Boulcott Street Bistro
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Boulcott Street Bistro

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A timeless Wellington institution in a charming Victorian cottage, offering classic NZ dishes, fine wines, and impeccable service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Boulcott Street Bistro

Boulcott Street Bistro

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A timeless Wellington institution in a charming Victorian cottage, offering classic NZ dishes, fine wines, and impeccable service.

"This would have to be one of my BEST dining experiences ever! The staff were all fantastic and the food and atmosphere next level."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially for weekend dining.

Ask for Specials

Inquire about daily specials or staff recommendations for a personalized culinary experience.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Bistro / New Zealand

Price

$$$

Phone

+64 4 499 4199

Address

99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Victorian Charm

Historic Victorian Charm

Dine in a beautifully preserved 19th-century Victorian cottage, offering a unique, intimate, and elegant atmosphere.

3 great wine bars and wine restaurants in Wellington 2025Top restaurants - WellingtonNZ.com
Exquisite Grilled Octopus

Exquisite Grilled Octopus

Savor the perfectly grilled octopus, a popular dish noted for its delicious seasoning and tender texture.

Google Review
Decadent Desserts

Decadent Desserts

Indulge in delightful desserts like the rich dark chocolate mousse or the perfectly caramelized crème brûlée.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍The Boulcott Street Bistro #Foodtok #Wellington #Restaurants #DineWithMe #NZfood #Celebrations
@ataahuasmama
55 likes • 1.5K views

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially for weekend dining.

Ask for Specials

Inquire about daily specials or staff recommendations for a personalized culinary experience.

Boulcott Street Bistro we will definitely be back ✨ #dinnersate #datenight #graduationdinner #boulcottstreetbistro #boulcottstreetbistrowellington #finedining #restaurant #wellingtonrestaurant
@miekeandjoseph
19 likes • 675 views
Tik Tok viral ice creams 🍓🍏🥭🍔Sai Cafe and Superette, Boulcott street, Wellington Central
@sai.cafe.and.supe
36 likes • 702 views

Consider Off-Peak

The restaurant can get loud quickly; visiting during less busy times might enhance a quieter experience.

Pair with Fine Wine

Explore their expertly curated wine list, featuring exceptional vintages from New Zealand and beyond.

$3 each #saicafeandsuperette #wellington #boulcotthall #boulcottstreetwellington #softdrink #energydrink #cafe #superette #coffee #tea #hotfood #takeaway #chips #slice #cake #muffins #vlovers #sweets #smoke #vape #pie #sandwiches #curry #wrap #samosa
@sai.cafe.and.supe
7 likes • 566 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially for weekend dining.

Ask for Specials

Inquire about daily specials or staff recommendations for a personalized culinary experience.

Consider Off-Peak

The restaurant can get loud quickly; visiting during less busy times might enhance a quieter experience.

Pair with Fine Wine

Explore their expertly curated wine list, featuring exceptional vintages from New Zealand and beyond.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Boulcott Street Bistro is a beloved Wellington institution praised for its exquisite food, exceptional service, and charming historic ambiance. Diners rave about signature dishes and delicious desserts, highlighting it as a perfect spot for special occasions. While generally excellent, some find the price point a bit high for the experience.

"A charming little restaurant in Wellington that’s well-known and well-loved. While the menu is on the pricier side, it’s absolutely worth it for the exceptional service, impeccable food, and the overall experience. The staff are warm, friendly, and attentive, making every visit feel special.

We’ve celebrated birthdays here and have never been disappointed- the food and service are consistently top-notch. There’s even a kids’ menu, which is great for families. On our most recent visit, we ordered two steaks, one lamb dish, and a kids’ fish and chips. Fresh bread and butter were served at the beginning, which was a lovely touch. For dessert, we enjoyed the tiramisu and the chocolate tart- both beautifully presented and delicious.

The interior decor of the restaurant is elegant and full of charm, with a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The building architecture stands as a historical reminder of a bygone era of the colonial times with its low ceilings, wood finishes and small rooms. I especially love the cute little staircase leading to the second floor and the beautiful paintings that adorn the restaurant walls of contemporary artwork- are a tasteful classy touch that adds a modern twist to the space.

Highly recommend this spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out."

daezjn

"A polished, well-run establishment that largely meets expectations, but doesn’t quite justify its price point. Service was competent and the experience smooth, yet I hoped for an extra spark—tableside touches or a distinctive signature element—to make it feel special.

The food was solid overall. The octopus would have benefited from a more assertive sear on the exterior, while both the lamb and venison could have delivered bolder, more pronounced flavors. Good, not great—reliable for a pleasant night out, but lacking the memorable highlights you’d expect at this cost."

Man of Steel

"Great experience. Every dish was delicious. The house was very cute and has a long history. Wish we had a chance to try more dishes! There were too less of us."

Nina Podjamard

What People Like

Historic and intimate ambiance
Attentive and friendly service
Deliciously prepared dishes

What People Dislike

Can be a bit noisy
Price point for some

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially for evening dining.

Google Review

The bistro offers a blend of classic bistro dishes and contemporary New Zealand cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

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While not explicitly stated, the upscale atmosphere suggests smart-casual attire is appropriate.

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Popular dishes include grilled octopus, lamb shank, aged fillet steak, and desserts like crème brûlée.

Google Review

Absolutely! The restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions and even offers a birthday cake-making service.

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Wellington, New ZealandGoogle Review

Reservations are taken for lunch and highly recommended for dinner. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows.

Best Romantic Dining In WellingtonGoogle Review

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Boulcott Street Bistro in Wellington is renowned for its cozy and upscale ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Set in a charming Victorian cottage, the restaurant offers classic and modern New Zealand dishes paired with fine wines. With a menu that changes daily based on seasonal produce, guests can enjoy innovative creations like Duck Confit or House-made Smoked Kielbasa Pork Sausage.

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The martini menu scrawled in chalk is the first giveaway this is the ideal place for a corporate power lunch or an extravagant date, the second and third are the gold-plated Krug champagne sign and the crisp white tablecloths. Boulcott Street Bistro is a Wellington institution, having opened in 1991. It’s popular with the 9-5 crowd and those frequenting nearby Parliament.

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A post shared by Fin 🐶🐕🐩 #finthefurchild (@finthefurchild) on Dec 29, 2018 at 12:42am PST. I love the Boulcott St Bistro. The first time I went there I ordered a steak and chips and it was cooked to perfection.

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