Wellington‘s highwater Earns Top Marks From Critic After Late-Night Opening
Wellington, New Zealand – Highwater, the Cuba โStreet restaurant committed to local andโ enduring โคpractices, has quickly become a standout dining destination following its recent expansion into late-night service, earning aโ strong review from Viva dining โคeditor jesse Mulligan. The restaurant, known for its dedication to ethical meat and seasonal produce, impressed Mulligan wiht โboth its food quality and overall operation, solidifying its place as a distinctly Wellington experiance.
Highwater’s commitment to sourcing โlocallyโ and its focus on preserving seasonal โingredients through curing, fermenting, and โฃpickling sets it apart in Wellington’s vibrant culinary scene. The review comes asโ the restaurant introduces Saturday brunch service and expands โขits appeal beyond dinner, offering a newโข option for discerning diners seeking high-quality, โฃethically sourced food. Mulligan’s assessment provides valuable insight for both โlocals andโฃ visitors navigating the capital’s diningโข options.
Mulligan praised theโ “excellent” โservice and โ”fantastic” produce,highlighting Highwater’s dedication to local,sustainable suppliers andโค ethical meat. He noted the chefs’ proactive โขapproach toโ preserving seasonal ingredients โขfor use during leaner months. Despite a brief, hour-long visitโข due to flight delays, Mulligan observed a โ”class operation” and a uniquely Wellington atmosphere.
Adding an unexpected element to the evening, Mulligan encountered political figures Nicola Willis and โขToryโ Whanau en route to and from dinner, โขdescribing both as “thoroughlyโ lovely”โข in person.
Details: Highwater isโฃ located at 54 Cuba St, Wellington,โ and can be reached at 04 210 4420. โฃMenu highlights include โoysters ($6-7 each), cruditรฉs ($18), endive salad โ($16), steak tartare ($30), and โJohn dory ($55).
Mulligan’s scoring system places Highwater firmly in the “Great, plan a visit” category, โwithโ a score indicatingโฃ strong proposal.โ The scale ranges from 0-7 (Steer clear)โ toโ 19-20 (outstanding, don’t โdelay).
