Max Gordy and Stina Persen: a local hospitality guide

Graze Wine Bar in the leafy city fringe suburb of Kelburn is a sustainably-focused pescatarian restaurant. Among its many accolades is Wellington Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Welly Hospo Awards. Owners and couple Max Gordy and Stina Persen live and breathe the food business. Running a successful bar and restaurant is demanding, but they still find time on days off to eat out, sip wine, and catch up with friends. They keep up with the city’s hospo heartbeat. It makes them a great authority on the Wellington food scene.

Start the day right with breakfast  

When it comes to breakfast, the couple are quick to draw and take aim at the same target. “Fred’s,” they both confirm. 

Fred’s Sandwiches on Cuba Street is a well-known lunch spot. But it’s the New York-style egg and cheese breakfast sandwich that keeps the couple coming back for more. “We hit Fred’s at least once a week,” confirms Stina. “And Floriditas, too.” 

Further up Cuba Street, Floriditas is something of a Wellington establishment. “I like the green eggs and ham,” says Max. “It looks beautiful, and I feel whimsical when I order it.”

Launch into lunch 

Lunch time is pizza time. “Bongusto is a good one,” says Max. With a shop in Miramar and stocked at Moore Wilson’s in the city, Bongusto serves up thin-crust Roman-style pizza that is outright moreish. 

Another Wellington establishment the couple frequent is Astoria in Midland Park. “They have this salad that’s got pickled chilli and olives,” says Stina. “It’s a very simple salad but I’m addicted to it.” 

Courtenay Place is also a regular haunt. “I love Kazu Yakitori. They bang that little drum every time someone enters.” Across the road at Catch Sushi, Stina is such a regular that they know her order before she even sits down. “Best sushi train in town,” confirms Max. 

A table for two 

For dinner, the couple is quick to mention Ortega Fish Shack — and its olives. ”Oh my god, straight from Sicily,” confirms Stina. “They’re big, they’re juicy, they’re everything you want from a bowl of olives,” says Max. 

While Ortega Fish Shack on Majoribanks Street might have the best olives in town, the restaurant also serves up some spectacular mains. “The roasted fish or the octopus are really good,” says Max. 

“I do hit up KC Café quite regularly, too,” says Max. The busy Hong Kong-style café is famous among a broad facet of locals, with an equally broad offering. “I’m trying to work my way through the menu.”

A sweet treat 

“I’m getting most of my sweet treats from Volco,” says Stina. The bakery handily has a location across the road from Graze in Kelburn. 

Another favourite for the couple is tiramisu at The Ram. “[The chef] brings over an empty bowl and a giant tray of tiramisu and they scoop it at the table.” Stina smiles at Max. “I think your record is three scoops.” 

Cocktails or coffee 

For a drink, the couple head to Ghuznee Street. “Puffin is my favourite,” says Stina. “I love Ascot, too.” For a morning brew, Stina and Max visit petite café Orange on Cuba Street. “Good coffee and a lovely barista. [The owner’s] dog is usually there.” “And Swimsuit,” adds Max. “Obviously, Swimsuit.” With locations on Dixon Street, Lombard Lane, and in Miramar, the couple is never far from a Swimsuit coffee. 

Max and Stina spread their love far and wide when they eat out. “We’ve lived in a lot of cities around the world, and Wellington’s the best,” says Max. Stina nods in agreement. “It’s got it going on.”