Egmont St Eatery

The Wellington culinary scene is constantly changing, but Egmont St Eatery is a chameleon of the times. Pushing boundaries, raising standards, and reinventing itself for its loyal following.

Egmont St Eatery has been feeding hungry Wellingtonians since 2015. The award-winning restaurant focuses on what it believes dining should be: fun, accessible, and delicious.

Open for dinner and weekend brunch, Egmont St Eatery serves up big flavours, and seasonal ingredients. The menu is constantly changing but there are a few popular items that remain. The stracciatella cheese is a staple, served with sourdough and rotating toppings.

While the restaurant is great for any time of day, dinner is a particularly social affair at Egmont, so make sure you bring a few friends along. The menu comprises a range of smaller bites, so you can share and ensure everyone gets to sample. The drinks are just as thoughtful. There’s a selection of cocktails, a wine list celebrating Aotearoa’s finest drops, and Allpress coffee to keep you going from day to night.

While you’re there, make sure you give a special nod to the staff, who go above and beyond to make the experience authentic. They forage for ingredients, cure their own meats, and bake all their bread and sweet treats on-site.

The restaurant also deserves a special salute on behalf of the city’s gluten-free diners. Egmont Street Eatery runs an entire gluten-free menu alongside its main one at all times.

Its namesake laneway is between Ghuznee and Dixon Streets, and while in the centre of the city, it feels like a secret spot for those in the know. The restaurant is partially underground in a space that was once a car park — but you wouldn’t know looking around. Inside, the fit-out is crisp and clean with a nod to Scandi design, and a large artwork dominates one feature wall.

Prefer your meal al fresco? You can sit outside and enjoy a touch of greenery in the central city. At night time, fairy lights illuminate the laneway and you can feel the buzz from Courtenay Place. It’s a reminder that even in this magical little side street, you’re right in the centre of the action.