Portofino Wellington

Set on Wellington’s waterfront, Portofino Wellington pairs a coveted outlook with fine Italian cooking. In summer it hums with energy; in winter it settles into a cosy retreat. Bougy beach vibes shape the room: pristine white furnishings, impeccable glassware and an always-in-demand courtyard that comes into its own on a blue-sky day.

Lunch leans leisurely and generous. Begin with bruschetta, a Spanish omelette or steamed mussels glossed in white wine, then settle into a steaming bowl of freshly made pasta or one of the gourmet pizzas. Classics hold court here, from spaghetti alla vongole that tastes of the sea to ricotta and spinach cannelloni that soothes with silky comfort.

As evening draws in, the same beloved pasta and pizza anchor the menu, joined by hearty mains. White veal, eye fillet and lamb cutlets receive the Italian treatment, with creamy mash, specialty cheeses and luxurious sauces completing the picture. With the waterfront just beyond the glass and the courtyard catching the last of the light, this is Wellington dining with a holiday mood. Make a date, claim a waterside perch, and let la dolce vita do the talking.