Capitol

The ingredients speak for themselves at Capitol in Wellington, a cherished dining destination where chef and owner Tom Hutchison has travelled the globe in his quest for culinary excellence. His wife, Kate Hutchison, manages this Kent Terrace gem and together they serve the wine and food that they love. While you should never overlook the specials – they offer opportunities to taste ingredients that have jumped out at the chefs and inspired them to whip up something new – it is the classics on the menu that are the rock stars. The seasonal risotto will always be outstanding, the parmesan-crumbed lambs’ liver is a must-have for liver lovers everywhere, and the linguini alle vongole in a sensational broth with parsley, garlic and chilli has all the mandatory requirements for the perfect bowl. At Capitol, the philosophy embraces a “less is more” approach, focussed on enhancing the natural taste of ingredients rather than overwhelming them with complex layers. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for any occasion and you may find yourself imagining you are in a little hotspot in Paris, London, Melbourne or New York, although the food and drink definitely demonstrate a fully committed Wellington romance.