Cuisine: A La Carte, European, Seafood
Price Point: Mains from $25 - $35+
Ranked: #4 of 60 restaurants in Wellington
Situated at the heart of Queens Wharf, housed in an historic waterfront shed, Dockside enjoys stunning views from every aspect with a maritime theme throughout.
Dockside offers a largely seafood-based menu that changes daily with emphasis on the best, freshest produce and providing even the most regular customers with new choices and the latest catch.
With one of the largest outdoor dining areas over water in the Southern Hemisphere, it would be difficult to find a better venue to enjoy Wellington’s waterfront.
Taking into account Wellington's unpredictable weather patterns, the deck can be covered with a large retractable roof whilst still offering the superb feeling of al fresco dining.
Map
Map Loading...
Dockside
Shed 3, Queen's Wharf
Wellington 6011
Open Hours:
Mon - Fri: 12:00pm to late
Sat - Sun: 11:00am to late
Phone: 04 499 9900
Website: www.docksidenz.com
Sample Menu *may not be current
Click on menu to enlarge.
Reviews
Zaid sabee - dined at Dockside on 12 August 2019
We had a stunning afternoon in the sun at Dockside on the deck, the menu had an amazing selection of seafood and steak or lamb to choose from. We enjoyed a fun afternoon with great wine and the service was amazing service! Definately top notch place to enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Jackie Farrell - dined at Dockside on 2 August 2019
We were welcomed by a very friendly Maitre D. Menus produced and given some time to decide what we would have. It was difficult to decide what to have as there were so many lovely dishes. I thought the service might be wanting seeing as we were paying only 50 % for our food. But no, everything was excellent. Would definitely go back next time we are in Wellington
Barbara Mcgivern - dined at Dockside on 29 June 2019
Amazing view, wonderful service and awesome food! One of the best restaurants in the city! I highly recommend it to everybody!
Renata Ferreira de Avila - dined at Dockside on 17 July 2019
We did the 2pm lunch slot and the wait staff were great, asked for a window seat for close up view of the water while we dined. Had the salmon tartare which the waitress suggested a Luna pinot gris to pair, but advised a Provence rose when I said I was in the mood for rose and it worked so well with the salmon. Also had the vegan cheesecake which was different but good. Presentation of the dishes was excellent! The salmon and brisket was amazing and we really enjoyed the afternoon sun. Wait staff were just the right amount of attentive. Great spot! Will be back for sure!
Anike Jenneker - dined at Dockside on 11 July 2019
My flatmate and I treat ourselves to a fancy night out once a month. Hard to do when you're on a budget. Luckily with first table we are able to enjoy the finer things in life. This time we decided on Dockside before we went to the symphony. Man oh man it did not disappoint! Our server, Claire I believe(might be wrong), was excellent! Food was amazing! Had the crab wontons, scallops and he had the market rush and I had the sirloin. Everything was delicious and the over all experience was 5 stars!
Katie Harrison - dined at Dockside on 20 June 2019
Fabulous food and exemplary service. We particularly enjoyed the big breakfast and the ploughman's platter. A beautiful location for watching the world go by, though a little difficult to find street parking. Very highly recommended.
Rae Boyes - dined at Dockside on 15 June 2019
Great dining experience. Very friendly staff who explained everything succinctly. It was my mother's 80th birthday and staff made a big fuss of her. Just lovely.
Pip O'Connell - dined at Dockside on 9 June 2019
Such a gourmet experience at Dockside. Started with chicken liver Parfait sharing board to scallops as entree and then Pork belly+ Prawn & Market Fish. Every bite was a bliss with perfect sea view and professional staff. They offer exquisite food and drinks menu catering to dietary restrictions as well.
PS we are coming back
Kayden Elmsly - dined at Dockside on 20 May 2019
Amazing food & amazing service as usual! Great place to have a client business meeting, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Jackie Farrell - dined at Dockside on 9 May 2019
We loved our lunch experience at Dockside. The venue is fabulous, the day was sunny and it was such a treat to sit near the window and enjoy the ambiance. The service was excellent, the waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks came out promptly. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. We would happily dine here again and would love to come back! Thank you for a very enjoyable dining experience
Karen Law - dined at Dockside on 20 March 2019
Haven’t been spoilt in this way for a long time, staff were attentive but respectful. Cuisine was undoubtedly devine... Wellington treated us well on our weekend away... highly recommend. Thank you.
Jacqui Bang - dined at Dockside on 2 February 2019
I thought we may have been treated a little differently as we had booked with first table, but the food and the service could not have been any better. A great place to eat, would highly recommend.
