Daisy’s

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Thorndon, Daisy’s is the creation of beloved Wellington chef Asher Boote. Charming, fresh and of course delicious, eating at Daisy’s feels like a seat at your mum’s dining table (if your mum happens to be an award-winning chef).

The menu is split by size, with some larger plates good for sharing. Everything is in the spirit of home cooking, done really really well. Comfort foods like a half-roast chicken, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or smoked new potatoes. If you can’t choose, get a Daisy’s Dinner Party. Designed for the table to share, it’s made up of the chef’s favourite dishes of the moment. Along with an impressive wine list, guests can bring their own wine for a corkage charge.

The bistro’s name is a nod to Aunt Daisy, a well-known New Zealand radio personality and cookbook author. But Asher says she could be any woman of a certain age who knows how to throw a great dinner party. Akin to a huge dining room nestled on buzzing Tinakori Road, Daisy’s certainly delivers on atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and experienced, and the service is friendly and laid back.

Along with sourcing fresh, seasonal produce, Asher grows his own vegetables at a market garden. The restaurateur also owns Hillside Kitchen, another Tinakori Road establishment that is completely vegetarian.