the larder

our experience here was great and the food was equally fantastic. the service was perfect from start to finish and the atmosphere was pleasant. the larder has now become our new favouritewellingtonrestaurant.

we went here with a large group of friends , and as with previous experiences the food was absolutely fabulous. unfortunately we were let down by having to wait 40 minutes for the table we had booked, and by the fact that they had sold out of thewellingtonon a plate burgers that we had specifically booked for - with the person taking our booking even going so far as to check enough portions were available the night before. clearly this was an admin error and doesn't reflect on the quality of the food at all - we'd go back again if i was dropping in, but wouldn't count on them to deliver to a pre requested item or service.

my last day in new zealand and i had to try this place out. it was packed out but i got a table outside and zipped up the coat. i had the croque madame. it was delicious and very well balanced. it has been a while since i had a good one so thank you the larder! i also had a cinnamon hot chocolate which was a perfect partner for a breezywellingtonday.

this place is generally good...but today made me very disappointed. we waited thirty minutes for a table.. only to be finally told they dont have thewellingtonon a plate burger.... it was 1245....and they ran out..... how can you do that? and not let people know... im sure all the people behind us also came for the burger and all had to wait.. ruuuude.

wednesday 27th august.
we booked a table for 7 for lunch at the larder for thewellingtonon a plate and wasn't disappointed.
for starters i had terrine, rillettes and ballontine of wairarapa pork with cornichons relish and toasted larder rye bread, (which was pork pate with toast and relish and a couple of gherkins) and it was very tasty.
then for my main i chose yellow brick road snapper pie with onion purée and petit salad, (which was a fish pie with a salad) and it was really yummy. we also received a free glass of white or red wine. i had the pinot noir 2011. very nice and delicate for a lunch time.
we didn't have dessert as we were abit full, even thought the portion sizes weren't really big.
and it only cost $35, perfect.
the staff were very attentive, filling our water glasses and asking if everything was ok.
i really enjoyed my time here, very nice atmosphere.
thankyou the larder staff.

recently hadwellingtonon a plate fixed menu with matched wines on first visit to this restaurant.
additional first taster course of cauliflower soap was nice but cold, needed heating.
next course of chicory needed more dressing being rather bland.
main course of beef cheek was very succulent; parsnip puree was very smooth and tasty; grilled kale was miniscule portion.
cheese course of aged gouda and toasted fruit bread was dry and disappointed, needed an accompaniment other than the jelly which added little taste.
pear tart tartin disappointed as one who prefers a 'cake' like base rather than a batter; suggest pear could have benefitted from being sliced rather than whole, needed jus; accompanying gelato was miniscule portion.
not convinced by some of wine matches particularly the chardonay, sauv. blanc and pinot gris.
ambience overall ok, chairs not very comfortable; background noise high when restaurant full due hard surfaces; service generally attentive. could have asked for feedback upon paying bill if genuinely interested in patrons experience. cost around $195 overall $65 each fixed menu; $5 per half glass matched wines plus coffee/tea.
nice to have proper large napkins but why not go to tablecloths as well.
overall, pleasant enough but would not necessarily rush back unless good reason to.

we visited on a "theme" night being spanish. we opted for the accompanying wine with the meal.
our first impression was fantastic i have never been greeted at a restaurant like the lovely welcome we received at the larder.
the ambience was great with a lovely fire on a chillywellingtonevening.
the food is superb and you can tell the love and passion for cooking that has gone into the food and presentation. the accompanying wine was also a perfect match for the food.
we will definitely go back.

we love the friendly service, the exquisitely combined tastes and textures of the meals and the warm atmosphere. our favouritewellingtonrestaurant.

jacob's head to tail policy includes some animal parts i would try nowhere else but in his expert hands. we also love his and sarah's commitment to local farmers, and the photographs included tastefully on the walls.

favorite place inwellingtonfor brunch! excellent setting and i just love the savory french toast. service has never been an issue and while i agreed its pricey, i've never felt it isn't worth the occasional treat. well worth the trip across town, especially with visiting friends or family in tow!

third time we've visited the larder in under a month. just moved towellingtonfrom auckland, and working our way around the best cafes in town - but this one stands out - so much so, we drive 25 minutes (huge by welly standards!) to eat here. lovely service, and a really innovative breakfast/brunch menu. the buttermilk crepes with rhubarb & lemon yoghurt are superb, croque madame really delicious and the portobello mushrooms are a standout. coffee also great and the cabinet baking looks fabulous. these people really know what they're doing, and they're doing it beautifully.

brunch for six on saturday. gorgeous food, great service, reasonably priced. definitely worth the drive from the other side ofwellington- we'll be back!