Suzanne Modd - dined at Dockside on 8 January 2019
My husband and I were celebrating his birthday! The food and service was excellent, and we would most certainly come again. The salmon dish was lovely, as was my dessert - soft coconut cake. The staff also took note that we were celebrating a birthday, so they wrote 'happy birthday' on my husband's dessert, which was a lovely touch. Thank you so much for a great dining experience!
Stefany Knight - dined at Dockside on 8 October 2018
Dockside was spectacular!
We had the Angus 500g Rib and the Pan Roasted Akaroa Salmon. Both did not disappoint. The Angus was perfectly cooked - soft and juicy in the inside. It was really nice with the butter and the chips; and don't even get us started with the truffle mayo! I've tried quite a few truffle chips in the city and this one is the best one yet! We had to order an additional side of chips because we loved the dip so much! The Angus was too good. The Salmon was nice too. The skin was just the right amount of crispy and salty! Not only the food was good but the view too. We were seated right by the window and it was lovely seeing the harbour while we dined.
Overall, it was a very pleasant dinner. Service was great as well. The servers were friendly. We would definitely recommend and go back!
Zarah Abu - dined at Dockside on 29 August 2018
Service was excellent from everyone we met from maître de to our servers. Needed an extra chair, again not an issue. Happily accommodated us. Every meal was presented to a high standard and tasted delicious. I had the fish battered with prawns. Dessert was panacotta. So good and the value for money was awesome. Loved the setting, so Wellington being on the harbour front.
Ethel Renata - dined at Dockside on 20 July 2018
Made an impulse descion to go out for lunch and booked our first first table. It was fantastic- soft shell crab and calamari were amazing. Would definitely go again next to line I’m in Wellington.
Helen Jones - dined at Dockside on 16 July 2018
We had a lovely lunch at Dockside and we will be using this service again soon.
Shelle Georgetti-Rankin - dined at Dockside on 11 July 2018
Felt very spoiled and special with the pre-set table with white linen and lovely dishes, and thoroughly enjoyed the meals and drinks ordered. Staff were friendly and checked in often to make sure we were happy. Definitely look forward to another visit!
CJ Lamb - dined at Dockside on 31 May 2018
Fabulous! My Mum's 89th birthday lunch. Atmosphere - bright, airy, elegant and comfortable. Food - delicious, fresh, colourful and creatively presented. Our waitress was delightful, friendly, attentive and surprised my Mum with a special birthday dessert. Thank you so much.
Susan Newlands - dined at Dockside on 6 April 2018
We ordered seafood dishes including soft shell crab with calamari and snapper. The seafood was super fresh and cooked to perfection. The waiting staff were friendly and attentive. We had a table near the window with a lovely view of the water. Absolutely recommended!
Judith Pearce - dined at Dockside on 28 February 2018
We love Dockside. Beautiful food and a lovely atmosphere.
Anna Dorfling - dined at Dockside on 18 August 2019
Great service, lovely meal and views on the waterfront.
Rochelle Hawkins - dined at Dockside on 17 August 2019
This was just the most wonderfull experience staff were friendly efficent. food amazing and nothing a bother Thank you Dockside
Shona Kelly - dined at Dockside on 13 August 2019
We have been to the Dockside previously but this was the first time we go “first table” and we were just as pleased with the experience
Upon arrival, the staff recognised our ‘first table’ booking which was a good thing since it meant I did not have to explain it. Our table was well placed, next to the glass doors offering a lovely view to the city and the waterfront. The staff were extremely professional; the give us enough time to settle in before taking our order, allow enough time for starters before approaching the table to clean the dishes and bring the main, and similarly when it’s time for dessert. They were not rushing things through yet we did not have to look for them because the food was late. In one sentence: Perfect timings
Our starters were the Brie cheese plate and Chips with aioli. The cheese and the accompanying walnut bread was impressive; as for the chips, we usually enjoy comparing how different restaurants fry and serve their chips and this one sets the bar very high.
Then came the mains: Pork belly with shrimps for me and the lamb rump for the wife; we finished off with a very interesting and delicious twist of black forest cake.
I cannot fault the food quality, presentation, nor portion. One of the issues I usually face when dining out is the portion. Quite a few restaurant would serve a bit too much which is a waste, but The Dockside portions are just right and no leftovers to be thrown.
The Dockside passes with flying colours as far as food quality and presentation goes; on top of this the staff being professional and attentive make up for a really good night out.
Zaid sabee - dined at Dockside on 12 August 2019
The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Fantastic location with great views across the harbor. Will definitely be going back next time we're in Wellington.
Andrew Woodhouse - dined at Dockside on 3 August 2019
Excellent night, Food was amazing Wellington on a plate was on so had cocktail and pork belly for entree was the best pork belly! Cocktail amazing too. Had a table right on the water front.
