Asian
Koji
Experience exceptional dining at a Wellington favorite, rated 4.9 stars! Koji offers a chef's choice experience with gluten & dairy-free options. Book your table now!
4.9$$Asian · Fusion
View RestaurantSouthern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
Experience Wellington's vibrant dining scene at this restaurant, boasting a 4.2-star rating. Enjoy outdoor seating, live music, and a menu perfect for groups. Book your table today!
American•$$•4.2(3,741)•Wellington
Longtime, family-friendly spot with a leafy patio offering pub eats, drinks & diverse events.
About Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
This lively spot in Te Aro offers a delightful escape with its inviting garden setting. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, it's known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu. With a solid 4.2-star rating, diners consistently praise the attentive service and enjoyable ambiance. The $$ price range makes it an accessible option for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering. Patrons particularly appreciate the accommodating staff, especially for special occasions. The availability of outdoor seating, live music, and cocktails adds to the appeal, making it a great choice for groups. If you're looking for a place to unwind and savor good food in a welcoming environment, this restaurant is well worth a visit.
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Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
Formula-Based Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
💰Price Range
Moderate
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
🕐Meal Time
dinner
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
✨Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
+6 more
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Southern Cross
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
4.2 / 5.0(3,741 reviews)
Went above and beyond to make our wedding anniversary so special. Staff created a little safe outdoor space away from other patrons (so our health-vulnerable dependent family member wouldn't be put at risk from our very rare night out). There were numerous great safe options for me as a coeliac, and knowledgeable, genuinely lovely, attentive, caring wait staff for whom nothing was a problem, table-flowers and even a complimentary dessert. Ee couldn't rate you highly enough - just beautifully done, Southern Cross. Recommend you to the moon and back, especially for anyone with special requirements. We'll see you next year 💗 Such a fabulous experience. As a Wellingtonian, SC has the best coffee I’ve had - which surprised even me. The duck donuts were a real standout and one of the nicest dishes I’ve had. The brisket loaded fries were sensational. An amazing experience. Jack (one of three Jacks, supposedly!) notified me that my order hadn't been processed on the till, apologized and offered a drink on the house. I've never experienced great customer service like it. My chicken wings turned out great too. I highly recommend this place!
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
Closed Now
Monday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Recent Reviews
Ankh S.
November 9, 2025
Went above and beyond to make our wedding anniversary so special. Staff created a little safe outdoor space away from other patrons (so our health-vulnerable dependent family member wouldn't be put at risk from our very rare night out). There were numerous great safe options for me as a coeliac, and knowledgeable, genuinely lovely, attentive, caring wait staff for whom nothing was a problem, table-flowers and even a complimentary dessert. Ee couldn't rate you highly enough - just beautifully done, Southern Cross. Recommend you to the moon and back, especially for anyone with special requirements. We'll see you next year 💗
Justin
October 22, 2025
Such a fabulous experience. As a Wellingtonian, SC has the best coffee I’ve had - which surprised even me. The duck donuts were a real standout and one of the nicest dishes I’ve had. The brisket loaded fries were sensational. An amazing experience.
Raashna
October 4, 2025
Jack (one of three Jacks, supposedly!) notified me that my order hadn't been processed on the till, apologized and offered a drink on the house. I've never experienced great customer service like it. My chicken wings turned out great too. I highly recommend this place!
Lance C.
November 12, 2025
Had my 60th here and I was very pleased. Had up to 25 attend and we were well looked after in a private settings. Good food good service recommend venue.
Gino A.
November 9, 2025
My wife and I recently had a great dinner experience with great food and amazing, tentative service , enough to where I felt very happy to leave a tip. I had the steak, cooked medium, but should have asked for medium rare but was still great. My wife had the Spiced duck wonton nacho bowl which was amazing, we highly recommend. We will definitely be coming back, we highly recommend.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Southern Cross special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless
Parking
Paid Parking Lot
Paid Street Parking
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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View RestaurantPlan Your Wellington Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Wellington.
Transportation Tips
Walking is perfect for the compact city center. Public transport is good, and organized tours include transportation.
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