
Ortega Fish Shack
A stylish, cosmopolitan seafood restaurant offering creative dishes and steaks in a relaxed, bustling atmosphere with an extensive wine list.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Ortega Fish Shack

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish, cosmopolitan seafood restaurant offering creative dishes and steaks in a relaxed, bustling atmosphere with an extensive wine list.
Bar Seating Experience
Sit at the bar to enjoy entertainment from friendly bartenders like Max.
Dietary Needs Accommodated
The staff can thoughtfully cater to vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+64 4 382 9559
Address
16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Website
ortega.co.nz/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Fresh Seafood
Indulge in incredibly fresh seafood, from ceviche to pan-fried prawn tails. Daily specials ensure unique, flavorful dishes.

Impeccable Service & Atmosphere
Experience attentive staff who go above and beyond, creating a chic and bustling atmosphere perfect for memorable evenings.

Unique & Flavorful Dishes
Savor unique creations like the 'teeny-weeny fish sandwich' and seasonal fish dinners bursting with flavorful ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bar Seating Experience
Sit at the bar to enjoy entertainment from friendly bartenders like Max.
Dietary Needs Accommodated
The staff can thoughtfully cater to vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements.
Reservations Recommended
Ortega Fish Shack gets busy, so booking ahead is recommended for a seamless experience.
Upscale Atmosphere
'Shack' is misleading; expect an upscale dining experience with a diverse wine list.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bar Seating Experience
Sit at the bar to enjoy entertainment from friendly bartenders like Max.
Dietary Needs Accommodated
The staff can thoughtfully cater to vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements.
Reservations Recommended
Ortega Fish Shack gets busy, so booking ahead is recommended for a seamless experience.
Upscale Atmosphere
'Shack' is misleading; expect an upscale dining experience with a diverse wine list.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Ortega Fish Shack for its exceptional, fresh seafood and impeccable service, contributing to a truly transcendent dining experience. The atmosphere is noted as chic and bustling, perfect for memorable evenings, though some minor aesthetic points have been mentioned. Overall, it's a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking culinary excellence.
"We had a wonderful experience at Ortega Fish Shack. Sat at the bar and were entertained by Max the bartender, other servers and customers next to us. Every dish was fresh, tasty, and professionally prepared and plated. We really enjoyed their wine list and helpful descriptions. The ambiance, service and quality were all top notch, making for a memorable evening!"
Bill Davis
"Wow wow wow. A truly transcendent dining experience, Ortega Fish Shack is a shining exemplar of culinary excellence, rivaling our beloved Chef's Table. Every aspect of our visit was nothing short of extraordinary. The service was impeccable, the food sublime. The oysters were a revelation, the steak cooked to perfection. Honestly, it's a testament to the power of exceptional cuisine to uplift and inspire."
Sean Wood
"Cozy, welcoming restaurant with a simple menu that’s exceptionally well executed. The staff are well trained and genuinely knowledgeable about the dishes. If you’re a seafood lover, this place is a must-visit. It’s a solid 4.5 stars for me (table settings and furniture were bit off putting), but I’m happily giving it 5 to set it apart from other four-star spots."
Man of Steel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Ortega Fish Shack specializes in incredibly fresh seafood, offering dishes like ceviche, pan-fried prawn tails, and seasonal fish dinners. They also feature unique items based on daily catches.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as Ortega Fish Shack tends to get busy, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Yes, the staff are knowledgeable and can thoughtfully cater to dietary requirements such as vegan and gluten-free needs.
The restaurant offers a chic and bustling atmosphere, described as a stylish and cosmopolitan setting perfect for memorable evenings.
Yes, sitting at the bar is recommended for an entertaining experience, with friendly bartenders like Max to engage with.
Despite the name 'Shack,' the restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with an extensive wine list and creative seafood dishes.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in New Zealand
Hardly a “shack,” the stylish and cosmopolitan Ortega is a superb place to dine in New Zealand‘s capital city. Of course, seafood is a major focus on the menu, with highlights including lobster-and-prawn ravioli, or sautéed paua (New Zealand abalone) with braised pork cheek in an unctuous Asian-style sauce. Befitting its location in the best craft-beer city in the land, Ortega sports a beer list that’s diverse and well-considered, combining top drops from Wellington makers like Garage Project, Tuatara, and ParrotDog, and other excellent beers from around New Zealand and the world.