Carolyn Johnston - dined at Dockside on 2 August 2019
We had a stunning afternoon in the sun at Dockside on the deck, the menu had an amazing selection of seafood and steak or lamb to choose from. We enjoyed a fun afternoon with great wine and the service was amazing service! Definately top notch place to enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Jackie Farrell - dined at Dockside on 2 August 2019
Great food, wasn't huge fun of the scallops but that was the sauce, every thing awesome amazing. awesome service. Will be back
Kataraina Karehana - dined at Dockside on 30 July 2019
We were welcomed by a very friendly Maitre D. Menus produced and given some time to decide what we would have. It was difficult to decide what to have as there were so many lovely dishes. I thought the service might be wanting seeing as we were paying only 50 % for our food. But no, everything was excellent. Would definitely go back next time we are in Wellington
Barbara Mcgivern - dined at Dockside on 29 June 2019
Great food, beautiful setting and very happy to accommodate a move in table away from the sun's glare for us.
Melissa Brown - dined at Dockside on 18 July 2019
Amazing view, wonderful service and awesome food! One of the best restaurants in the city! I highly recommend it to everybody!
Renata Ferreira de Avila - dined at Dockside on 17 July 2019
Fantastic place. Great service and food.
Rae Noble-Adams - dined at Dockside on 14 July 2019
We did the 2pm lunch slot and the wait staff were great, asked for a window seat for close up view of the water while we dined. Had the salmon tartare which the waitress suggested a Luna pinot gris to pair, but advised a Provence rose when I said I was in the mood for rose and it worked so well with the salmon. Also had the vegan cheesecake which was different but good. Presentation of the dishes was excellent! The salmon and brisket was amazing and we really enjoyed the afternoon sun. Wait staff were just the right amount of attentive. Great spot! Will be back for sure!
Anike Jenneker - dined at Dockside on 11 July 2019
My mother and I had an amazing girls lunch together. The food was so tasty and the staff were lovely.
Megan Blair - dined at Dockside on 11 July 2019
Had lunch there . Lunch was fantastic. The staff was great too. Lovely homely atmosphere. Will definitely go back there again. Thank you First table
Rupie Ramadeen - dined at Dockside on 8 July 2019
Very good views, food was good also
Ehab Farah - dined at Dockside on 6 July 2019
Excellent food and service
Jane Merwood - dined at Dockside on 6 July 2019
We had a lovely lunch. The food was beautiful and the service was excellent. Loved it.
Susan Leaman - dined at Dockside on 3 July 2019
Dockside for FIRST TABLE on a beautiful Wellington lunchtime was a perfect choice.We arrived a little early - no problem at all. Fish was superb ... service was caring but not intrusive. We'll be back.
Tricia Macpherson - dined at Dockside on 28 June 2019
We had wonderful service. My water glass must have been refilled 3 or 4 times.
Sandy Hewitt - dined at Dockside on 29 June 2019
Nice great view on sunny day. Excellent food with great presentation.
Linn Zaw Win - dined at Dockside on 25 June 2019
Food was not up to our normal expectation
Noeline Colman - dined at Dockside on 22 June 2019
Friendly staff, great ambience.
Brett Sheehan - dined at Dockside on 22 June 2019
My flatmate and I treat ourselves to a fancy night out once a month. Hard to do when you're on a budget. Luckily with first table we are able to enjoy the finer things in life. This time we decided on Dockside before we went to the symphony. Man oh man it did not disappoint! Our server, Claire I believe(might be wrong), was excellent! Food was amazing! Had the crab wontons, scallops and he had the market rush and I had the sirloin. Everything was delicious and the over all experience was 5 stars!
Katie Harrison - dined at Dockside on 20 June 2019
Delicious food in a timely fashion and wonderful cheerful service. Go the lamb rump !
Sandy Bray - dined at Dockside on 19 June 2019
Good grazing in the Wellington sun!
Blair Hannah - dined at Dockside on 16 June 2019
Fabulous food and exemplary service. We particularly enjoyed the big breakfast and the ploughman's platter. A beautiful location for watching the world go by, though a little difficult to find street parking. Very highly recommended.
Rae Boyes - dined at Dockside on 15 June 2019
Great dining experience. Very friendly staff who explained everything succinctly. It was my mother's 80th birthday and staff made a big fuss of her. Just lovely.
Pip O'Connell - dined at Dockside on 9 June 2019
Fantastic food and presentation. Great service. Certainly value for money
Kathleen Johnson - dined at Dockside on 11 June 2019
Dinning in the Beautiful Restaurant Dockside was amazing! Great staff an tastee food. Started with Eggs Bene on salmon
daph williams - dined at Dockside on 8 June 2019
We had a really lovely lunch at dockside. The staff were all friendly and attentive and the food was lovely. Our favourites were the pork belly and the coconut cake for dessert. Yum!
