WairarapaEat & Drink
Inside Union Square Bar & Bistro, at The Martinborough Hotel, Wairarapa.

Union Square Bistro & Bar

Elegant bistro dining meets classic country pub in the historic Martinborough Hotel.

Part bistro restaurant and part homely pub, Union Square is the place to go if you’re visiting Martinborough and are after a relaxing evening out.

The bistro and bar are set inside the historic Martinborough Hotel building, which dates back to the 1880s. Elegant and warm, Union Square is the perfect relaxing spot on long summer days and a cosy corner on cooler evenings.

Local wine, gin, and craft beers are served at the bar, along with a selection of some from further afield. You can grab a pint and a bite to eat — either bar snacks or a full dinner. Or sit down at the wooden tables (set with beautiful floral arrangements) and choose from a menu inspired by European and French flavours.

Hands holding a dish served at Union Square.

The food is hearty and flavourful. Sausages with buttery mash and mustard jus is a staple. The menu is full of seasonal, warming dishes, like pasta, risotto, burgers, and soup. To make sure the dishes are bursting with flavour, the chefs use local meat, produce, and seafood.

Chef Adam and his partner Nicola Newell are the makers and movers behind Union Square. After working in the hustle and bustle of Wellington’s hospitality sector, the dynamic duo decided to move over to the Wairarapa region for a slower pace.

At Union Square, you’ll find friendly staff and a bright atmosphere. The deck overlooks the square and is perfect for warmer days, while the casual bar and refined restaurant are great throughout the year.

Exterior shot of The Martinborough Hotel, a Victorian era building surrounded by trees and pedestrians.
Explore more

Looking for more?

At start of items
Different tables with people dining and drinking wine at Astoria in Wellington.

Astoria

A downtown Wellington classic, Astoria has a strong café focus during the day, and in the evenings, the focus switches to wine, pizza, and pasta.

A Margherita pizza being shared and mozzarella sticks.

Nolita

Nolita is a vegan pizzeria and pastaria on Cuba Street. The menu offers Italian classics made from plant-based ingredients. Visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

An open doorway connects a garden courtyard to a busy tavern.

Cuba Street Tavern

In the heart of Wellington, Cuba Street Tavern is a lively bar and eatery with a secret garden, craft beers, cocktails, and locally inspired cuisine.

Two customers dining at Loretta on Cuba Street. One smiles at the other as they eat.

Loretta

Gather for a fun, relaxed meal at Loretta, a lively Cuba Street restaurant. Best known for its wood-fired pizzas, which use fresh local ingredients.

People dining inside Floriditas, a restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro Wellington.

Floriditas

Floriditas is a grand café-style restaurant serving seasonal New Zealand-European fare in an opulent, welcoming setting.

A group of three sit at a table inside Ombra near a window. One reaches across the others to grab a plate and they all laugh.

Where to eat, drink, and be merry on Cuba Street

For many, Cuba Street captures the spirit of Wellington. It’s quirky, bustling, and full of creative life.

A chef working in the kitchen at 1154 Pastaria on Cuba Street.

1154 Pastaria

Italian restaurant 1154 on Cuba Street is Wellington’s pasta pioneer. Enjoy handmade pasta classics, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

The exterior of Maranui Café, inside the Lyall Bay surf lifesaving club. The building is white with red accents and cars are parked outside.

Drink in the views at Maranui Café

Hearty breakfasts come with a side of incredible views and retro décor at this quintessential Wellington experience.

The exterior of Thistle Inn, the oldest standing tavern in New Zealand on Mulgrave street.

Thistle Inn

Grab a pint or lunch with a side of history at Wellington’s oldest pub, The Thistle Inn. Established in 1840, the all-day gastropub stands in the same spot.

The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Seashore Cabaret serves up delicious diner food and great coffee. On the Petone Foreshore, the café offers views across Wellington Harbour with your brunch.