Aubergine Cafe - Wellington

Wellington is a well-kept secret. The quality of the food is first-rate, and the presentation is fantastic, just like the ambiance. The owner provides exceptional service that is truly unmatched.

I visited this restaurant for dinner during a quiet week, which made for quick service and a very friendly waitress. We ordered the lamb and steak, accompanied by sautéed vegetables and red wine. The wine selection was impressive, and the food was good; however, we expected a bit more for the price point.

What an exceptional experience my wife and I had for a special night out at Aubergine. After a very warm welcome from our host, we were shown to our table, beautifully set and looking out on the evening going by on Tinakori Rd. The menu has a good variety of dishes suitable for all tastes and the accompanying wine list showcased NZ and European wines. We chose the Terrine to share as an entree, and there was ample flavoursome pork and pistachio delight to have on the toasted buttery slices of baguette and accompanying relish. After this start, we knew we were in for a special meal, and my wife's Aubergine pasta caponata was light and flavoured exceptionally with the aubergine and roasted pepper juices, complemented by the zingy capers. I had the herb roasted lamb rump, and this came out sliced so the delicate pink meat and beautifully rendered fat was showcased on a flavoured bed of chard and well seasoned chick peas. We both enjoyed a side dish of the special of red cabbage, which had a pickle element to the flavour and some duck fat potatoes. Because it was a special evening, we also had some dessert me the baked chocolate mousse, and my wife, the creme brulee. Both were exceptional and finished off the evening meal on a high. We never felt rushed over our 2 hour long meal, and valued the time taken by the host who we also found out is the owner along with her husband the chef, to talk with us about the meal and ingredients. It is great to see such a long standing business still part of the community. We will certainly enjoy a return visit when next in Wellington.

My wife and I visited Aubergine for Sunday lunch, our first visit for a number of years. We were very pleased to find that the food was still superb, very tasty and beautifully presented. The staff were also very friendly and helpful. We'll be back! We've just been back, this time with our entire family to celebrate a 150th birthday (Grandfather 80, Daughter 50 and granddaughter 20). We were able to book the entire cafe for the evening and were not disappointed. Owner, Kate, was most accomodating to our wishes and once again the food and service were top class.

Cute little restaurant with upscale yet cozy atmosphere. The food was delicious and service was prompt and attentive. I had the scotch fillet, my MIL had lamb, and my husband had pasta aubergine and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The goat cheese toast appetizer was A-plus, as was the sticky date pudding. If we ever visit Wellington again, will be back!