The Welsh Dragon Bar — Restaurant in North Island

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying an early dinner at the Welsh Dragon with a friend on a late Saturday afternoon, and I can't say enough good things about our experience! We were looking for a relaxed spot where we could enjoy a meal with my dog after a lovely walk, and this place exceeded our expectations.

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed. I often find it challenging to find good vegan/vegetarian options when dining out, but Chef Jake truly impressed me with the thoughtful selection available. Not only did I have plenty to choose from, but my friend, who is quite particular about her food, was also catered to with care. The chef took the time to come out and personally check our order, ensuring everything was just right without making us feel uncomfortable. The food was delicious, well-made, and had generous portion sizes.

The drink selection was fantastic, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting—a true home away from home. It’s clear that Jake and the staff genuinely care about their customers and furry friends, especially coming from someone who’s missing her family back in Wales at the moment.

Thank you for accommodating us so well! We’ll definitely be back for more delicious food and that warm, welcoming vibe....

We booked for the Sunday roast which was beef. The food quality was excellent but was let down by being served on cold plates. The meal was cold very quickly as it arrived at our table luke warm. No steam was rising from the meal. The honey parsnips were amazing but cold took away any enjoyment. We were seated in the far end of the restaurant/bar. The heat pump read 21.5 but it was very cold. The resting minimum should be 22. The other end of the venue was warm and snug. Once the meals had been delivered we saw no staff member. No additional drinks were offered or desserts/puddings. We went across to Capitol and had are dessert there with cups of teas to follow in a warm environment. No staff member saw us go. This meal had so much potential but I hate eating in a barely warm room. We sat with our coats on and if the staff had bothered to attend to us, they might have realised we were cold. When we booked we were told to arrive 1/2 later as they had bookings. We had cocktails at the Black Sparrow so we didn’t arrive too soon. Seems strange a pub can’t accommodate drinks prior to getting seated. Quite confused about the...

I had an unexpectedly incredibly fun night at this pub! I was travelling NZ and had two nights in Wellington, and happened to stop in on St. David's day, which I learned was a day of great significance to the Welsh. The whole night was nothing but smiles from the staff and other Welsh customers, who were keen to share their language and culture with me when I asked, and I found such a deep love for a culture I'd previously known nothing about. The pesto pasta was fantastic, and the beers were fantastic, service was quick. The atmosphere was unbelievable and everybody was there for a great time. The security guard was a bit off, but everything else was a huge amount of fun. I definitely don't recommend eating a raw leak, but it'll be a story to tell for years to come.

Absolute 10/10 experience and one of the best nights out I've ever had (not to oversell it!)

Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth, ry'n...