ortega combines everything you would want in a good restaurant - great food, great staff, great ambiance, and a feeling of being looked after. in the evening, the decor and lighting give a warm, cosy and intimate feel. there are four dining areas, either by the entrance, at, or by the bar and an upstairs room. all are good but a table downstairs, is possibly best if you can get one. ortega has a loyal following and a quality that is well known in wellington. therefore if its a special evening you'll need to book a week or so out, especially on weekends. the staff do not change often, some seem to have been there for years and clearly that is a sign of a healthy restaurant and good management, as well as knowledgeable but relaxed service.
ortega's menu focuses on, but is not limited to seafood - while fish is generally perfectly cooked, so is a fillet of beef. the dishes are not fussy or overworked, but concentrate on presenting the ingredients honestly for maximum flavour and enjoyment. to my mind the sashimi entree is a national treasure, and the cafe de paris butter which tops the beef is incomparably good. personally i find the chocolate mousse with the sweet px sherry is gluttonously perfect to finish. a cheese course comes by the gram so don't overdo it.
the wine list is extraordinarily good. however if you can't think of what to have, ask the maitre'd - davy - one of the youngest looking institutions in town. let him offer a suggestion - he has never put me wrong so far. tapping into his knowledge and passion for food and wine is a must.
this is a remarkably good restaurant.