WellingtonEat & Drink
A server stands by a table of two explaining the restaurant's menu.

Hillside Kitchen

Hillside Kitchen is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant with a twist — it’s completely meat-free. As one of the standout vegetarian restaurants in Wellington, 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).

Two friends enjoy each other's company along with some white wine and a nice restaurant.
A gourmet dish of tomatoes arranged beautifully on a large white plate.
Owner and head chef at Hillside Kitchen, Asher Boote, plates a dish.
Inside a small restaurant with warm, dim lighting. There are three couples dining and a server taking an order.

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.

An entré dish comprised of small shared snacks sits between two water glasses on a table. A hand with red-painted nails sneaks in for a sample.

Frequently asked questions

Curious about the constantly changing menu or focus on seasonal and foraged ingredients? We've answered your most pressing questions about dining at Hillside Kitchen and Cellar.

Explore more