
Ombra
Venetian-inspired bacaro on Cuba Street, serving delicious small plates, pizzas, and Italian wines in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Ombra

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Venetian-inspired bacaro on Cuba Street, serving delicious small plates, pizzas, and Italian wines in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your table.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 3pm and 6pm for budget-friendly Italian drinks, often with a complimentary bite.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 4 385 3229
Address
199 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Venetian-Inspired Small Plates
Experience authentic Italian cicchetti with dishes like arancini, polenta chips, and unique pizzas.

Happy Hour Italian Drinks
Enjoy budget-friendly Italian drinks like Prosecco and Aperol Spritz during happy hour, 3-6pm.

Cozy Cuba Street Atmosphere
A stylish, cozy spot in the heart of Cuba Street, perfect for dates or catching up with friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your table.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 3pm and 6pm for budget-friendly Italian drinks, often with a complimentary bite.
Share the Plates
Order three to four small plates for two people to enjoy a variety of dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your table.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 3pm and 6pm for budget-friendly Italian drinks, often with a complimentary bite.
Share the Plates
Order three to four small plates for two people to enjoy a variety of dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ombra offers a Venetian-inspired dining experience with a focus on shareable small plates and Italian drinks. Many praise the unique menu, delicious pizzas, and the value found during happy hour. However, some reviewers noted issues with portion sizes and inconsistent service quality.
"I recently dined at this establishment and was quite pleased with the overall experience. The food was of good quality, and the prices were set at a reasonable level, providing great value for money. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a casual dining atmosphere.
While there isn't much to critique, one area for improvement would be the professionalism of the waiting staff, as it could be enhanced. Nonetheless, my experience was enjoyable enough to warrant a 5-star rating at this point. I highly recommend it for casual dining enthusiasts."
Man of Steel
"Wow, high reviews for an Italian restaurant that is overpriced, but offers small portions, and absolutely mediocre Italian food. My friend commented that the pasta was very oily and lacked flavor. Same can be said for the risotto. The pizza was tiny, but they will inform you of that beforehand. The drinks did not taste good either. The restaurant itself was very warm to the point where you would be sweating. The service was fine, staff did not appear to care too much about customer service. Absolutely not worth it and I'm sure they're way better Italian spots in the area."
Vinny F
"Had an amazing dinner at Ombra! The braised beef pizza was absolutely delicious — crispy base, rich toppings, and the flavors just melted together perfectly. The polenta chips were fun and crispy, and the octopus risotto was creamy with a nice kick. Great wine, cozy vibe, and friendly staff.
Highly recommend this spot if you’re in Wellington! 🍷🍕"
lijiao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Ombra serves Italian cuisine, inspired by the informal bacari of Venice, with a focus on small plates, pizzas, and pastas.
Yes, Ombra has a happy hour from 3pm to 6pm, offering budget-friendly Italian drinks like Prosecco and Aperol Spritz.
It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant is very popular.
Popular dishes include pizzas, arancini, polenta chips, venison meatballs, and tiramisu. Many dishes are designed for sharing.
Yes, Ombra offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please check with your server for specific dietary needs.
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A Guide To The Best Italian Restaurants In Wellington New Zealand
Warm up before dinner with a quick drink and small plate at Ombra Restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro. Inspired by the bacari (typical bar and restaurant of Venice), the interior of this stylish restaurant combines rustic and industrial design and serves budget-friendly Italian drinks such as Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, and Peroni with a complimentary bite between 3pm and 6pm. All plates are designed to share, so if you are planning to make a meal of it, order three to four dishes for two people.
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Ombra I’ve found that a lot of Italian restaurants tend to do the same thing; which, don’t get me wrong, are incredibly comforting and classic, yet Ombra just takes that next step to above and beyond. They have the most uniquely interesting Italian menu you’ve ever seen—divine small plates, such as: fresh rosemary focaccia with the fluffiest whipped cod; arancini balls; and polenta chips, with truffle mayo (my favourite). Their pizzette’s and polpette’s (meatballs) are also a must-try.
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Among the numerous world-class eateries that line Cuba Street, Ombra continues to hold its own as one of the best of the bunch. With its classy interior and prime location in the heart of Cuba, this Venetian-inspired restaurant is a top pick for either a long lunch or an intimate dinner for two. Take your time to peruse the regularly updated menus - with pizzas, pastas, meat dishes, and salads to choose from, you’ll be forgiven for wanting to try the whole lot.
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Inspired by Venice, Ombra delights with its small plates and a bar adorned with wine, making it a perfect stop for a wine-filled romantic date. This cozy eatery, conveniently located at the heart of Cuba Street, offers lovely large windows for people-watching while you indulge in delicious small plates. Ombra is inspired by the traditional Italian osterias, which are casual and convivial places where people gather to enjoy good food, wine, and company.
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This Cuba Street corner has been a Wellington institution since opening their doors back in 2013. Inspired by the bacari (wee bars for wine and snacks) of Venice, grab a seat at golden hour with an ombra (a small glass of wine), or aperitif and cicchetti (small bite) in hand, watching Cuba Street go by. I can’t leave without the menu staples: fluffy baccalà (whipped salted cod), jenga-sized polenta chips, venison meatballs and olive oil gelato.
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Unattended children will be given a shot of espresso and a puppy” the Ombra website exclaims, a welcome sight to people who are looking for a quiet family restaurant in Wellington. This Venetian-inspired bacara restaurant dishes up small plates that arrive the minute they’re ready. Selections of meatballs and pizzette (basically small pizza) will keep the children happy while the adults sip on Aperol Spritz and eat steaks, arancini, and pate.
