By the seaside: Where to eat and drink on the waterfront

It’s difficult to find a spot closer to the water than Dockside. With a deck that extends over the harbour and a large retractable roof, you can enjoy seaside alfresco dining with shelter from the elements. Inside, a sailboat and a dinghy hang from the rafters and black and white photographs of dockworkers adorn the walls. The menu has a rustic and charming feel to match its maritime theme. There is a strong seafood focus and the team sources produce daily from local markets. Seating extends over the wharf on sunny days, allowing you to bask in the sun right up until it sets and beyond.

The charm and flavour of Cape Cod come to Wellington in this prime waterfront location. The Crab Shack combines a fun and energetic environment with food to match. Get a little messy and take on one of the king crabs or Cajun-style boil-up. For those less nautically-inclined, there’s plenty on the menu to make you smile, including a drinks menu as long as a ship’s anchor rope. With cray-pot chandeliers and nautical-chart wallpaper, the casual feel of the restaurant makes it perfect for families and large groups.

Shed 5 has carved out a reputation as one of Wellington’s premier seafood restaurants. This harbourside establishment is all class and style. The food is fresh, modern, and inspired by the sea. With an in-house fishmonger, every inch of the fish is used and respected.  Inside the restaurant, tall windows flood the space with natural light, and white tablecloths create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors can sit by the water and watch the boats come and go from the port as they dine. 

Located in the heart of Queens Wharf, Foxglove is a blend of 1930s vintage glamour and West Hollywood lounge. Spacious but made to feel intimate, Foxglove has menu options to suit all appetites. From shareable antipasto boards to hearty Wagyu steaks. 

Pick a table that takes in the sweeping harbour views, open fireplaces, or the large living green wall. With two levels of indoor and outdoor seating, there are plenty of options for large groups or couples. The expansive balcony has sweeping views over the harbour, perfect for those unbeatable Wellington days.

Situated in the historic Wellington Free Ambulance building, this popular waterfront bar and restaurant is the place to be on a sunny day. The sheltered grassy lawn is ideal for pulling up a bean bag and enjoying a drink and snack. Watch over the Whairepo Lagoon as dragon boats and rowing squads come and go. Inside, the beautiful Art Deco building has period light fittings, plush velvet booths, and potted palms. Soak up the lush atmosphere in the bar before heading next door to dine at the eatery. There is an impressive raw bar and a refined take on all the bar food classics.

The tastes and aromas of indigenous culture presented with a modern café ambience. Karaka Café and Summer Bar is unique in Wellington’s hospitality scene, offering up a culinary adventure you won’t find anywhere else. The chefs infuse traditional smoked flavours found in hāngī (food cooked in an earth oven) alongside Kiwi cuisine. Open since 2011, Karaka is Māori and Pacifica owned and operated. Named after a Karaka grove that once grew near the Whairepo Lagoon, Māori who lived in the area ate the orange fruit the native trees produced.

It’s big, it’s proud, it’s loud. Master Kong makes a statement with a wild mix of Asian fusion food and bright décor. With bamboo panels, large lanterns, and jungle-inspired wallpaper the waterfront restaurant leans heavily into its theme. The street-food-inspired menu has a huge selection of delicious dishes designed for sharing. As the menu says, it’s a ‘banquet fit for emperor or urchin’. On the drinks menu look out for the limited-edition handcrafted cocktails. This is a fun and lively spot for a date night, work lunches, or group celebrations.