WellingtonEat & Drink
Two people enjoying food and wine at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

If the way to your date’s heart is through their stomach, Wellington has plenty of options to keep them happy.

The front counter at Pour & Twist, a coffee bar in Te Aro Wellington. There are two people enjoying coffees, one is ordering and two workers are behind the counter.
3 plates of food on the corner of a table, one is fries and sauce, the other has dressings and another appears to be crumbed fish.
Four people enjoying cocktails and appetizers at Crumpet, a cosy café and bar nestled in the Opera House, on Manners Street in Te Aro, Wellington.
A waiter wearing a white T-shirt and dark green apron is holding two plates of hummus in one hand and a plate of pita in the other at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant in Te Aro, Wellington.
The waitstaff pouring a glass of wine for a table with 4 customers. inside Rita in Aro Valley.
Waiter inside Cicio Cacio serving a table of customers with dim mood lighting and wooden fixtures surround.
Two people are seated while a server stands by the table at Margot, a bar and restaurant located in Newtown, Wellington.
Two people, eating ice cream cones are walking outside of Willis Lane in Wellington.
The interior of Golding’s bar. Kegs are stacked against the concrete brick wall, which has been painted with a heart with wings and a banner across it that says ‘beer is love’.
The front counter at Pour & Twist, a coffee bar in Te Aro Wellington. There are two people enjoying coffees, one is ordering and two workers are behind the counter.

First date — Pour & Twist

13 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Tucked beside an urban park, this manual coffee bar is the perfect spot to slow down and get to know someone. 

At Pour & Twist, there’s no espresso machine in sight. Instead, every drink is made by hand brew methods. Aeropress or Siphon? Hot or iced? Fun flavours or straight-up coffee? Move over star signs, your date’s drink order is sure to give you plenty of insights into their personality. Follow it up with a walk down neighbouring Cuba Street, and you’ll be well on your way to your second date (or not).

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3 plates of food on the corner of a table, one is fries and sauce, the other has dressings and another appears to be crumbed fish.

Anniversary — Concord

81 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Whether it’s two months, two years, or two decades, celebrate any milestone at this European-inspired bistro. 

On a corner of Victoria Street, Concord is cosy and luxe, with velvet booths and atmospheric lighting. The menu perfectly balances high and lower-brow options. If you’re feeling fancy, go for the steak frites or half a dozen oysters (you know what they say about oysters). Or, keep it low-key with a cheeseburger royale (the fries are excellent). For a dose of nostalgia, the shrimp cocktail is delightfully old-school.

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Four people enjoying cocktails and appetizers at Crumpet, a cosy café and bar nestled in the Opera House, on Manners Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Third date — Crumpet

109 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Three dates in and running out of ideas? Take your date to Wellington’s best-kept secret, Crumpet.

Nestled beside The Opera House on Manners Street, this cosy café and bar serves gourmet crumpets (yes, the breakfast food) and cocktails. Pick your poison from the rolodex of classics, or the creative bartender’s imagination. The intimate space is quiet enough to have some deep and meaningful conversation while the bustle of the central city carries on outside the window. The background jazz music and quirky touches will make for a memorable evening.

Crumpet
A waiter wearing a white T-shirt and dark green apron is holding two plates of hummus in one hand and a plate of pita in the other at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant in Te Aro, Wellington.

Double date — Kisa

195 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Get a dip each, some mezze to share, and a stack of homemade pitas for a family-style double date dinner extravaganza.

With plenty of big tables in the bustling 90-seat space, Kisa is great for a group. The food caters to all dietaries, and the helpful team will happily guide you on how many plates will suit your crew. The small dishes and generous mains lend themselves to shared dining, so the more the merrier on this occasion.

Handily located on Cuba Street, there are plenty of nearby spots for an ice cream or nightcap afterwards.

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The waitstaff pouring a glass of wine for a table with 4 customers. inside Rita in Aro Valley.

Impressive date — Rita

89 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington

If the fact that you managed to get a booking at one of the best restaurants in town doesn’t knock your date’s socks off, the mind-blowingly delicious meal and first-class service are sure to do the trick.

The mystery (and magic) of Rita is that you never know what you will be eating. But you can be assured it will be thoughtful, local, seasonal and delicious. With a comfortable atmosphere and a beautiful, historic setting, you and your date will be guided on a delicious culinary experience.

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Waiter inside Cicio Cacio serving a table of customers with dim mood lighting and wooden fixtures surround.

Romantic date — Cicio Cacio

167 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

Handmade pasta, candlelight, an open fire, and a menu entirely in Italian is the perfect recipe for romance. Cicio Cacio is serving all of the above daily at its cosy osteria.

Hidden down an unassuming alleyway in Newtown, the intimacy of this authentic Italian restaurant is sure to set the mood. The helpful staff will guide you through the menu of pasta, gnocchi, and regional Italian cuisine. They can also help you pick from the dozens of Italian wines on offer. The homely space makes you feel instantly relaxed, and tucked into a cosy corner you’ll be free to gaze into your date’s eyes all night long.

Cicio Cacio
Two people are seated while a server stands by the table at Margot, a bar and restaurant located in Newtown, Wellington.

Foodie date — Margot

3 Wilson Street, Newtown, Wellington

Part restaurant, part wine bar, Margot is 100% delicious. If your date is discerning about their dining, they’re sure to be satiated at Margot.

This cosy Newtown restaurant changes its menu depending on the season or the chef’s inspiration. So even if your date has dined here before, it will be a brand new experience. Organic produce and ingredient-driven dishes put flavour first on every plate. With a built-in bar Next Door, Margot is a full-service evening in one spot.

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Two people, eating ice cream cones are walking outside of Willis Lane in Wellington.

Activity date — Willis Lane

1 Willis Street, Wellington

At Willis Lane, a subterranean wonderland is waiting for you and your date to explore. This underground destination has everything from cheap and cheerful to restaurant quality eats, and a selection of bars. Pasta, craft beer, ice cream, barbecue, burritos — you’re sure to please even the fussiest date. 

Once you’re fuelled, the fun can really begin. Willis Lane is home to a swathe of entertainment options for you and your date to play in. Try your hand at mini golf, arcade games, or ten-pin bowling. If you’re feeling brave, cosy up for some karaoke in the private rooms. Nothing like getting to know someone through an emotional power ballad duet.

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The interior of Golding’s bar. Kegs are stacked against the concrete brick wall, which has been painted with a heart with wings and a banner across it that says ‘beer is love’.

Casual date — Golding’s

14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington

If you’re looking for more of a relaxed evening than three-course fine dining, head to dive bar Golding’s. 

Cool, kitsch, and cosy, the dive bar’s quirky fit-out and finger food will ensure the evening is low-key. The taps are constantly changing with brews from near and far. 

Open late with an outdoor space, you’ll easily while away an evening under the fairy lights. If you’re looking for something more substantial than salty bar snacks, Pizza Pomodoro across the laneway delivers food straight to Golding’s.

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