Catch the Breeze: Outdoor Dining in Wellington

At St John's Bar and Eatery, you can enjoy a blend of great food, refreshing drinks, and delightful company. Their menu boasts an array of small plates like ceviche, salt and pepper calamari, and maple and buffalo glaze chicken. For those craving something more substantial, indulge in their pasta, burgers, or larger share plates. Whether you’re relaxing on the patio with friends or enjoying the bar with a drink in hand, this spot nails the outdoor dining Wellington vibe with ease.  

At Olive, start your day with a steaming cup of coffee and a warm cheese and chilli scone, or elevate your morning with a revitalising Bloody Mary alongside Olive’s signature big breakfast. With menus running from breakfast right through to dinner and dessert, there’s something for every craving. Enjoy favourites like the fried marinated pork ribs, pumpkin and tofu gnocchi, or the pan-roasted lamb back-strap. And be sure to save room for something sweet, the passionfruit panna cotta or a curated cheese and wine pairing are hard to pass up. 

For more than a century, Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant has been a beloved gathering place for Wellington locals, and its leafy outdoor garden remains one of the city’s best spots for open-air dining. Whether you're meeting colleagues, catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed family meal, the spacious courtyard sets the perfect scene. The menu covers everything from brunch to dinner and dessert, with crowd-pleasing favourites like cheesy garlic bread, fried chicken tenders, succulent pork belly, flavourful rigatoni and soy-glazed tofu. It’s relaxed, welcoming and ideal for anyone seeking easy-going outdoor dining in Wellington. 

Karaka Café & Summer Bar brings a unique twist to outdoor dining Wellington with its hāngi-inspired cuisine and relaxed waterfront setting. The menu celebrates traditional flavours, from oven-steamed hāngi to Eggs Benedict served on hāngi hash. Favourites include smoked pork belly, hāngi-style pulled pork and chicken with chips, and their popular raw fish in coconut cream. With glowing reviews, warm hospitality and plenty of open-air seating, Karaka Café is an easy pick for anyone wanting authentic flavours served in a breezy outdoor dining spot. 

Enjoy delightful Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails in Dragonfly’s hidden courtyard. Drawing inspiration from diverse Asian cuisines, including those of Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Dragonfly presents classic dishes with a modern twist. Indulge in starters like Wagyu orange beef tostadas or Taiwanese popcorn chicken before diving into main courses such as red duck curry or 55-day aged beef short ribs. Finish off with something sweet like their Korean twisted doughnuts or Vietnamese coffee mousse. Perfect for a relaxed evening outdoors with great food and cocktails.