The Ram
With a focus on simple done really, really well, Wellington bar and restaurant The Ram is an equally good spot for an evening drink as it is for a casual meal.
If you’re wandering around central Wellington, it can pay to look up. Depending on the street, you could spy the famous Bucket Fountain, a historic building facade, or a head-scratching modern art installation. If you’re on Dixon Street, you might spot a cosy, hidden-away restaurant: Supra.
With a front-row seat to the busy city below and across the road from The Opera House, Supra is right in the thick of it. But, its unusual (for Wellington) placement on a first storey makes it feel like a well-kept secret. The understated signage beside the entrance staircase (painted a suitably discreet black) adds to the mystery. As owner and head chef Thom Millott puts it: “It’s a ‘if you know you know’ kind of thing.”
Once you’re in the know, head upstairs to find a relaxed, pared-back space. Hand-picked records from Thom’s home collection add to the personality. With large wrap-around windows, the city’s evening light is the decoration. The restaurant seats 18 with most diners sitting with window views — a perfect vantage point for people-watching below. Groups can nab larger tables as well or perch at the bar where you can see the other star of the show — the kitchen.
With a wealth of hospitality experience in both Aotearoa and Australia, Thom draws from a range of inspirations to create the menu. Plates vary in size, allowing diners to choose their own adventure. “It’s designed to share, but you don’t have to. If you want to have one or two things to yourself, that’s fine. And if you want to get a bunch, go for it.”
In a city of excellent restaurants Supra tries to keep surprising its customers. This can mean finding new ways to use ingredients or keeping ahead of food trends. The offering changes with season, supply, or whatever inspires the team.
The drinks list reflects the evolving and modern nature of the menu. Heavy on natural wine, you’ll find drops from local vineyards and further afield, along with considered beer and spirits.
The restaurant’s name is a happy coincidence. Thom picked it just because he liked it. But Supra by definition means ‘over’ or ‘above’ — a nod to both its location above the city and the elevated dining experience on offer.
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