Where To Spend Your Next Foodie Date Night In Wellington

If you’re looking for somewhere special for someone special, look no further; Jano Bistro is the perfect spot. The quaint and quirky eatery is located in a two-story yellow cottage that is rich in history and character. Decked out with cosy booths (ideal cuddle spots), warm wooden accents and an abundance of natural light – this place is cupid’s creation.

Indulge your culinary palate with seasonally-inspired, modern cuisine. You and your boo can dine like royalty with the Jano experience menu and wine pairing. The menu is prone to change every few weeks, but a few of our favourite dishes have been the Ora king salmon, crayfish and prawn ravioli, and the BBQ beetroot and mushroom Wellington. 

In the heart of Wellington, you will find Fratelli, a chic Italian eatery that specialises in romance with soft mood lighting, intimate seating and a charming atmosphere. The modern Italian cuisine and the extensive Italian wine list have stolen many hearts, including ours. 

The menu is seasonally influenced to ensure the freshest ingredients, the pasta is lovingly handmade, and the pizzas are cooked to perfection in the wood fire oven. Our go-to dish is the sensational gnocchi di patate; the pan-fried potato gnocchi is served in a black truffle and mushroom sauce, with braised beef cheeks, toasted walnuts and an additional Taleggio cheese sauce.

When we picture our ideal romantic night out, one place comes to mind; Atlas. The elegant and sophisticated space exudes warmth, and the mood lighting sets the stage for an intimate night of indulgence. The contemporary New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from around the world while utilising the finest products our country has to offer.

Spoil your loved one with fresh oysters, smoked onion consommé, and venison with black pudding and cauliflower. The cuisine is by far some of the finest we have ever had the pleasure of eating, and the wine list pairs perfectly with the menu, dovetailing with the flavours. 

Escape to Hideout with your beloved and explore the taste of Asia with authentic dishes, unforgettable flavours and beautiful spices. The laidback eatery has cosy booth seating, quirky artwork and neon lights; this is a relaxing and fun alternative for date night. Hideout is the ultimate spot for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts; the carefully curated menu will encourage diners to push their limits and experiment with new flavours. 

The tapa-style menu will have you and your boo sharing the likes of cream cheese and chive wontons, Korean BBQ fried chicken and braised pork boa buns. Take date night to the next level by working your way through Hideout’s cocktail list. We like to start with the gummy bear, a fruity little creation that pairs vodka with watermelon, orange liqueur, raspberry, lemon and apple.  

Lola Rouge is the embodiment of love, from the rich red tones to the intimate mood lighting and exposed brick walls. Situated in the iconic Nuami Hotel, this beauty is charming and swoon-worthy. Dining at Lola’s is a tantalising experience that ignites the senses in the best way possible; go on a journey to the Orient with modern Asian cuisine and indulge in expertly crafted cocktails that taste like heaven. 

Feast on the likes of soft shell crab, steamed edamame and lamb Massaman curry. The crying tiger is Lola’s signature dish; it is a masterpiece. The Lumina farm lamb loin is served medium rare with wok tossed Udon noodles, mushrooms, zucchini, peanuts, spicy pickled cucumber, Thai basil and Nam Jim Jeaw.