The Jaya's Wine Bar

Jaya's Wine Bar is a blessing on the Wellington dining scene. Founded by husband-and-wife team Abi and Jaya, this elegant offering gives Wellingtonians a taste of the Wairarapa vineyards alongside innovative sharing plates.

It might be in the heart of the capital's CBD, but Jaya's is more akin to the suave French wine bars that line the streets of Paris. Beautifully rustic and contemporary at the same time, shelves upon shelves of wine bottles surround the slick bistro tables, creating a sense of cosiness and intimacy. They also draw inspiration from India, painting colourful peacocks and other Indian cultural touchstones on the walls; a signal, surely, for what is to come.

The menu draws inspiration from modern Kiwi and Indian kitchens, creating a culinary feast you're unlikely to find elsewhere in the city. If you just fancy some snacks alongside your wine, opt for some sharing plates. With Jaya's signature papdi chaat, tandoori chicken, cheese platters and crispy croquettes on the menu, these are the perfect moreish morsels to go alongside an award-winning red. For bigger bites, how about a creamy Palak paneer of butter chicken? Or combine East and West with the spicy paneer burger that gets better with every bite.

Finally, it's just you and the Wairarapa. With spritely Sauvignon Blancs, silky Pinot Gris' and vegan Rosés, the vineyards always provide. You don't have to be a glass-swirling connoisseur either. Simply ask the friendly staff for their recommendations and lose yourself to some of NZ's finest crushed grapes.