Cuisine: A La Carte, European, Seafood
Price Point: Mains from $25 - $35+
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
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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
Sample Menu *may not be current
Click on menu to enlarge.
Reviews
Benjamin Beachbum - dined at Dockside on 19 November 2019
Dockside offered a wide variety of foods that suits all dietary needs. The food was very fresh and each dish offered unique flavour combinations. If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a beautiful view Dockside is a great recommendation!
Ren Kirsh - dined at Dockside on 30 October 2019
Dockside was absolutely lovely!! The food, the service, the way the place looked felt. We had one of the platters and macaroni croquets and it was enough to fill 2 people. We had a pretty good view too! Highly recommend!
Katya Velsk - dined at Dockside on 11 October 2019
Fabulous brunch. We were particularly enamoured of the truffle mac n cheese croquettes and the outstanding big(!) breakfast. And you really can't beat the view.
Rae Boyes - dined at Dockside on 21 September 2019
I dined with 3 other chefs and we all agreed that we had a fabulous time and the food was tasty
Myra Savage - dined at Dockside on 4 September 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
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
Lovely venue on a lovely evening - good service from personable staff, and well-presented food from a varied and interesting menu. The desserts were the weakest part of the meal for me, but that was the only critique I would make.
Daniela Phelon - dined at Dockside on 25 February 2020
Awesome place, waiter was attentive to our needs and the dining was something else. Food was First class very delicious and the view of the water front was breath taking.
We will definitely be back again, thank you for the experience
Martin Hill - dined at Dockside on 27 February 2020
Nice experience and it was good. We had a lamb dish, plant-based lasagna and pork belly. Just not inclined to rave about it as outstanding.
Roisin King - dined at Dockside on 23 February 2020
Excellent food, atmosphere, and service. Our entrees and mains were all perfectly cooked, full of sophisticated flavours, and beautifully presented. The service was fantastic, and it would be hard to find a more beautiful ambience. It is so beautiful being on top of the water.
Hamish Robb - dined at Dockside on 22 February 2020
Very nice and good food and service
Myra Savage - dined at Dockside on 20 February 2020
The steak was beautiful, highly recommend. Great views too on a good Welly day.
Tejas Sreedhar - dined at Dockside on 20 February 2020
Had brunch there with my mum. Great staff and great food. Although the weather was a bit cloudy, our experience didn’t match it with their sunny personality. Cheers!
Bea Salera - dined at Dockside on 12 January 2020
Service was great. We were seated right away. The waiter was friendly, topped up our glasses with water when they were becoming empty and checked on us just the right amount of times. Food was really good. We ordered the anti-pasto platter, market fish, the beef check and fillet. There were two of us and weren't advised on the size of the platter so we could not fully enjoy the main dishes as we were full by then.
Raúl Enrique - dined at Dockside on 9 January 2020
Nice place nice food, good price
Serviced was great
Amazing view
Ningsy Sinatra - dined at Dockside on 10 January 2020
Dockside is always a treat, and even better with the First Table discount!
A lovely setting, looking over the beautiful green water at Queens Wharf.
Prompt, efficient service, and a good, wide-ranging menu and wine list. I especially enjoyed the scallops and calamari.
Simply nice!
Mike Hanley - dined at Dockside on 9 January 2020
Dockside is absolutely amazing, our waiter was fantastic, attentive, quick service, and great sense of humour. We were seated right by the window overlooking the harbour - perfect for my husbands birthday dinner.
The food was outstanding, so tasty, well presented, great portions and tasted amazing, We had scallops, mussels, crispy wontons with an amazing sauce, confit duck Yummo, Pork belly with tempura chilli prawns to die for! Baileys cheesecake - Devine, a very impressive presented coconut cake again delicious and Pavlova with gorgeous meringues and sorbets.
The added bonus of 50% off all our food (four of us) - get down to Dockside you will not be disappointed.
Shelly Alexander - dined at Dockside on 8 January 2020
Very friendly service, delicious food and amazing view!!
Greici Rosa - dined at Dockside on 7 January 2020
Food was delicious, service was great, would 100% recommend
Rachel Mote - dined at Dockside on 6 January 2020
We had a great time at Dockside. We were given a good table. The service was nice. Most importantly the food was really nice too. Would like to go back another time.
Yayuan Wang - dined at Dockside on 9 November 2019
Went for lunch with my work team and it was a lovely, relaxing venue, overlooking the water. Food was great and good portions. We all ordered sides with our mains but did not really need them. Service was good and we all enjoyed our experience.
Julie Dyer - dined at Dockside on 18 November 2019
Dining at dockside was a delight, the staff were fantastic, one of our party was a bit late and they were very accommodating.
Food was very tasty really enjoyed the ravioli starter and as a main the pork dish apparently went down a treat. Save room for a dessert. I can see why it's ranked so highly on first table and definitely recommended a visit !
Benjamin Beachbum - dined at Dockside on 19 November 2019
The view from our table out to the port was beautiful even on a rainy day. It was nice and cosy inside. The food was yummy and all in all great vibe. Would recommend for a First Table experience as food was pricey but worth the 50% off :-)
Janay Tauri - dined at Dockside on 18 October 2019
Our view was gorgeous and the food was absolutely brilliant. Will definitely go back again.
Tanya Fortuin - dined at Dockside on 15 November 2019
Enjoyed the best table in the restaurant on a glorious day. Wait staff were informative and helpful and we both enjoyed our seafood menu choices but the cauliflower gratin was stunning.
Tracey Barron - dined at Dockside on 15 November 2019
In the words of my husband - the best Big Breakfast I’ve ever had. An absolute bonus to get it for half price but would gladly pay full price for it in the future. Top marks. Awesome.
Carol Holcroft - dined at Dockside on 10 November 2019
Absolutely delicious, one of my new favorites. Highly recommend
Carmen Hepi - dined at Dockside on 10 November 2019
Seafood chowder was amazing. The crayfish oil on top was full of flavour, good chunks of salmon, and mussels. Beer battered snapper cooked perfectly and chips too. Great brunch!
Michael Harris - dined at Dockside on 9 November 2019
The food was phenomenal, from the starter to the dessert (the dessert was especially good). We both really enjoyed everything we had. The staff were really friendly. We had a great table looking out over the water. Would definitely recommend and we will be going back.
Louisa Aragao - dined at Dockside on 8 November 2019
Beautiful setting right by the water, fantastic cocktails followed by delish muscles and a sharing platter. The meat in the mains was very soft and had lovely flavours. overall very nice meals and beautiful setting with great service.
Darcie Stumpf - dined at Dockside on 4 November 2019
Lovely location, staff and food. Highly recommended to all. This would be our favourite restaurant in the Wellington Region.
Kelly Napier - dined at Dockside on 2 November 2019
Great food and service, enjoyed the dinner!
Zhihao Cai - dined at Dockside on 29 October 2019
Dined there during lunch hour, the restaurant has a great ambience, was able to get a table right near the window. There was a double booking with us and another group for first table somehow, so had to show my first table email voucher to a staff member, but it was sorted without fuss.
Nice food - ordered a prosciutto and olive platter to share with my mother and the braised beef and Akaroa salmon for myself as a main, both of which were tasty (especially the beef). Will be keen to dine there again!
Caitlin Bauer - dined at Dockside on 30 October 2019
Fantastic food, great ambience and superb service - what more could a birthday boy want. Dockside has kept up its high rating in the Wellington area for the last 40 odd years. Many baby boomers in Wellington have worked here at some point after leaving school and enjoyed the experience!!.
David Paetz - dined at Dockside on 25 October 2019
Dockside offered a wide variety of foods that suits all dietary needs. The food was very fresh and each dish offered unique flavour combinations. If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a beautiful view Dockside is a great recommendation!
Ren Kirsh - dined at Dockside on 30 October 2019
A wonderful place with delicious food. We will return!
Phuong Nguyen - dined at Dockside on 20 October 2019
Not as good as the last time we went. We ordered entrees to share and only had our side plate to eat from which had our bread roll on it so no room for anything else and by the time we were checked on to get plates we had almost finished. Table was seated by the window which had an awesome view however was directly in the sun. When asked if we could open the window because we were over heating and getting sun burnt, we were told that it couldn’t be opened but she would see if we could open the roof. Which didn’t happen and wasn’t even given the option of moving to another table that wasn’t directly in the sun. We then asked again if the roof could be opened and again was told she would go find out but again didn’t happen or even get told that it wasn’t possible. Food was average, had the same before when we went for dinner and it wasn’t as tasty as then. Could may had been because it was a little busier then last time we went. However overall it was okay.
Myra Savage - dined at Dockside on 17 October 2019
Great lunch at Dockside with my girlfriend. We both eat Low Carb diets and we ordered entrees with side dishes which worked out great. The Cocktails were also yum!
Serena Johnston - dined at Dockside on 14 October 2019
View was fantastic, and the place had a suave ambience. Food cane out plated beautifully — it was almost a shame to start eating it! Portions are on par for a classy restaurant, so be aware that the reasonably high prices do not get you a big meal, but the rich flavours make the portions feel just right anyway.
Eamon Frazer - dined at Dockside on 15 October 2019
Fantastic Food, Excellent service this was our first First Table and definitely be back for another at some point.
Jake Evans-scott - dined at Dockside on 14 October 2019
Dockside was absolutely lovely!! The food, the service, the way the place looked felt. We had one of the platters and macaroni croquets and it was enough to fill 2 people. We had a pretty good view too! Highly recommend!
Katya Velsk - dined at Dockside on 11 October 2019
Delicious fish, succulent steak and such friendly, helpful service. Beaut central spot on the water. Can’t wait to go back!
Rob Belshaw - dined at Dockside on 4 October 2019
Great food. Great atmosphere and attentive staff. And nice and warm out of the bitterly cold weather
Kerry Gall - dined at Dockside on 2 October 2019
I couldn’t have picked a more amazing restaurant for lunch on a day when the sun was shining in Wgtn. The roof was partially pulled back on the deck, letting the sun shine through, the food was incredible (as usual) and the service pretty dam good too! Definitely love this place!
Jackie Farrell - dined at Dockside on 27 September 2019
Great time at Dockside restaurant Wellington Delicious food and great views. Enjoyed the background music which was not too loud. Friendly helpful staff. We will be back.
Dianne Dwight - dined at Dockside on 23 September 2019
Fabulous brunch. We were particularly enamoured of the truffle mac n cheese croquettes and the outstanding big(!) breakfast. And you really can't beat the view.
Rae Boyes - dined at Dockside on 21 September 2019
Delicious food, very nice cold plates too. Seating area view is hard to beat in Wellington.
Leon Staikopoulos - dined at Dockside on 22 September 2019
Wonderful food, great flavours, deliciously fresh
Lorraine Shindler - dined at Dockside on 20 September 2019
Enjoyed a lovely tasty lunch. Service was very attentive. Food delicious. The view beautifully relaxing. Just right for my 60th birthday.
Elizabeth Macmillan - dined at Dockside on 18 September 2019
Great food and service!
Beulah Garce - dined at Dockside on 8 September 2019
good atmosphere and friendly staff.
tasty food by the window seat!! can't ask more than this...we had a great dining time here :)
Betty Hung - dined at Dockside on 8 September 2019
For a first table this meal was great. Staff as usual and helpful.
Noeline Colman - dined at Dockside on 7 September 2019
Best fresh fish!
Carmen Aliberch - dined at Dockside on 6 September 2019
I dined with 3 other chefs and we all agreed that we had a fabulous time and the food was tasty
Myra Savage - dined at Dockside on 4 September 2019
Enjoyable evening looking over the sea and attentive service.
Antoinette Savill - dined at Dockside on 23 August 2019
Love my meal it was delicious staff were excellent
Chanelle Masters - dined at Dockside on 22 August 2019
Overview
358 reviews
Dining at dockside was a delight, the staff were fantastic, one of our party was a bit late and they were very accommodating.
Food was very tasty really enjoyed the ravioli starter and as a main the pork dish apparently went down a treat. Save room for a dessert. I can see why it's ranked so highly on first table and definitely recommended a visit !