48 hours in Wellington, New Zealand: where to go, what to do | Wellington holidays
At the second option, Ortega Fish Shack and Bar in Majoribanks Street, which runs off Courtenay Place, attentive staff serve up stunningly fresh, imaginative seafood dishes. Sample mains: smoked white warehou with radish kimchi, slow-cooked egg, yuzu mayo and black pudding crumb; pan-roasted gurnard with crayfish butter, rigatoni, Parma ham, manchego and truffle oil; and groper with arroz negro, smoked mussels, cockles, chorizo, almonds and scampi mayo. There is a beef fillet and a gruyère soufflé for the non fish-friendly.
The Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Wellington New Zealand
Ortega is an upscale restaurant renowned for its delicious seafood, extensive drinks menu and all-round good ambiance. What’s on the plate will change daily — it’s all dependent on the fresh ingredients that were gathered during the day. Bookings are recommended as this place gets quite busy.
Best restaurants North Island, New Zealand
Mounted trout, salty portraits, marine-blue walls and Egyptian floor tiles cast a Mediterranean spell over Ortega – a magical spot for a seafood dinner…
10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington
As you may have guessed, seafood is a big deal in the coastal city of Wellington. Ortega Fish Shack offers a range of set menus, as well as a la carte dining. It’s definitely likely that you’ll try something new with the innovative menus here, with dishes such as yellowtail kingfish ceviche, avocado, Vietnamese mint and lemongrass and crayfish oil or steamed tuatuas, nduja, potato skordalia, coco beans and cavolo nero.
Great Places to Eat in Wellington in 2023 - Interislander
As a renowned seafood destination tucked away on Majoribanks Street, Ortega Fish Shack impresses with its fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. The restaurant's cosy and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience, creating a warm and welcoming ambience that invites diners to relax and indulge in the best of New Zealand's seafood. For those who prefer options beyond seafood, Ortega does not disappoint.
Top 20 Restaurants In Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, located on the coast, is known for its love of seafood. The a la carte menu at Ortega Fish Shack is as varied as the set dinners. In addition to the inventive menus, you can expect to find delicacies like yellowtail kingfish ceviche with Vietnamese mint, lemongrass, and crayfish oil, as well as tuatua steaming with Nduja, Potato Skordalia with coco beans, and Cavolo Negro on the menus.
Where to celebrate special occasions in Wellington
Described as “fine dining in disguise”, Ortega offers an approachable take on a fancy night out. Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant serves fresh and sustainable kaimoana, as well as an extensive menu of delicious meals (the steak and fries have a cult following). The 50-page drinks list deserves a mention, with chapters, amusing asides, and more sherries than you knew existed.
Top 10 Romantic Restaurants Wellington
Ortega Fish Shack provides elevated fish dishes and steaks in a bustling yet intimate atmosphere. With a menu that changes daily based on seasonal availability, diners can expect creative and upscale offerings. Entrees feature delicacies such as Trevally ceviche and Pan-fried prawn tails, while mains like Snapper with mushrooms and Beef fillet with Café de Paris butter are available.
Best Romantic Dining In Wellington
The Ortega Fish Shack and Bar is a relaxed restaurant in central Wellington, focused on providing quality food and value for money. The quirky décor creates a relaxed atmosphere, with the staff proving a friendly, but professional service. As the name suggests the emphasis is on seafood, but with plenty of other options on the menu including duck live pate and braised pork belly.
NZ travel: The best new eateries and spring hotspots in Wellington
Other hotspots include Concord on Victoria St, Ortega Fish Shack, Charley Noble, Hillside for vegetarian fare, and recently-opened Mabel's for tasty Burmese dishes. Petone's Seashore Cabaret and Oriental Bay institution, Beach Babylon, lead the way for the best brunches. For lighter bites, bakery treats and stellar coffee, don't miss Sixes and Sevens, L'affare and La Cloche Cafe.
