Pax Assadi — Secrets
24 May 2024The Opera House
241 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington
Hillside Kitchen is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant with a twist — it’s completely meat-free. Instead of animal products, the restaurant focuses on sustainable, locally-grown produce. It uses ingredients foraged from Wellington’s green areas and grown in its own garden, taking the concept of farm-to-table to another level.
Seasonality is key, which means the Hillside menu is constantly changing. Diners can choose between a five and seven-course tasting menu when they book. But the components of each course are a surprise until they’re seated at their table.
Although there’s no knowing in advance exactly what they’ll be serving up, there are a few things you can be sure of. The food will reflect modern multicultural New Zealand, and a few key seasonal ingredients will crop up several times in varying ways. And every plate will be jaw-droppingly beautiful (check out their Instagram for proof).
The ever-changing wine list is small but varied, showcasing natural and organic wines. Refreshingly, non-alcoholic drinks aren’t an afterthought. Hillside makes a range of sodas and kombucha in-house, and you can even opt for non-alcoholic drink matches with your tasting menu.
Although it may seem daunting, don’t be intimidated by the multi-course format. At Hillside, the food is gourmet but the atmosphere is far from stuffy. As soon as you step into the quaint little building on Tinakori Road, you’ll get a friendly welcome from the staff. Warm lighting casts a soft glow over the stylish Scandi-inspired fit-out. Think warm timber and homely touches, rather than starched white tablecloths.
So leave your black-tie garb at home. Come with an appetite for culinary adventure, and you won’t leave disappointed.
24 May 2024The Opera House
Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.
Fresh fish, steak fries, and sherry are all on offer at Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant.
Pay a visit to Carlucci Land just 10 minutes from Wellington’s CBD to discover why this 18-hole mini golf course has become a Wellington landmark.
This cool, kitsch, and cosy laneway bar is a shrine to great beer, great design, and great atmosphere.
Open the big red doors on Cuba Street to find a Wellington institution of fine-dining.
Come as you are to this relaxed bar meets pub at the heart of Cuba Street.