier!

Scopa caffe cucina

Wellington Central

 19/05/2013

I eat here often and the food is good but the chefs need to watch their mouths, its a little restaurant and you can here everything said in the kitchen even in the busiest of services. and their Hot chocolate is like a chocolate crème patisserie, it should be the filling for a doughnut. Rather average over all unfortunately, it has some real potential to be a great restaurant

TJ Katsu & Udon

Wellington Central

 18/05/2013

Absolutely amazing food and excellent value. Wines were all very good and also extremely reasonably priced. Staff were extra helpful and friendly, will definitely be going back! Loved the presentation of the food and lots of attention to detail, plus all the food was extremely fresh! A lovely dining experience, can’t wait to go back!