Taste Wellington in a weekend
For some of Wellington’s best fish, or steak, book a table at Ortega. Being in the heart of Wellington, it’s an easy find – that’s also easy on the wallet (as far as fine dining goes). A table for two will set you back roughly $100, included in that is fine food (oysters, beef fillet, crepes, chocolate mousse and more), impeccable service and one of the best beer lists in town.
Wellington's Top 5 Irresistibly Authentic Kiwi Style Restaurants
If you’re a seafood lover, Ortega Fish Shack is a must-visit. This busy and cosy restaurant offers a fresh and sustainable seafood menu inspired by New Zealand’s abundant coastal offerings. From crispy calamari to succulent fish fillets, from pan-fried prawns to signature grouper served on creamy risotto, each dish is crafted with a commitment to quality and flavour.
Best seafood restaurants in Wellington
This trendy Majoribanks Street seafood eatery has been designed to resemble a shabby-chic beach shack – but there is nothing shabby about its food. Here at the Ortega Fish Shack you’ll find everyday fish ‘n chip shop favourites alongside the likes of jerk salmon, pan-fried prawn tails and big eye tuna sashimi. It’s one of Wellington’s most unique seafood restaurants.
A Foodie’s Guide to Wellington, New Zealand I Neat Places
One of the most popular high-end restaurants in Wellington, and for good reason. Ortega Fish Shack is a must-visit for any seafood lover and those of a pescatarian persuasion. Set in a beautiful old-school building on the eclectic Majoribanks Street, Ortega serves up a splendid array of entrees, fish, meat, and other dishes, as well as a delectable dessert range.
A Foodies Guide to Wellington
Ortega Fish Shack offers a dining experience that's as unique as Wellington itself. Specialising in seafood, the restaurant's menu is a testament to New Zealand's rich marine bounty. The standout dish from their à la carte menu is the “Brined and Seared Octopus”, served with cabbage and almond cream on a bed of crispy rice and drizzled with a black bean dressing.
Great Places to Eat in Wellington | Plan Your Visit
Just across Cambridge Terrace in the Mount Victoria district, Ortega Fish Shack serves up not only the freshest of fish, but also selected meat and vegetarian dishes in an unpretentious space with maritime-themed décor. Don’t be deceived by the restaurant’s humble name and modest streetfront — this is truly fine dining, to which Ortega’s many accolades attest.
A Guide to Dining Out in Wellington
Ortega is a Wellington institution known for high-end dining. The nautically themed fit-out and casual seaside-shack vibe is paired with utterly delish food, impeccably presented. From a huge swordfish on the wall to the Egyptian floor tiles to the glass fishing floats that hang from the ceiling, there’s a lot to look at, even before you get to the menu.
Wellington Restaurants (10 Best
Ortega Fish Shack is a Wellington Restaurant known for having the best seafood offerings in the city. One step inside this eatery, and you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment and inventive seafood and steak dishes. Ortega Fish Shack has a rotating menu determined based on the available seasonal ingredients, so expect a new experience each visit.
Top 7 Wellington Restaurants to Check Out in 2024
Ortega Fish Shack is where laid-back vibes meet high-quality dining. Established by Mark Limacher and Davey McDonald, this seafood haven is housed in a charming two-storey building adorned with nautical decor and vintage touches. The menu is all about fresh, sustainable seafood, with dishes changing daily based on the catch of the day.
The Best Restaurants In Wellington
Wellington being so close to the sea only means the freshest kaimoana from the boaties up the road. Ortega opened in 2009 by hospo legends Mark Limacher and wife Helen, alongside Davey and Anna McDonald. No fuss, seasonal and delicious ingredients and top tier service—it’s a place created by seasoned foodies for seasoned foodies.
Top restaurants - WellingtonNZ.com
Ortega is one of those restaurants equally beloved by locals and visitors. Described by one reviewer as ‘fine dining in disguise', it is upmarket dining with a laidback, good-time vibe. Ortega's aesthetic is beachside bistro: weatherboard shutters, mosaic-tiled floors, walls covered with nautical paraphernalia and mounted fish.