Kadia Turner - dined at Dockside on 6 June 2019
Dockside... what a great setting on the wharf, lovely food and great friendly service to cap it off. Well done Dockside!
Andrew Little - dined at Dockside on 8 June 2019
Same nice experience as past.
Great service, friendly staff
Delicious meal. Especially the pork belly with prawn dish my wife ordered. It is very special and taste yummy.
Fergus Mao - dined at Dockside on 1 June 2019
Would absolutely go here again! I had the crumbled fish and chips, and it was all light and delicious. All dietary requirements of the table well observed also. Thanks Dockside!
Eleanor McGechie - dined at Dockside on 4 June 2019
food was very good, great location! very nice atmosphere - would go back
Carise Roberts - dined at Dockside on 27 May 2019
Superb food, friendly service. Will come back again, loved the oysters in Tempura and the Baked fish.
Fiona Hoang - dined at Dockside on 21 May 2019
Excellent food and service. Staff very friendly and informative. Only down side was a slightly loud atmosphere.
Hayley Angus - dined at Dockside on 24 May 2019
Such a gourmet experience at Dockside. Started with chicken liver Parfait sharing board to scallops as entree and then Pork belly+ Prawn & Market Fish. Every bite was a bliss with perfect sea view and professional staff. They offer exquisite food and drinks menu catering to dietary restrictions as well.
PS we are coming back
Kayden Elmsly - dined at Dockside on 20 May 2019
Fab location, great staff and food to match, highly recommended :)
Gillian Tongue - dined at Dockside on 17 May 2019
We had beautiful brunch time, we got window seat with a lot of sun and beautiful view. Egg benedict was really great (many people order it) and crispy pork was so good as well!
Soogi Choi - dined at Dockside on 19 May 2019
Amazing food & amazing service as usual! Great place to have a client business meeting, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Jackie Farrell - dined at Dockside on 9 May 2019
Lovely staff - a very joyous evening
Holly Stones - dined at Dockside on 6 May 2019
Great service and food. Lovely window seat enjoying the winter sun.
Melanie Swallow - dined at Dockside on 7 May 2019
Great food and service location outstanding
Gray Campbell - dined at Dockside on 30 April 2019
Food was delicious. Friendly attentive staff and a lovely setting. It was hot behind the glass doors but they opened up and let in a nice breeze. Thanks
Angus Blakie - dined at Dockside on 26 April 2019
Great experience, beautiful location & decor, top food and staff. :-)
Loren Monteiro - dined at Dockside on 23 April 2019
Was a bit disappointed overall, sample menu does not even come close to reflecting the actual menu. Dining on a wharf seaside and the only fish dish is beer battered or crumbled dish &chips?! Menu was clunky and did not have any balance. The kitchen needs to find the salt and start using it, correct seasoning of dish’s would go along way to the blandness of some of the food. Service started well but was an after thought from there with water top ups and asking if more drinks were wanted. In short quality needs to go up quite a bit to meet the prices of prices need to come down to meet the current standard being produced.
Ben Harvey - dined at Dockside on 20 April 2019
Great view
Anthony Danh - dined at Dockside on 12 April 2019
Great service good food and wonderful ambiance.
Edward Aster - dined at Dockside on 14 April 2019
Great food and wonderful service. Definitely a place I'd go back to in the future
Alex Voutratzis - dined at Dockside on 12 April 2019
Overview
307 reviews
We have been to the Dockside previously but this was the first time we go “first table” and we were just as pleased with the experience
Upon arrival, the staff recognised our ‘first table’ booking which was a good thing since it meant I did not have to explain it. Our table was well placed, next to the glass doors offering a lovely view to the city and the waterfront. The staff were extremely professional; the give us enough time to settle in before taking our order, allow enough time for starters before approaching the table to clean the dishes and bring the main, and similarly when it’s time for dessert. They were not rushing things through yet we did not have to look for them because the food was late. In one sentence: Perfect timings
Our starters were the Brie cheese plate and Chips with aioli. The cheese and the accompanying walnut bread was impressive; as for the chips, we usually enjoy comparing how different restaurants fry and serve their chips and this one sets the bar very high.
Then came the mains: Pork belly with shrimps for me and the lamb rump for the wife; we finished off with a very interesting and delicious twist of black forest cake.
I cannot fault the food quality, presentation, nor portion. One of the issues I usually face when dining out is the portion. Quite a few restaurant would serve a bit too much which is a waste, but The Dockside portions are just right and no leftovers to be thrown.
The Dockside passes with flying colours as far as food quality and presentation goes; on top of this the staff being professional and attentive make up for a really good night out.