Experience Ernesto's in Wellington! This central city restaurant boasts a 4.5-star rating, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Check it out today!
This gem, nestled in the heart of Wellington, offers a delightful dining experience. With a 4.5-star rating and a moderate price range ($$), it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is vibrant, clean, and nicely arranged, with a tropical, floral theme that extends to the eye-catching menu. Diners rave about the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the ability to accommodate groups of various sizes. The restaurant is known for its delicious offerings, including the catch of the day and tender beef short ribs. Guests appreciate the convenience of nearby paid parking and the option to make reservations in advance. Adding to the experience are features like outdoor seating and live music, plus a great selection of cocktails.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - 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 (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, 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.
A cozy place in the heart of the city. Paid parkings are available in the surrounding and reservations can be done in prior. Staff is really friendly and helpful. The vibe is great and place is so clean and nicely arranged. Can accomodate several size of groups. The tropical, floral theme is so eye-catchy, specially the menu. We ordered the catch of the day - fish, prawns served with some salad leaves and a dip, loved the dip. Beef short ribs - meat was so tendered, delicious. Sirloin steak - flavours well absorbed into the meat. Calamari was soo crunchy and yummy too. It is very much kid-friendly. There’s a kids menu and kids activity set will be given. So its easy to keep them entertained. We ordered chicken pasta for the little one and she enjoyed it. The main highlight was the ice cream sundea, mouth watering. Definitely a very good place to hang out with friends and team mates.. The best place in Wellington hands down. We were driving through and decided to stop in Wellington for a few nights, a friend recommended this place and coming here was the best decision ever! The food was beautifully plated and tasted incredible - we shared plates which made it cost efficient. The beverages are to die for, especially their dessert martini’s - I would drink them everyday if I could. But the highlight for us was the service. Everyone was incredible. They were having quite a busy night but never failed to keep us satisfied. A very special mention to our server Emmy, she was always willing to help and even recommended the best bites on the menu. She always walked around with a smile and had such a genuine care for the people she serves. The manager caitlin (hopefully the right name), was also amazing! Would highly recommend this place to anyone needing a place to eat! Came here for my birthday dinner. I ordered the beef short rib, it was delicious and the food came out quick! However the prices of mains and sides are quite high for the potions. Probably won’t go back again but it was good to try, and I appreciated how many df options were on the menu
Find the Restaurant
Sign 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!
September 20, 2025
A cozy place in the heart of the city. Paid parkings are available in the surrounding and reservations can be done in prior. Staff is really friendly and helpful. The vibe is great and place is so clean and nicely arranged. Can accomodate several size of groups. The tropical, floral theme is so eye-catchy, specially the menu. We ordered the catch of the day - fish, prawns served with some salad leaves and a dip, loved the dip. Beef short ribs - meat was so tendered, delicious. Sirloin steak - flavours well absorbed into the meat. Calamari was soo crunchy and yummy too. It is very much kid-friendly. There’s a kids menu and kids activity set will be given. So its easy to keep them entertained. We ordered chicken pasta for the little one and she enjoyed it. The main highlight was the ice cream sundea, mouth watering. Definitely a very good place to hang out with friends and team mates..
November 14, 2025
The best place in Wellington hands down. We were driving through and decided to stop in Wellington for a few nights, a friend recommended this place and coming here was the best decision ever! The food was beautifully plated and tasted incredible - we shared plates which made it cost efficient. The beverages are to die for, especially their dessert martini’s - I would drink them everyday if I could. But the highlight for us was the service. Everyone was incredible. They were having quite a busy night but never failed to keep us satisfied. A very special mention to our server Emmy, she was always willing to help and even recommended the best bites on the menu. She always walked around with a smile and had such a genuine care for the people she serves. The manager caitlin (hopefully the right name), was also amazing! Would highly recommend this place to anyone needing a place to eat!
May 23, 2025
Came here for my birthday dinner. I ordered the beef short rib, it was delicious and the food came out quick! However the prices of mains and sides are quite high for the potions. Probably won’t go back again but it was good to try, and I appreciated how many df options were on the menu
February 14, 2025
First thing first, the waiting staff who looked after us was above and beyond amazing who provided us with the greatest recommendations on food and drinks, checked in from time to time but not at all awkward or like a robot like in most other restaurants, and just gives people such positive energy. We had their signature sandwich which was super delicious and their mocktails are creative. Will definitely go back and recommend to others. Thanks for a great Valentine's Day meal ❣️
May 27, 2025
What a great restaurant. Food was excellent so was the service. Very good wine list. Great to eat alone or with a group. The fish dish we had was haupuka and included some prawns on a cauilflour puree with cocktail tomatoes. The fish was fresh and the food flavours outstanding. Loved this place.
Features and amenities that make Ernesto’s special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
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 Ernesto’s with these top-rated experiences in Wellington.