Dine at Wellington's Hillside Kitchen! This top-rated restaurant (4.7 stars) offers a fantastic experience. See why diners rave about the seasonal menu!
Located in Thorndon, this Wellington eatery boasts a stellar 4.7-star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and service. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it a favorite for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. Priced in the moderate range ($$), it provides excellent value for the experience. What makes this place special is its dedication to showcasing seasonal ingredients and crafting a menu that delights even the most discerning palates. Diners consistently praise the chef's impressive skills and the team's dedication to creating a memorable meal. Many appreciate the option for non-alcoholic drink pairings, enhancing the overall dining experience. Reservations are recommended to enjoy a remarkable culinary journey.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your restaurant preferences in your profile to see how well this restaurant matches your dining style.
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
I’ve loved every visit to Hillside for almost ten years now. The delicious, seasonal, plant-based menu always showcases the land, the chef’s impressive skills and the whole team’s dedication to delivering a fantastic experience. Great to come back for a birthday treat of a wonderful multi-course meal that even my meat-eating partner enjoyed. Thank you Asher- can’t wait to come back! What an experience! We did the early dinner option and also got matching non alcoholic drinks and a non alcoholic aperitif. The aperitif was phenomenal! The food was very thought provoking and delicious. It's fine dining so don't expect huge meals, however the bread and snacks to start certainly helped. Standouts were the sour dough bread, black garlic puree and carrots, onion puree and potato and seaweed terrine, the pumpkin dumpling, and the passionfruit and mandarin drink. Some of the matching drinks were not to our taste or style, however we went there for the experience and that is certainly what was provided. We both enjoyed learning more about the food and hearing stories about the farm and waste minimisation, the server talks you through the next course when it arrives at the table. It's small and cozy, and very different to anything else we've experienced. This was certainly a treat, we would recommend Hillside to anyone who has something to celebrate or wants to be inspired. Thank you for a wonderful evening! The atmosphere is very subtle and nice the seats are limited to 16. They give two set course of vegetarian options (10 coarse or 8 course price range around $100-$125 each) And two different set of wine options in price range of $50-$60 each. They do have few interesting dishes, however most of them were leaning towards being a bit salty. The takeaway from here is the sourdough bread they are definitely worth 5 stars. If you are a healthy eater and want protein options would be underwhelming. Hope they incorporate protein into their meals
Find the Restaurant
241 Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
View on Google MapsSign in to boost this restaurant with your daily points
Sign In to PromoteOne-time purchase — points apply immediately to this restaurant
💡 Tip: Subscriptions are 90% cheaper per point!
October 24, 2025
I’ve loved every visit to Hillside for almost ten years now. The delicious, seasonal, plant-based menu always showcases the land, the chef’s impressive skills and the whole team’s dedication to delivering a fantastic experience. Great to come back for a birthday treat of a wonderful multi-course meal that even my meat-eating partner enjoyed. Thank you Asher- can’t wait to come back!
July 13, 2025
What an experience! We did the early dinner option and also got matching non alcoholic drinks and a non alcoholic aperitif. The aperitif was phenomenal! The food was very thought provoking and delicious. It's fine dining so don't expect huge meals, however the bread and snacks to start certainly helped. Standouts were the sour dough bread, black garlic puree and carrots, onion puree and potato and seaweed terrine, the pumpkin dumpling, and the passionfruit and mandarin drink. Some of the matching drinks were not to our taste or style, however we went there for the experience and that is certainly what was provided. We both enjoyed learning more about the food and hearing stories about the farm and waste minimisation, the server talks you through the next course when it arrives at the table. It's small and cozy, and very different to anything else we've experienced. This was certainly a treat, we would recommend Hillside to anyone who has something to celebrate or wants to be inspired. Thank you for a wonderful evening!
May 10, 2025
The atmosphere is very subtle and nice the seats are limited to 16. They give two set course of vegetarian options (10 coarse or 8 course price range around $100-$125 each) And two different set of wine options in price range of $50-$60 each. They do have few interesting dishes, however most of them were leaning towards being a bit salty. The takeaway from here is the sourdough bread they are definitely worth 5 stars. If you are a healthy eater and want protein options would be underwhelming. Hope they incorporate protein into their meals
September 26, 2025
Amazing experience. The food was delicious and you could see the amount of love and thought that went into each dish. Will absolutely be back. A vegetarians dream!
March 16, 2025
Fantastic and masterful! If you are looking for a unique, plant-forward dining experience, Hillside Kitchen is a must-visit. My husband and I enjoyed the ten-course (Menu B) tasting menu and non-alcoholic pairing. Every plate was beautifully presented, creative, and designed with thoughtful and perfectly curated flavor combinations. As a vegetarian, we truly appreciated how vegetables were showcased in such a celebratory and exciting way—each dish was a work of art, both visually and in taste. Beyond the food, the experience was fun and engaging. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, taking the time to explain each dish, which made the meal even more intimate. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere added to the overall vibe. The experience felt special, yet relaxed. I highly recommend treating yourself and your favorite humans to Hillside Kitchen!
Features and amenities that make Hillside Kitchen special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Wellington.
Cozy, upscale establishment in a Victorian cottage featuring classic & modern NZ dishes & fine wine.
View RestaurantRestaurant & bar serving Asian dishes & cocktails in a stylish, intimate space with a courtyard.
View RestaurantHappening restaurant featuring upmarket NZ cooking, wine & cocktails in a retro, industrial space.
View RestaurantWine & small plates in a cozy establishment inspired by the informal bacaros of Venice.
View RestaurantUpscale institution known for its seafood-centric menu & large windows facing Wellington Harbour.
View RestaurantLongtime, family-friendly spot with a leafy patio offering pub eats, drinks & diverse events.
View RestaurantFrom transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Wellington.
Walking is perfect for the compact city center. Public transport is good, and organized tours include transportation.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Wellington adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.
Pair dinner at Hillside Kitchen with these top-rated experiences in Wellington.