Hiakai

As soon as you walk in, your not sure what's up stairs! The atmosphere is just sooooo soooo cozy!!! Its a really intimate setting, the way it's architecturally designed and interiors play a big part in the dishes served. The we had George and another lovely lady serving our table, and with each dish that came out, also had a story behind it and what inspired each one. The stars aligned when we randomly found availability and snapped it. It just happened that it fell on the weekend of our new Celebrated Public Holiday Matariki. Each dish that came out was Matariki themed and the food that had been foraged by hand from the staff was just BLOODY AMAZING!!!! For a samoan to go to a restaurant that was deeply connected to their roots and we knew where our food was coming from made it all that special for me as i thought of my own parents on their plantation when they were younger living off the land!! They really took you on journey with each dish! Best experience and highly recommend to everyone highly Fa'afetai Monique mo le mea ai matagofie👌🏼 🔥 💯

The best food experience I had in Wellington. The menu is delightfully crafted with meaning and purpose. Visually it's art and not only that, each dish tells a story. We get to plunge into the richness of the Māori culture and folklore, and eat what grows around our unique New Zealand bush. Monique Fiso thank you. Beautiful service with knowledgeable, personal and caring staff.

Such an amazing place. The decor and music is just so chilled out. The team running about are super amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. All questions were answered and the passion which they talked about their products and processes was heartening. The food and ethos behind it are incredible, I love the fact that there is an over all story tying the menu together, and each course is a chapter in that story A bit of a long night though, four hours from start to end, so make sure you have good company (or take advantage of their unique takes on classic cocktails 🤣) The husband had a valid criticism, a lot of the flavours seemed to be in the same wheelhouse (bitter, vinegary... shrub like?) For me, they were absolutely amazing, they weren't quite up his alley (even though he still ate it all and didn't give it to me...) All in all, I will definately be going back every season 😍

Wonderful culinary experience! Every dish is subtily prepared with a complex mix of tastes, textures and colours. You can pair with wine according to to each dish or go with your own pick. Perfect service with explainations on Maori traditional use of ingredients. We were delighted from delicate entry to surprising dessert. We would have loved to meet the chef...

Outstanding! Excellent representation! Fancy cuisine! Food art! Terrific! I eccentric! Sophisticated! It will blow away your mind! Its all about HIAKAI! Have been there 3 times ! Lucky !!!! Its a must experience at least once ! Yes, it is costly, but its worth it ! Love their food and wine pairing! Stuff is on point ! They take a great care of their customers ! Very relaxing atmosphere! Love it ! The selection of dishes on the menu and the way how they come out are following one of traditional Maōri stories. The story itself is incorporated into the ingredients and the name of a dish. Service is excellent ! Once a new dish arrived, a server will tell you a story how a dish is related to the story and why those particular inferior were chosen. Its such a great concept ! They also offer cocktails pairings. We got it every time we went there. Excellent choice ! They also accommodated my food allergies every time I was there ! You must go there once you are in Wellington. A truly unique place! ❤️👍👏

Simply the best restaurant I have been to, food was beautiful both in taste and visually. The story made it a much fuller experience, with even the music chosen to supplement this. Waiters were also fabulous. Booked to return the same evening, just a shame we have to wait until April, can’t wait for the next tale and food journey!

We went here for an eight course dinner. The story they created around the dishes was so interesting and personalised the experience. It’s fine dining with a friendly vibe as the staff sit down next to you and explain the dishes. The food was very well thought out and left us not being able to pick just one favourite dish.