2 Best Restaurants in Martinborough, Wellington and the Wairarapa

Nestled inside a working vineyard, the Runholder is a meeting place for Martinborough's famous trifecta of wine, food, and gin. The venue is open, modern, and loftlike, but the menu is all about warmth and comfort, featuring featuring different-size plates, meat dishes, and wood-fired pizza using local produce. The restaurant's cellar door showcases the local Lighthouse Gin and rare and exclusive wines by Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard. There are 30-minute guided tastings on demand, with no more than 12 guests per session. Bookings are essential.

Located and independently operated within the historic Martinborough Hotel, the decor here is understated yet comfortable. The classic bistro menu offers updated versions of European favorites for lunch and dinner, and creative brunch options are avaiable daily; there's a nice menu for kids, too.