Graze Wine Bar — Restaurant in North Island

Graze Wine Bar opening within walking distance of where I live has been the epitome of both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because it is by far my favourite restaurant in Wellington (I say that as someone who eats out extensively in Wellington). A curse, because I find myself unable to stop coming in for a wine, a quick dish, or sometimes even to just enjoy the company of the Graze team... much to the chagrin of finances.

For some background, Graze was opened by a lovely couple (who you will meet very quickly whenever you step in) who go by Max and Stina. They are a classic front-of-house and kitchen dream team, with Max the ever affable and warm chef in the kitchen, and Stina the equally ever affable and warm maître d.

Graze is a pescatarian restaurant built upon a belief that food should be sustainable, and that is reflected in the menu. Produce comes from local farmers, and fish on the menu is locally caught by spear fishers. All the staff at Graze will be able to tell you exactly where every ingredient comes from - at times Chef Max may have even foraged something for a special dish. Having used produce from the same farmers in my own home cooking, I can tell you that it is absolutely top notch.

When you walk into Graze, you are welcomed by a friendly member of staff and taking into a seat - you will notice that it is a small restaurant with a limited amount of covers but that by no means does it feel cramped. It feels warm, welcoming and has that Wellington uniqueness to it, that has you feeling that the restaurant is both familiar and yet a bit unlike anything else you've seen. The tableware differs between seats, yet feels as if it is all deliberately chosen to be that way.

The menu is written on a blackboard hung in the dining area with seasonal dishes being able to be ordered à la carte or two set menus that differ in size. The first is the 'Snack Attack' which runs you $30pp for approximately 3 smaller dishes - a great way to experience some top quality food or have a light lunch on a budget. The 'Full Shebang' gives you everything on the menu at $125pp, which I get more than I care to admit (as the menu rotates constantly with whatever produce is seasonal). The 'Full Shebang' is pricey for most, but is well worth the money - the experience is always exceptional and leaves me barely able to walk afterwards... the sign of a truly gluttonous experience.

The drinks are engineered by Stina, and the wine menu carrying local NZ wines is small but absolutely exceptional - I've discovered some of my favourite wines and growers thanks to Graze and they often host these same growers at special tasting events. The cocktails are unique and more often than not incorporate NZ spirits. For those who prefer to not have alcohol or just low amounts of it, they have a specific low alcohol cocktail list which is absurdly delicious, and non-alcoholic options such as housemade soda and housemade seasonal lemonades which are delicious (perfect for a dusty Sunday brunch I have found).

I've come to Graze for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Valentines day and other events they've hosted - sometimes I just come on a work night to have a bite. It is consistently exceptional. The experience is warm, the food delivers and every ingredient has a story before ending up on your plate. Every person I've taken has also loved it.

This is my favourite restaurant, and it's a very, very special place that I highly recommend you try. I have so many good memories in this little restaurant, and I think you should...

We had an early dinner at Graze and opted for the full shebang which is their everything-on-the-menu option. We sat up at the Chef's bar where we could see everything in the tiny, busy kitchen. The chefs took their time explaining what we were eating and where it came from, kai was pescetarian/vegetarian, hearty and nourishing, tapas style with decent portion sizes. Where the magic happened for us was in the kitsch-y atmosphere which was comfy and unpretentious; and the super calm lovely staff. With a very tiny kitchen and lots to do, the Chef was strengths based and considerate to other chefs and staff, plus had time to chip in and chat to us while delivering yummy dishes. Sometimes its the subtlety of seeing the workings of a place and witnessing the shared efforts of a tight team that elevate the experience. We really enjoyed our rare night out and would sum up our time at Graze as being just like the carrot custard - simple, earthy, surprisingly delicious and a...

A simply exceptional dining experience. We did the "full shebang" tasting of every item on the menu (it really was every item!) and thoroughly enjoyed every single dish. The cured kahawai tarts, paua patty melt and pierogi were probably the standouts amongst an impressive and satisfying lineup.

We appreciated the pescatarian, locally sourced and minimal waste ethos. The pacing was excellent - not too fast or slow. The overall quantity of food was also perfect - we were satiated but not uncomfortably full by the end! Their wine by the glass menu is also phenomenal.

The chef's table experience definitely elevated the experience even further, and we enjoyed the opportunity to see the dishes being created for us. Max, the head chef, was also very personable and his passion for the food shows. The rest of the team were also all warm and friendly but without being intrusive.

Would highly recommend and readily return to. A big thank you to Max and the rest...