Image credit: Rosella. Venues listed in no particular order.
When it comes to setting the scene for an unforgettable date night, New Zealand’s restaurant landscape delivers in spades.
From vineyard dining rooms overlooking rolling hills to intimate city bistros, these nine venues promise special celebrations—or just good old date night—worth booking and remembering.
1. The Runholder, Martinborough
Nestled between vineyard rows on the edge of the Martinborough Terrace, this architectural stunner channels the rustic elegance of a French farmhouse while celebrating the best of local produce.
The charcoal-grilled seafood is a standout, as are the prime cuts that showcase Wairarapa’s finest farmers. Start with The Runholder Platter designed for two – a generous spread of charcuterie, NZ cheese, hot smoked salmon, and fire-roasted kumara hummus that sets the tone for sharing and lingering.
With soaring ceilings, a crackling fireplace in the Martin Lounge, and panoramic views across the countryside, the ambience strikes that perfect balance between intimate and indulgent.
Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough
Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 – 4pm;
Saturday 11am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm
2. Le Bouillon Bel Air, Wellington
Step through the doors of Le Bouillon Bel Air and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a Parisian bistro circa 1895. Art Nouveau mirrors, bow-tied waiters, and pristine white linens create an atmosphere that’s equal parts romance and old-world charm. This is Wellington’s first Bouillon-style restaurant, offering classic French cuisine without the eye-watering price tag.
The steak tartare au couteau is beautifully balanced, while the bœuf bourguignon delivers that slow-cooked, soul-warming richness you’d hope for. Don’t skip the crème brûlée – its shatteringly crisp sugar cap and impossibly creamy interior are the stuff of legends.
Location: 88 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Hours: Tuesday 5:30 – 10pm;
Wednesday to Sunday 11:30am – 10pm
3. Koji, Wellington
Tucked away on Majoribanks Street in Mount Victoria, Koji brings modern Asian flair to date night with inventive share plates and a vibe that’s as polished as it is welcoming. The split-level design means you can watch the teppanyaki flames rise if you score an upper-level seat, adding a touch of theatre to the evening.
The menu is bold and playful – think tea-smoked duck, yellow beef donuts, and crispy lamb with perfectly charred edges. With the food designed for sharing, this one’s ideal for couples who love exploring new flavours together. Pair your meal with something from their curated wine list, and settle in for an evening that rewards curiosity.
Location: 12 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
Hours: Monday to Thursday 5 – 11pm;
Friday 5 – 9:30pm, Saturday 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5 – 11pm
4. Rosella, Wellington
Just a few doors up from Koji, Rosella offers a different kind of romance, inspired by the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. The two-storey wine bar exudes warmth, with an impressive bottle list that champions both local gems and European classics.
The lamb belly skewers with black garlic and caraway are a must, as is the potato pavé with its crispy layers and bright lemon notes. The wagyu tartare dressed with harissa and cured egg is another standout.
With an upstairs cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks and cosy corners perfect for lingering, Rosella is where you want to let date evening stretch beautifully into the night.
Location: 18 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 4 – 10pm;
Saturday 12 – 10pm, Sunday 12 – 9pm
5. Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island
There’s something inherently romantic about catching a ferry to an island, and Stonyridge rewards that sense of escape with views across a shimmering valley of olive trees and colourful vines. This is one of New Zealand’s pioneering wineries, and dining here feels like a love letter to the Mediterranean – complete with Bordeaux-style reds that have earned international acclaim.
The menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with a French sensibility. Pair your meal with their flagship Larose wine or explore their tasting flights while overlooking the vineyard. The setting – rustic, sun-soaked, and utterly peaceful – makes it easy to lose track of time with that signature Stonyridge charm.
Location: 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island
Hours: Sunday to Friday 11am – 5pm; Saturday 11am – 7pm
6. Gigi Ponsonby, Auckland
Positioned on one of Auckland’s most iconic streets, Gigi brings European bistro elegance to Ponsonby Road with a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for date night. The space strikes a balance between sophisticated and approachable, with ambient lighting and thoughtful touches that make you feel genuinely looked after.
The menu leans into classic flavors with modern execution – think perfectly seared fish, rich chicken liver pâté, and hearty mains that deliver comfort without feeling heavy. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and there’s a fireplace that adds to the cosy factor on cooler evenings. Bring a date, settle in with good wine and let the evening unfold at its own pace.
Location: 165 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3pm – 12:30pm
7. Bam Boo Canteen, Warkworth
Perched alongside the Mahurangi River in historic Warkworth, Bamboo Canteen offers a vibrant escape into the flavors of Asia without ever leaving New Zealand. The colourful, quirky interiors and riverside setting create an atmosphere that’s both fun and intimate – perfect for couples who want something a little different.
The menu spans Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and Korean influences, all designed for sharing. Highlights include the Korean fried chicken, pork belly adobo, and soft shell crab.
Don’t miss the “taptails” – cocktails on tap that bring a playful twist to date night drinks. For dessert, the tempura spiced apple is a showstopper that pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s Asian-inspired drinks menu.
Location: 6 Wharf Street, Warkworth
Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 12pm – 8:30pm
8. Apéro, Auckland
Tucked on on Karangahape Road, Apéro is a topshelf intimate wine bar that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto Auckland’s best-kept secret. Run by dynamic duo, chef Leslie and wine expert Mo, this spot serves up French-influenced tapas in an exposed-brick setting.
The housemade sausage with pickles and mustard is a signature dish that transports you straight to a Parisian wine bar, while the goat cheese croquettes with Kamahi honey offer that perfect sweet-savoury balance. Trust their wine recommendations – the knowledge and passion here elevate every pairing.
With just 25 seats on weekdays only, the space feels exclusive and unbelievably romantic.
Location: 280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 5pm – 11pm;
Thursday and Friday 12 -11pm
9. Iso, Raglan
On Raglan’s main street, Iso brings bistro sophistication to this laid-back surf town, proving that romance and coastal cool can absolutely coexist. The space is warm and welcoming with fireplaces, thoughtful lighting, and an energy that shifts from daytime casual to evening intimacy.
The menu is fusion-forward, celebrating fresh ingredients with creative flair. The raw tuna market fish consistently earns rave reviews, as does the lamb shoulder when it appears on the seasonal menu.
Live music on Thursdays adds another layer of atmosphere, while the cocktail lounge upstairs offers a more intimate setting for pre-dinner drinks. For couples seeking exceptional food and service in a relaxed coastal setting, Iso delivers.
Location: 23 Bow Street, Raglan
Hours: Daily, 3 – 10pm
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