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Ombra offers an extensive food menu patterned after the informal dining experience in Venice, Italy. They are situated in Wellington, New Zealand and captivates its patrons with an irresistible serving of small bites, pizzas, pasta and rice dishes. The small bites menu or called Cicchetti offers options such as polenta chips, mushroom and mozzarella, bruschetta, flatbread, and the baccala mantecato crostino.
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One of Cuba Street’s many famous food digs, who also happen to serve up some incredible food and drink inspired by the informal barcari (restaurants and bars) of Venice. Forget pizza and pasta dishes (although their Pizzette is bangin’), the real gold is hidden in amongst their small bite & vegetable menu items. Oozy arancini balls, crunchy cheesy broccolini, and thick crispy polenta chips – need I say more?
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Tucked away in a hidden alley, Ombra boasts an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Venetian bacaro. This eatery pays homage to the Venetian tradition of “cicchetti” – small, flavorful dishes perfect for sharing. Here, you can indulge in an array of tantalizing small plates, including the delectable Polpette di Agnello (lamb meatballs) and the creamy Burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil.
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The latest offering from Dean White’s Dining Room Group (which also owns Ombra, across the road, and Mr Go’s), Kisa started life as an eight-month pop-up in March last year. The name, meaning “short’’ in Turkish, reflects the original’s impermanence. “That went really well and gave us the confidence we could do this and there was a market for it,’’ White tells Broadsheet.
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If you’re a lover of authentic Italian cuisine, then Ombra Italian Restaurant is the place for you in Wellington. This charming eatery has created a name for itself by offering a unique and traditional dining experience to its patrons. It offers a range of Italian-inspired dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
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Elevate your culinary experience in Wellington by booking a table at Ombra, one of the city's most sought-after dining destinations. Renowned for its mouth-watering dishes, diners frequently rave about their pappardelle with mushrooms and the garlic chilli butter gnocchi. But it's not just the food that makes this restaurant so popular.
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This Venice-inspired eatery specialises in small plates, equipped with a bar leaden with wine. If you’re feeling peckish, Ombra is the perfect stop with lovely large windows and a menu that caters to different dietary requirements. I personally love their risotto, and you can’t beat a “pizzette” with wine for a romantic date night.
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Wellington’s very own Venetian-themed restaurant sits just outside the popular Cuba Street. The bar and restaurant is almost always packed with diners looking to have a taste of Italy. The establishment is also committed to sourcing the freshest ingredients such as wild foraged porcini mushroom and freshly caught fish of the day.
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Inspired by the bacaro bars and restaurants in Venice, Ombra serves excellent Italian fare, craft beers, and local wines to guests and travellers. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Wellington for an authentic Italian dining experience. Whether you want to have a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, Ombra can provide.
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Popular choices include Nicolini's, Fratelli, Pizzeria Napoli, Cin Cin, and Ombra, known for their delicious pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and charming atmospheres. Additionally, Franco Italian Bistro, Cucina Moderna, and Zona Blu West Palm Beach come highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
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Ombra is an Italian bacari (backstreet bar) serving simple rustic Italian fare, local wines and craft beer. The wine list is small but perfect, with a great mix of Italian and New Zealand wines to sample. It’s the perfect place to settle in for the evening and have a real culinary feast.
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Situated up on Cuba Street, Ombra is inspired by the bacari of Venices and makes a perfect place for a date night!. The menu is made for sharing, so between two people 3-4 dishes are advised!. A filling cicchetti (small bites) to start should be the baccalá mantecato crostino.
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Hailed as an extraordinarily atmospheric place to eat, Ombra’s vibes are just as good as the cocktails they serve. Inspired by the classic Jelly Tip ice cream, their cherry chocolate take on a Negroni will include Campari, Cinzano Vermouth and French white chocolate liqueur.
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In the late afternoon, Ombra beckoned us with Venetian-esque promises, and delivered: aperol spritz sipped in the sunshine spilling softly through the window – their "aperitivo hour" (3-6pm) meant happy prices, and a complimentary bite to eat with each drink ordered.
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As Wellington’s signature, venetian inspired bacaro – translation: bar and restaurant, you’ll step into not just another restaurant, but another world. Slide into a booth, or settle at the bar for an evening of magic. The food is perfecto, as is the service.
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Love the atmosphere of Ombra, started off with a prosecco and the most beautifully balanced heirloom tomato salad, they have a surprising amount of gluten free options (ones that make you feel you're not missing out!) love this for me.
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A post shared by Ombra Cuba St (@ombracuba) on Apr 19, 2019 at 4:02am PDT. Ombra is one of my faves to take a group of friends to for drinks and small bites. At Ombra you will order lots of small plates to share.
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Serving simple, rustic, Italian fare Ombra is where Cuba Street meets the streets of Venice. Ombra’s menu features Italian sharing plates and is open seven days.
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Really enjoyed our dinner at Ombra. Staff were friendly and attentive. Food was reasonably priced and delicious. Great atmosphere - would recommend...
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The restaurant serves rustic, simple, and great tasting food including pizza and pasta, accompanied by local wines and craft beers................
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit