Bistro-luxe dining at Concord
Take a trip to 20th century Europe in this casual-chic restaurant in a historic Wellington building
Elegant dining and delicious comfort food come together at this inner-city restaurant. Inspired by European bistros of the 20th century, sit amongst velvet and gold as you enjoy seasonal cooking, thoughtful wines, and impeccable hospitality.
You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to another era when you sit down for your meal. Dining at Concord is a delightfully old school experience: the flawless hospitality feels like you’re a VIP in a chic Parisian bistro – apart from the bustling Wellington CBD right outside the window.
The menu has lush sensibilities like lobster and steak tartare that nod to the opulence of the Concorde jet – a source of inspiration for the restaurant. However, more casual meals like a half roast chicken or a cheeseburger sit alongside fancier finds like oysters and duck liver pâté, keeping the casual elegance of Concord in balance.
French and American influences perfectly complement each other in the three-part menu, and the staff are more than happy to help you pair their highly considered wine list to the dishes. Hungrier customers also need not worry about tiny portions usually served at more upmarket restaurants – all the “Plat Principal”, or mains, come with bottomless French fries with mustard and sauces, a treat that even the most discerning of diners are sure to enjoy.
Concord's location is on a well-known corner of Victoria Street, in a historic 1950s Modernist building. Owners Sean Golding and Shepherd Elliott wanted to remain sympathetic to the history of the building in the fit-out, with nods to the era in decor and finishings.
The space feels just as indulgent and luxurious as the menu, with plush velvet, gold accents, retro carpet, and moody lighting. Much of the furniture was custom-made, with the “wave” of the heritage building’s awning mirrored in thoughtful decorative details. Colourful, fringed lampshades were handmade in Lower Hutt, and a mural of an iconic Le Mans race car in the corner booth was painted by a local artist.
A celebration of the old and the new, Concord means “a harmony between people and groups”, or in this case – between food, wine, good company, and great taste.
Concord is open Wednesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner. Bookings required.