[2025 GUIDE] 12 Best Restaurants In Wellington, New Zealand
Ortega Fish Shack is a testament to Wellington’s coastal location. Located in the heart of the city, Ortega has a charming, eclectic vibe that immediately drew me in. Specialising in seafood, this bistro-style restaurant offers a warm, nautical-themed environment where every dish is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty.
The 12 Most Famous Restaurants In Wellington, New Zealand
Seek out Ortega Fish Shack for a seafood experience that merges quality with character. The restaurant has a quirky, maritime-themed décor that couples perfectly with its fresh-off-the-boat fish dishes. The menu is a testament to the local fishing industry’s richness, and it changes daily based on what’s been caught.
The 5 Best Restaurants in Wellington
Check out this local’s haunt for creative seafood dishes like Kingfish ceviche with avocado and Vietnamese mint, and Crayfish risotto with Kina butter and foraged sea vegetables. Egyptian floor tiles paired with an ocean motif and vintage decor make for a hip and intimate setting with a Mediterranean-style vibe.
Top Romantic Restaurants in Wellington – 620.ooo Online Magazine
For seafood-loving couples, Ortega Fish Shack is a must-visit romantic restaurant in Wellington. The cosy dining space and creative seafood dishes make for a memorable dining experience. With its relaxed vibe and top-notch service, Ortega Fish Shack is a great choice for a romantic dinner for two.
Guide of what things to see and do in Wellington, New Zealand
Although there are too many to list, some of the city’s culinary gems include Ortega Fish Shack, Boulcott Street Bistro, Shepherd, and Mabel’s for outstanding Burmese food. Finish off with a nightcap at Graze or Puffin wine bars or relish the speakeasy vibes at Hawthorn Lounge.
Fine dining restaurants in Wellington Region NZ, NZ
Ortega Fish Shack is praised for its innovative menus and unique flavors, offering set menus and a la carte dining. Boulcott Street Bistro, housed in a heritage Victorian cottage, serves Kiwi and French fusion cuisine with an extensive wine selection to complement the dishes.
17 most romantic dining spots in Wellington for date night
Ortega is a small diner located in the prestigious suburb of Mount Victoria. A self-proclaimed “fish shack” lined with art, it’s a romantic locale for casual date night. Their a la carte menu ranges from fish dishes to steak, with a collection of mouth-watering desserts.
Wellington Restaurants – Where to Eat in the Capital
A post shared by Ortega Fish Shack 🐠 (@ortegafishshack) on Dec 4, 2018 at 6:29pm PST. I know Ortega ends up on a lot of best restaurants in Wellington lists but there is a very good reason for that. This is the place I recommend to everyone who is visiting Wellington.
Dating in Wellington: A Fun and Romantic Guide
For seafood lovers, Ortega Fish Shack is always a good choice, with its relaxed atmosphere and delicious, fresh dishes. If you’re looking for something more upscale, Logan Brown offers fine dining in a stunning heritage building, perfect for special occasions.
Travel Guide for Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Sights in Wellington, New Zealand
Ortega Fish Shack is a vibrant, lively eatery with ridiculously friendly service and succulent, hefty steak. Capitol sticks to classic Italian principles, serving fresh and unfussy food. Three words: molten chocolate pudding…
Wellington's top restaurants according to locals
This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and casual atmosphere. The menu ranges from oysters to grilled fish prepared with the freshest ingredients, making it one of the best places to dine in Wellington.
6 top spots for solo dining in Wellington
Margot Bar & Restaurant - is just a little further out in Newtown, but worth the trip!. This hip neighbourhood eatery is perfect for a night out by yourself, just be sure to book in!
Romantic night out ideas/ things to do in Wellington? : Wellington
For food - and money isn’t an issue, I would recommend Ortega. Food is great, feels very boujee and overall it’s probably my favourite restaurant in our little capital!
TOP 10 BEST Restaurants in Wellington - Updated November 2024
We recently held a private function in the upstairs dining room at Ortega. The food and service were both excellent. The wait staff were good at...
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit