Foodie faves on First Table in the Capital

Treat your tastebuds to something new in the Capital, and discover the hottest Wellington restaurants on First Table as voted by you! Savour the freshest seafood in a historic wharf setting, try New Zealand's finest cuts with a New York twist, or discover authentic Mexican flavours and be rewarded with half-priced dining. Here are our diner's picks of what's hot on First Table in Wellington.

Shed 5 restaurant and bar

Located in the historic wharf store of Lambton Harbour, with the sea lapping under its floorboards, Shed 5 is well known as one of Wellington's best seafood restaurants. Over the years the historic building has been used as a bustling fish market, fitting for this restaurant that prides itself on using local catches. For starters, the oysters are a must (your choice of Coromandel, Waiheke Island or Foveaux strait) as well as the Shed 5 signature seafood chowder. And for mains, Shed 5’s in-house fishmonger Richard makes sure to present the freshest seafood sourced from our backyard. 

Pravda Café and Grill

Pravda, which means ‘the truth’ in Russian, delivers a sophisticated European dining experience in the heart of Wellington. An elegant steakhouse, their dedicated cuts menu features wagyu beef, Wakanui Blue and Taupo or Canterbury Beef cuts. Mains also include the forever evolving market catch, buttermilk and chipotle chicken, and the roast butternut pumpkin risotto. The historic building with its vaulted high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and marble furnishing delivers an atmosphere of opulence, and you won't be disappointed. 

Los Banditos

Los Banditos is the Mexican cantina and tequileria of your dreams, to experience Mexican food, you need to experience Los Banditos. Sharing is caring at Los Banditos with bocaditos front and centre; start with ceviche tostada, or their famous flaming cheese, or get your fingers sticky with the pineapple glazed sticky chicken.  Big plates include pork belly, premium ribeye and tacos and quesadillas for days. And we can't talk Mexican without mentioning the margaritas, tequila cocktails and white, red and rose sangria.

Oak and Vine

Hidden out of sight amongst the bustle of Courtenay Place, Oak and Vine showcases contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Savor the mouth watering coffee crusted venison Denver leg, the denizen-cured Ora King salmon sashimi or the pork and Atlantic scallops. If burgers take your fancy, go wild with the buttermilk fried crispy chicken burger or select something from the grill.

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Image Credit Guillaume Lebelt