Wellington restaurants are booming after being recognised by Michelin Guide

Some Wellington hospitality businesses say coveted international recognition in the Michelin Guide has already boosted business.

The Michelin Guide is published by the Michelin tyre company and dates back to 1900. It recognises high quality restaurants by anonymous inspection and is highly regarded internationally.

The prestigious Michelin Star was awarded to three local restaurants, Ortega Fish Shack, Jano Bistro and Logan Brown.

Michelin awards one star to restaurants in their category which use top quality ingredients and prepare dishes with distinct flavours to a consistently high standard.

Owner and front of house for Ortega Fish Shack Davey McDonald said they were blown away with their award.

"It's a crazy, cool honour. Last night when it was announced we had a fairly decent trade going on with people we know and love, and then it was announced and all these locals and regulars just sort of appeared out of nowhere, and popped in and wanted dinner and wanted to hang out.

"I was just really excited how much it meant to lots of people."

When asked about Wellington's awards and selections from the night McDonald said people really embrace Wellington's cool food and drink culture.

"We've always been incredibly spoilt for choice with anything to do with coffee, booze, food, places to go, things to see."

The awards come as a timely boon for the city during a difficult period economically. Annual average unemployment in central Wellington area was up to 5.1 percent in 2025, up from 4.7 percent the year previous. Crucially for these restaurants, spending dropped 2.8 percent over the year compared to 1 percent in the country overall.

Chef and co-owner of Logan Brown Shaun Clouston was a part of the local cooking team who provided food for the launch event. He said it's really important for them in Wellington at the moment because it's been a very tough year.

"So many people on Cuba Street have picked up awards. It's been a little bit dire. You look in restaurants and they're not busy. I'm pretty sure that a few more people will be coming out to see us, it's already started to happen."

He said they had already received hundreds of reservations straight away from across Asia following their one-star award last night.

Other restaurants recognised last night were 1154 Pastaria, Cicio Cacio, Hummingbird and Indian Alley who were all awarded Bib Gourmand status. This is awarded to restaurants with great bang for buck, simple yet skillful cooking at an affordable price.

Co-owner of 1154 Pastaria Kieran Wallace said it recognised affordability and consistency which were two of their core principals.

"To be recognised for that in an international award is awesome."

Alongside the Bib Gourmand and star awards, 15 Wellington restaurants were also listed as 'Michelin Recommended'.

Chef and owner of 50-50 Helen Turnbull said it was incredible to be recognised on the world stage.

"I feel extremely privileged and very grateful to the support of every single guest that's come through the 50-50 doors. We wouldn't be here without them."

She said Wellington deserved the recognition it received last night and was so proud of what the region had to offer.

"I think it really shows to the whole of the world how great what we have on offer here is. I think we should all be amazingly proud of what we do and the way we share hospitality in New Zealand."