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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Boulcott Street Bistro

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

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bistro / New Zealand
Price
$$$
Phone
+64 4 499 4199
Address
99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Website
boulcottstreetbistro.co.nz/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Decadent Desserts
Indulge in delightful desserts like the rich dark chocolate mousse or the perfectly caramelized crème brûlée.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially for evening dining.
The bistro offers a blend of classic bistro dishes and contemporary New Zealand cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.
While not explicitly stated, the upscale atmosphere suggests smart-casual attire is appropriate.
Popular dishes include grilled octopus, lamb shank, aged fillet steak, and desserts like crème brûlée.
Absolutely! The restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions and even offers a birthday cake-making service.
Reservations are taken for lunch and highly recommended for dinner. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows.
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A charming Victorian cottage is home to the local dining institution known as the Boulcott Street Bistro. The restaurant has been dishing out a range of classic bistro-style dishes, contemporary creations and comprehensive wine lists since 1991, so they’re well established in the capital’s fine dining scene. Set menus are available for groups, and the restaurant even has a birthday cake-making service for those extra-special celebrations.
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Without a doubt, Boulcott Street Bistro is a Wellington institution. Established in 1991, this charming, cosy restaurant is located in a beautiful old Victorian cottage on the outskirts of the central business district of Wellington: a culinary haven amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. Inspired by Victorian gothic architecture, complete with dramatic sweeping roof, elegant gables and even a turret, this iconic venue is unforgettable once seen.
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Boulcott Street Bistro was founded in 1991 and showcases a great wine collection, contemporary menu, traditional bistro delicacies and unmatched customer service. At their location in Wellington, New Zealand, diners are treated with a sumptuous feast of grilled staples complemented by a variety of special brews and wines. The steakhouse can accommodate parties for private occasions or a small celebration with business people.
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Generally regarded as one of Wellington’s finest restaurants, Boulcott Street Bistro is led by acclaimed and award-winning chef Rex Morgan. Opened in 1991 in historic Plimmer House, a charming inner-city Victorian cottage, the restaurant is warm and inviting. The Bistro has a long-established reputation for serving timelessly classic bistro dishes using the freshest seasonal produce and contemporary flavours.
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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 Boulcott Street Bistro has been a fixture in central Wellington since 1991 and offers casual dining at lunchtime and in the evening. Bookings are taken at lunchtimes, but in the evening diners simply walk in to the Gothic cottage that houses the restaurant and wait to be seated. Inside, guests will find a menu featuring classic dishes such as French onion soup and braised lamb shank created...
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Boulcott Street Bistro has been a mainstay of the Wellington dining scene since it opened its doors in a historic Victorian cottage in the heart of the city. The restaurant is celebrated for its stylish interpretations of bistro classics, along with its cozy and inviting atmosphere. It offers an expertly curated wine list that highlights some of the best vintages from New Zealand and beyond.
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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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For those who appreciate timeless elegance (without the stuffiness), Boulcott Street Bistro is your spot. Housed in one of Wellington's oldest buildings, they've been nailing the fine dining game for years. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, even though the food could hold its own against any high-end restaurant in the world.
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Set in a white Victorian-style house, Boulcott St Bistro and Winebar combines classic bistro meals with a contemporary twist. Choose from an à la carte or a set menu that includes classic cuts of beef and daily market catches. Complement your choice with a local beer or a Marlborough Sauv Blanc from an impressive drink list.
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Located just up the road from the CBD, Boulcott Street Bistro has been a Boulcott Street fixture for more than 30 years – a much-loved haunt for businesspeople and diplomats sneaking off for a classic French bistro lunch or looking to seal a deal at dinner. But there’s also plenty for the casual visitor.
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This fine-dining restaurant is one of the most famous options and some of the best food in Wellington. Boulcott Street Bistro has been serving customers delicious modern cuisine since 1991. The restaurant lies in a Victorian cottage, which helps provide a more elegant yet intimate atmosphere for diners.
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Cozy in the beautiful setting of the historic Victorian cottage that houses Boulcott Street Bistro. You can eat fusion dishes inspired by New Zealand and France. The wine list at the restaurant is broad, allowing diners to sample a wide range of regional and international varietals.
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Cosy up in the gorgeous setting of Boulcott Street Bistro, located inside a heritage Victorian cottage. The prestigious restaurant has a New Zealand Beef & Lamb Ambassador and culinary judge as their head chef. As for the food, choose from a menu of Kiwi and French fusion cuisine.
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Opened in 1991, Boulcott Street Bistro is widely regarded as one of Wellington’s finest restaurants. The restaurant is in Plimmer House, a charming 1870s Victorian cottage. Surrounded by high-rises, it’s a time capsule in the middle of the city.
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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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Boulcott Street Bistro - this legendary bistro in a historic villa has been going strong since 1991 and does not disappoint. Think impeccable food paired with smart service - we recommend you book!
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Boulcott Street Bistro, a charming eatery in Wellington, serves a fusion of classic bistro dishes with contemporary New Zealand flavours, in a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
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A post shared by Boulcott Street Bistro (@boulcottstreetbistro). Boulcott Street Bistro. Address: 99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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Boulcott Street Bistro, housed in a heritage Victorian cottage, serves Kiwi and French fusion cuisine with an extensive wine selection to complement the dishes.
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Boulcott Street Bistro - For the odd special end of year occasion, this old dame still lives up to her reputation.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit