Reviews of Highwater Eatery. (Restaurant) in Wellington (Wellington).

Highwater Eatery

401 Reviews

148 Comments

Restaurant

Restaurant

Cafe

Coffee store

Wine bar

54 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Description

Information of Highwater Eatery, Restaurant in Wellington (Wellington)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Highwater Eatery

Popular times

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Highwater Eatery

S. Z.

I was recommended a fragrant drop of red wine after sampling two reds. A great, extensive wine list with exotic choices. For dinner I chose the wagyu rump. The smoked beef fat thyme butter was a treat with the surprisingly lean, rare slices of beef. A steak knife would be better - unfortunately only butter knives were available. Lovely ambiance, helpful staff and service. Would like to see more meat options on the menu, and I will return for more wine!

K. G.

The food here is just stunning! We were incredibly impressed with every dish at lunch. The service was terrific. And they prices were extremely good value given the quality. We’ll definitely be back to try the dinner menu. Highly highly recommend.

X. W.

Highwater is absolutely my fav place in Wellington! We’ve been there for both bunch and dinner several times and the flavor of the food is amazing! Absolutely loved the vege crudites and flounder. They are always busy but we never needed to wait too long for the food. The front of the house team is also very professional. I’m looking forward to coming back again!

J. O.

All the food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was stunning. I had the best lamb I’ve ever had in my life. The staff were very knowledgeable and provided excellent recommendations for pairing food or drinks. Overall, an amazing evening well spent!

H. D.

Delicious food, wonderful staff. Shame they don't have a food intolerance menu readily available, almost didn't go there as couldn't tell if they catered for celiacs but here's the hand written menu.

D. K.

This is a great place. Relaxed atmosphere offering excellent food. All dishes we had where perfect. And the service was without doubt one of the best I got in quite a while. This place is one to come back to for some more dishes to be tasted. The price range is on the high end and the portions are not the largest, but enough for my opinion.

R.

We had an awesome meal there with our neighbours last night. The fit out is styley, the food was superb and the service attentive and friendly. It's really good to find somewhere nice to eat out and take friends, I would highly recommend it.

D.

Excellent service, food was incredible. Venison tartare is a must if it’s on the menu, beef and lamb dishes were incredible and I fear what went into the mashed potato side but it was delicious. Really appreciate the care for our coeliac friend in walking us through the menu and what our options were. When the food is brought out we received assertiveness from wait staff that the dish was prepared gluten free and it makes such a difference to the peace of mind so thank you all very much.

G. T.

We had a terrific dinner for four here. The service, and the food were very good. The waitress was very efficient and helpful, explaining each dish when they were delivered. The team in the kitchen turned out some really nice plates of food, each one being well balanced, and of good combinations - the cauliflower and potato sides were truly inspirational. Nice work to the team at HighWater!

J. W.

Walked past this little gem and was captured by the sophisticated design and contemporary decor. The menu didn’t look overly exciting but wow, their food is just excellent. We ordered two simple pastas and they were both very delicious. The fresh pasta, the rich wagyu ragu sauce, and the smoked butter sauce with plump perfectly cooked tuatua. Just great food.

S. G.

Wonderful place lower Cuba street. The menu is designed to be shared with a variety of dish sizes on offer. Great list of wines and cocktails to go with the food. The food is exquisite, with bold flavour combinations that work!!! We didn’t have a dish that we wouldn’t order again.

J. Y.

I don't know how much traffic this place usually gets but it wasn't super busy when I was there at dinner. It definitely needs to be talked about more. The food is amazing. It's tiers above most of the places in Wellington, and Auckland for that matter. Felt like something you'd get in Melbourne. Everything is cooked and presented so well, the flavour combinations are interesting and different. From what everyone I was with said about their drinks, it's a good menu. The fish dishes were my favourite, especially the small Kingfish and large Flounder. The Lamb ribs were well cooked but a little bit bland without the lemon sauce. The beef, while juicy, was definitely not Wagyu as advertised, just like most places. The place is a little bit higher priced than surrounding restaurants, but it's well worth going to experience the food.

G. M.

Excellent food and service with a very good wine list. Can definitely recommend the lunch. Busy so I would suggest you may like to book. We did.

J. S.

Some of Wellingtons best coffee. Delicious breakfast menu. Definitely get a side or two. Highly recommend the croquette. The sausage is amazing but for the price I would have liked a second one.

S. L.

Absolutely delightful meal! I went for Saturday lunch. The chef weaves in Middle Eastern, European, and Asian influences, the cure their own meat, do some fermenting themselves, and source great sourdough and sparkling fresh oysters— it is so interesting seeing how they put the menu together. If I had more time in Wellington, I would’ve loved to go back for dinner and another lunch. Can’t wait to visit again!!

A. L.

Had the lamb salad and the highwater lemonade. Both great for lunch. My only issue with the place was the staff. Made me feel uncomfortable and like I had entered into a judgefest. Sucks as it was my birthday and I got constant looks and rude service. Definitely was not treated the same as everyone else in the restaurant.

L. L.

Highwater is a new eatery on Lower Cuba St, positioning itself at the upper end of the restaurant scene. The menu is based around different sizes of plates to share, with a really interesting, eclectic wine list to accompany it. We really enjoyed everything we ordered, including oysters with quince sorbet, kingfish crudo (raw fish with a soy-based sauce), a creative take on venison tartare, wagyu beef, duck parfait (paté), cucumber with warehou and more. Service was attentive, and while the waitstaff's knowledge of wine wasn't high you can expect it to improve with time in a new venue. My only disappointments were, firstly, that the kitchen wouldn't do the "chefs' selection" menu for 3 people on our table of 5 - it had to be the whole table. This option is $70 per head for a selection of dishes covering the whole menu i.e. you don't have to choose - it's all brought to you. Their reasoning for not doing it for 3 of us was that with different menus, the whole table wouldn't all be eating at the same time. I think that's up to us to decide, don't you? Similarly, when we started ordering dishes individually, our waitperson stopped us to check we were going to share. Yes we were - we had decided to each order our top choices - but again, up to us what we each eat and how, thanks. Highwater has great food and service, but must be careful not to fall into that trap of telling its customers what to do.

M. M.

Great food , good atmosphere , friendly staff

N.

Has to be one of the standout restaurants on Cuba st, exceptional quality food and service. Really enjoyed the Oysters and Mussels for lunch but will be back for dinner next time in Wellington to try a few other of the delicious items on the menu

D. M.

Very popular place. Wasn't overly impressed with our reception and felt like we were "squeezed" into a bar seat without much politeness towards the person we sat by. The snack was delicious. The drink range great. $11 for the sparkling water? Really?

D. B.

This place is fantastic. The food is so good as well as the venue. If you haven’t been there, make sure you do, you won’t be disappointed. Awesome quality in a relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended.

J. S.

Had the wagyu pastrami was awesome, refined, a very well put together breakfast, walked away feeling good as opposed to bloated haha

B. M.

This place offers totally unexpected culinary journey, raising our taste buds to amazing heights ! This is polish cuisine..amazing amazing food !

K. T.

Such a wonderful & relaxed dining experience. Really nice place for a special occasion. Can’t wait to get back to Welly to return.

G. M.

Phenomenal.. the food was exceptional as was the service. Came all the way from Tauranga to try and will be back again as soon as we are able. Thank you for an incredible evening.

J. S.

Amazing fine dining experience. Catered for seafood allergies. We got the set menu which was fantastic. You get a 5 course meal. Each portion on its own is quite small but it gets bigger each time and you end up very full and satisfied by the end of it.

E. W.

First time eating there. This review is for the food as I love coming here for cocktails. Why is it that we accept subpar service if we're only drinking??? Anyway, service was better at the bar (bar tender took our order and he was really awesome actually). I knew the food was going to be expensive prior to going out but I was keen to try anyway. We had Wagyu, Ice Berg and Gnocchi. Such tasty food!! I just wonder if its worth the price tag... Maybe... Anyway while the service was good, the tables are quite close together and I got a face full of server bum at one point... I still enjoyed myself and will be back

R. D.

On point. Had a great set dinner. The rockmelon elderflower small plate was out of this world. Thanks so much

S. C.

Had a great evening and amazing food. Food was fresh and tasty. Definitely see us again.

C. R.

Fantastic service and amazing food. Lovely atmosphere and recommend for brunch or dinner! The Valentine's set menu was amazing value for money with the wine matches.

W.

Good vibes, friendly and helpful service and the wine list was diverse and interesting (cold reds!). The grilled flounder is definitely a must but the wagu rib caps were very chewy and didn’t have that buttery taste we were hoping for! Overall would recommend - but definitely book.

1.

A bit pricey but the food was of a real good quality. Tremendous wine and interesting menu.

M. M.

Was great, felt welcome and the staff is friendly, profesional and helpful. The food is exceptionally.

K. H.

Absolutely amazing food. This restaurant is a must. All staff doing so well under COVID-19 level 2 conditions. Congratulations

M. o. t. F.

Utterly exceptional. Beautiful location unlike anything in Wellington. Gorgeous food, wine, good enough coffee (clean workspace, nicely textured milk, though they could work on consistency between shots. You've got volumetrics, definitely use what you've got!) If you want a stunning brunch, make sure you go here. Everything is delicious! Stellar!

J.

Great New addition to Cuba street. Nice design with pleasant staff and good simple menu. Bar stocked well for an after work or without being too over the top

A. M.

Visited on Sunday morning for brunch and was amazing. Despite Level 2 stresses, the food was amazing and super quick, the staff were very friendly and the fit out of the place was stunning. Will definitely be back!

F.

Fantastic food! This place is a must try in Wellington. The staff were marvellous and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and wines available. I look forward to to my next trip to Wellington!

G. W.

Good service, great coffee nice lunch

D. C.

Went for dinner. Great experience. Really good bread. The Burrata was mind blowing.

l. b.

Beautiful food, coffee, atmosphere, and staff. Would go back every time I'm in wellington.

M. K.

Outstanding food, outstanding service - will definitely go back.

M. C.

Love the feel and energy of the restaurant. Excellent venue for a relaxed lunch. Service is on point. The food is the highlight with a menu that is simple enough to navigate but still offers enough variety. Lamb Salad is the highlight so far.

I. F.

Great service, food and cocktails. Thank you.

A. R.

We came with another couple, we really enjoyed the food. Well done guys, delicious! But we were quite disapointed by some people working there. We arrived at 1pm today, we stayed there talking until 3.30pm. The restaurant was almost empty around 3pm and a couple of kitchen hands gave us many black looks... Especially a blond with make up and a tall guy. I guess we annoyed them by staying here late. That was very awkward. How are we supposed to know when to leave? Please come to people and explain them politely they have to go. We wanted to support a local business but I am not sure if we will come back again.

A. B.

Food was stunning. Really enjoyed the tapas style food & great flavours. Cocktails and wine is top form and staff friendly and attentive. Pricey, but worth it.

R. O.

Absolutely wonderful food and service. What a fantastic experience.

D. F.

A wonderful evening to celebrate our daughter in law’s graduation . Excellent food , wine, and service. Thank you to all at Highwater Eatery, a perfect way to finish our day

S. A.

We went for lunch and felt it was a very smart menu with efficient service to boot. Felt happy with my charcoal grilled fish with roasted fennel and olive salad. Extensive bar menu and got to taste some NZ made gins. Must say I was impressed with Reid and Reid "Native" New Zealand gin. Value for money and would totally recommend Highwater Eatery.

E. F.

The menu was so mouthwatering that we couldn’t decide which dishes to choose, so we asked the chef to select the dishes for us. Certainly didn’t disappoint, with the highlight being the lamb dish - succulent and melted in the mouth. Excellent staff to match. Highly recommend!!

A. D.

The food is great but staff are never quite friendly enough. Not somewhere I'd rush back to. Also quite noisy. Finally have non-alcoholic drinks on the menu.

A. G.

Went for dinner over the Christmas period and we were very pleased with the food we ordered. The highlight would of been the mussel emulsion. Service was attentive and we left very happy. Hope to come back some time for breakfast.

B.

Excellent service with yummylicious fish n lamb n etc. 😍

D. T.

Beautifully designed cafe/bar simple clean minimalist look which is very inviting (even when empty). I only got a long black but it was delicious and definitely gives a caffeine kick that lasts. Highly recommend for some quiet drinks or if you want somewhere to focus on your work.

N. J.

On the finer end of the dining spectrum. Portions are small, but fairly priced, so be prepared to order a few more dishes than you think you need. Service is friendly but a little scattered (we repeatedly refused items offered to us that were ordered by neighbouring tables). Our ‘out by’ time was dealt with professionally and we happily left a tip.

P. E.

A busy little restaurant, warm and well positioned in Wellington's hub - and the food .... OMG, just absolutely brilliant !!!! The wine list (particularly champagne) could do with a bit more depth and options, given the quality of the food that comes out of their open kitchen. Loved the restaurant, loved the service and loved the food !! Top Marks !

f. o.

Great service, great food, great vibes. Will be back.

W. S.

It was ok. Ok food and alright value for money...but...our waiter was a co-owner who, it seemed, thought waiting tables was beneath him. Fair enough if that's what you think but I suggest you go back to supervising perhaps. His attitude can only be described as "surly". I suspect this will come as no surprise to the other owner.

E. L.

Food was delicious, especially the lamb and spuds

D. M. (.

We went back to Highwater for their Wellington on a plate event, and I have to say it was probably the best meal I've ever had in New Zealand. The menu was a degustation of 7 courses, each matched by a cocktail or wine from Milton Winery, in Gisborne, follwong the theme of "pollination". Each dish was beautifully designed and incredibly flavourful. My favourite was probably the radish with a cream of celeriac, nuts and almond dust. So good! The atmosphere was really nice, with visual art projected on the walls and music that followed the artwork. Highwater has definitely won the spot of my favourite restaurant in Wellington!

G. B.

Lively atmosphere. Friendly helpful staff. Interesting tasty food. Enjoyed the eating experience there.

S. J.

Food and service both exceptional. Great for a couple or groups. Definitely heading back.

M. B.

Modern and yet cosy new restaurant in Wellington, with close attention to detail. Fantastic food, delicious and simple as good food ought to be! I'll need to come back for dinner though, to be able to sample the desserts... Well done to the Chefs!! ************************* I did come back for dinner. And what a fabulous dinner it was! From the awesome blend of flavours of the kingfish entrée, the amazing flounder with those "fat" potatoes to the delicious chocolate dessert, everything made up for a memorable evening. Even the "pisco sour" was close to perfection... Standing ovation to the Chefs!!

R. G.

Great service, food was amazing wish I could've tried more.

B. T.

Will definitely recommend this place.Fresh look and feel and they have a great lunch option meat with two sides that is truly bursting with flavour and sooo very delish. Combination of flavours and textures that simply work together. Will definitely be back.

w. w.

Fantastic seasonal dining, cocktails to take your mind of the worlds problems and a wine list to write home about. You’ll find what you need at Highwater. The decor is soothing and reminds me of another life.

M. T.

Great food, excellent staff hospitality. Tasteful environment, world-class menu. Delivers more than one's expectations.

C. T.

Really good food, extensive wine list and excellent service. Portions could be a bit larger but probably similar to other restaurants offering share plate type menus.

J. N.

Great cooking, impeccable sourcing of local ingredients. Well curated wine list with natty’s and traditional wines. Sweet coffee and cocktails too.

R.

Visited after the NZSO with friends, food and service were good especially since restaurant was full.

A. S.

Great food wine and service. The ambience was perfect for date night.

S.

Wonderful new spot in Wellington. Stunning space with attention to every detail, professional service, and a great coffee and drinks list. Going to be one of my new regulars.

S. T.

The almond croissant 🥐 was the best I've ever had. The chai tea was even better than any chai latte I've ever had. Thank you.

L. B.

Excellent food, attentive staff, and a perfect Wellington atmosphere. Perfect for a date, whether it's dress up or dress down.

W. M.

Food flavours and quality was amazing 👌

T. B.

This is where you go if you want great food for a great price, with great service in a great atmosphere.

S. B.

We had a drink and snack but is more suited for a nice dinner.

J. S.

Briiiant. Haven’t eaten here before but highly recommended. Innovative menu great knowledgeable staff and I loved the vibe. Go. Go. Go.

W. K.

Warm and cosy spot for a quiet drink and an intimate chat

J. B.

Fish was very good. Not sure about the slices of super thin bread though.

K. M.

Great service, brunch was excellent. Have dropped in for a wine previously - great selection and staff are very knowledgable.

D. C.

Great lamb, flounder, chicken

J. M. G.

Lots of potential in the flavour combinations.

D. v. d. W.

Beautiful food, the nicest smell when they prepare food with the charcoal grill, good atmosphere and nice layout, good service

E. C.

Came for lunch food was loving Service was wonderful And fitout is amazing

L. U.

Lovely bar. Haven't tried any food but cocktails are good.

J. S.

Had the shared dinner and it was delicious array of foods. Service was excellent would recommend it to all

L. F.

Gorgeous food, really lovely & knowledgable staff.

L. A.

The food and coffee was delicious, the service was great, and the interiors stunning. I will definitely be back!

U. A.

Great place very new only been open for a few months really good if you want to try new things and flavours I hope to go there again soon.

A.

Delicious, fresh food, lots of flavour and unique food for Wellington. I will be back as it was soooo good!!!

O. W.

Beautiful, modern, clean interior. Really nice food and great coffee.

S. T.

Loved our lunch here. Beautifully prepared food and great service.

A. R.

Nice food, friendly staff, great bloody mary 😁, bit too noisy for my liking (had difficulty understanding people).

G. H.

Good coffee... Good prompt service... Good fresh, modern menu... All wrapped up in a clean fresh environment.

C. S.

Delicious food with elegant flavours. Love the interior design.. and Parrotdog on tap 😀

J. F.

Wow! The food here is fantastic.

S. W.

Great food!

G. B.

I love this place! Food is just what I like. Always leave full and content

I. L.

The food was amazing, I would highly recommend! Tapas style.

M.

Food is delicious. Not much room around a table

r. r.

Absolutely awesome. Delicious food. Great service

S. R.

Really nice food. I had an amazing duck pasta

J. N.

We just had drinks. Contemporary and comfortable atmosphere.

R. W.

Delicious food and attentiative service. Will definitely be back

R. L.

New spot, nicebmenu

S. K.

Had a very good negroni here. Friendly staff

F. M.

Just absolutely delicious!

R. F.

Top service and great selection on menu.

h. o.

Wonderful space, lovely staff, very welcoming atmosphere.

k. w.

Excellent food, great atmosphere

T. M.

Fantastic food

A. S.

Great food and brilliant service

Z. D.

Modern, super kind staff, awesome new place.

G.

Great food

J. Z.

Incredible. Had the best pasta of my life.

U. S.

The food and coffee is simply amazing!!!

J. R.

Fantastic service, fantastic food

G. T.

Fantastic food and great service

J. B.

Amazing food and vibe in this space.

S. A.

Fantastic service, amazing little find.

A. P. (.

Was ok

O. W.

Excellent

W. S.

Great coffee

K. P.

Just okay.

G. H.

Great food

B. W.

My new favourite

m.

(Translated) * Cook Strait Octopus, house made Berkshire chorizo, organic broadbeans, poached eggs, aioli * House made wagyu pastrami fried eggs, gruyère, horseradish, bread & butter pickles Both were very delicious. It was crowded with a lot of people. I sat at the counter, but the clerk was also friendly. I would like to try other menus as well. Feast! (Original) *Cook Strait Octopus, house made Berkshire chorizo, organic broadbeans, poached eggs, aioli * House made wagyu pastrami fried eggs, gruyère, horseradish, bread & butter pickles どちらもすごくおいしかったです。すごく人もたくさんいて混んでいました。カウンターに座ったのですが店員さんもフレンドリーでした。他のメニューも食べてみたいです。ごちそうさま！

V.

(Translated) Very good breakfast, everything is homemade (even the bread, the bacon, the ice cream, ...!) And fresh! Waffles with speculos ice cream and fresh marshmallows are huge and delicious. Salmon is very tasty The duck and plum sausage is very good. Delicious coffee Can not wait to try the dinner menu. - Very good breakfast where everything is homemade (bread, bacon, ice cream, ...!) With fresh and local products. The waffles with speculos ice cream and homemade marshmallow are huge and delicious. Tasty salmon pastrami, we would have liked to have a slice more. The duck and prune sausage is really good. Very good coffee We only have to test the evening menu now! (Original) Very good breakfast, everything is homemade (even the bread, the bacon, the ice cream,... !) and fresh ! Waffles with speculos ice cream, beacon and fresh marshmallows are huge and delicious. Salmon is very tasty (but one more slice would be good) The duck and prune sausage is very good. Delicious coffee Can’t wait to try the dinner menu. ———————————————— Très bon breakfast ou tout est fait maison (pain, bacon, glace, ... !) avec des produits frais et locaux. Les gaufres avec de la glace au spéculos et des marshmallow maison sont énormes et délicieuses. Savoureux pastrami de saumon, on aurait aimé avoir une tranche en plus. La saucisse au canard et pruneaux est vraiment très bonne. Très bon café Il ne nous reste plus qu’a tester le menu du soir maintenant !

P.

(Translated) Very pleasant restaurant with a good selection of fine wines and excellent menu offered. Attentive and well-trained staff. Highly recommended! (Original) Sehr angenehmes Restaurant mit einer guten Auswahl an erlesenen Weinen und hervorragenden Menü angeboten. Aufmerksames und gut geschultes Personal. Sehr empfehlenswert!

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