Ernesto's brings contemporary Aotearoa Pacific cooking to Grey Street, pairing a central Wellington address with a menu built for both quick daytime visits and longer evenings. Brunch and lunch lead into dinner service, while the reservation system and warm, social style of hospitality make the room as suitable for a planned gathering as for a spontaneous meal. The concept draws on island flavours without confining itself to a single national tradition, giving the kitchen room to connect local ingredients with a broad Pacific outlook.
The small plates show that approach most clearly. Samoan chilli pork belly brings richness and heat, while palusami combines taro leaves, coconut and onion with fried breadfruit. Oka i'a offers a cooler contrast through fish, coconut and citrus, and horopito squid introduces a recognisably New Zealand pepper note. Steamed mussels in coconut, lemongrass and chilli broth and hāngī arancini continue the same conversation between familiar formats and ingredients rooted in the region.
Larger dishes give diners several ways to shape the meal. The Ernesto Cuban sandwich layers shredded pork, ham, salami, pickles and cheese in a chilli corn baguette, whereas the Aotearoa burger uses kawakawa sauce and watercress chimichurri around beef, bacon and cheese. Market fish, sirloin, duck coconut curry and vegetarian plates extend the choice beyond handheld food. Share platters and a set-menu option also make it easy for a table to sample across the kitchen rather than order in isolation.
Daytime and dessert menus add their own character. Pork Benedict and corned beef hash provide savoury brunch choices, while a coconut breakfast bun offers a sweeter start. Later in the meal, island flan, kumara cheesecake and lemongrass coconut rice pudding keep the Pacific theme present through different textures. That range, from brunch through small plates and full mains to dessert, lets Ernesto's feel coherent across the day without asking every visit to follow the same pattern.
Address: 1 Grey Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Moved or closed? Tell us: Moved·Temporarily closed·Permanently closed
Ernesto's Wellington Menu
Dinner – Small Plates
Available from open to 9PM. Dietary legend: GF = Gluten Free, DF = Dairy Free, V = Vegetarian, VE = Vegan, * = Option Available on Request. We take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination; however, we cannot guarantee that our food is completely free from allergens.
Oysters
Ask our staff about today’s oyster selection! Natural | with lemon and sea salt. Tempura | With kawakawa and caper tartare.
Horopito Calamari
Crispy squid dusted with horopito, served with chilli oil, lemon, and kawakawa aioli. GF
Samoan Chilli Pork Belly
Twice-cooked pork belly glazed in roasted chilli caramel, finished with sesame, spring onion, and hot honey. GF
Palusami
Traditional taro leaves baked in coconut cream with onion, served with fried breadfruit. VE | V | GF
Charcoal Broccoli
Charred broccoli, honey mustard, kawakawa tomato, toasted almonds, kūmara crisps, and vegan feta. V | VE | DF | GF
Steamed Mussels
Mussels in a coconut, lemongrass, and chilli broth with wild watercress and toasted bread. DF
Hāngī Vegetable Arancini
Hāngī vegetables in crispy rice balls with tomato, parmesan, and balsamic glaze. V
Brisket Croquette
Slow-cooked brisket with kūmara croquette, smoked tomato sauce, kawakawa aioli, and baby greens.
Island Tacos
Four mini cos lettuce cup tacos. Tempura Fish | With pickled vegetables, shredded lettuce, shallots, and aioli | DF. Shredded Pork | With sautéed onion, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli | GF | DF. Seared Prawns | With pickled vegetables, aioli, and chilli oil | DF.
Oka I’a
Fish marinated in coconut cream, citrus, onion, tomato, and cucumber, served with green banana chips. DF | GF
Breadfruit Bruschetta
Smashed avocado, feta, tomato, herbs and coconut dressing on crispy breadfruit. V | GF
Fries, House Gravy
Option: Swap for Pacific Curry sauce. GF
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Seasoned fried chicken with hot chilli sauce. option: swap for sweet chilli sauce.
Dinner – Sharing Platters
Serves 4 people.
Kai Nui Island Feast
Coconut, chilli, and lemongrass mussels, brisket croquettes, hāngī vegetable arancini, horopito calamari and buttermilk fried chicken with dipping sauces, served with toasted bread.
Moana Antipasto
Smoked kahawai, mānuka smoked salmon, cured meats, cheese, hummus, pickles, olives and crostini.
Charcuterie
Cured meats, cheeses, pickles, hummus, and bread.
Dinner – Big Plates
Available from 5PM to 9PM. Main or share.
Duck Coconut Red Curry
Duck in rich coconut red curry with seasonal vegetables, served with steamed rice. GF
Slow Cooked Beef Pave
14-hour slow-cooked beef with roasted purple potatoes, watercress chimichurri and jus. GF | DF
Sirloin Steak
280g sirloin with duck-fat roasted purple heart potatoes, watercress chimichurri and jus. GF | DF. Add an Egg +4 | Add 3 Garlic Prawns +9.5
Market Fish & Chips
Tempura fish with garden salad, fries, and kawakawa and caper tartare. Choice of dressing – Coconut lime balsamic, Island Caesar, or kawakawa herb aoili. Add grilled chicken, Samoan chilli pork belly, horopito calamari, seared prawns +13.5
Crispy Snapper
Snapper on breadfruit mash with charred vegetables, coconut broth, cherry tomatoes, and baby greens. GF | DF Price: MP
Charred Pork scotch
Charred pork scotch with kawakawa honey mustard, breadfruit and kūmara mash, and watercress. GF | DF
Lemongrass Coconut Chicken
Grilled lemongrass & coconut chicken with minted Israeli couscous and char-grilled vegetables. DF
Dinner – Hand Helds
Pacific Chicken Burger
Curry, paprika, and coconut-marinated grilled chicken with tempura vegetables, crispy lettuce, kawakawa aioli and hint of island spice. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5 | Add Bacon +9
Ernestos Cuban Sandwich
Shredded pork with sliced ham, salami, pickles, cheese, and honey mustard in a chilli corn baguette. Add Fries +5
Kiwi Burger
Double prime beef patties, cheese, streaky bacon, kawakawa burger sauce, crisp lettuce, watercress chimichurri and kūmara crisps. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5
Crispy Halloumi Burger
Zany Zeus crispy halloumi with portobello mushroom, wilted spinach and avocado, finished with tomato herb sauce, kawakawa aioli and crisp lettuce. V. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5 | Add Bacon + 9
Dinner – Fresh and Greens
Crispy Eggplant and Pawpaw Salad
Crispy eggplant and diced papaya with fresh chilli, shallots, coriander lime dressing and baby greens. V | VE | GF
Island Green Salad
Crisp lettuce with avocado, citrus, cucumber, capsicum, egg, tomato, red onion, croutons, crisp kumara shavings and Pacific herbs. Choice of dressing – Coconut lime balsamic, Island Caesar, or kawakawa herb aoili. Add an Egg +4. Add grilled chicken, Samoan chilli pork belly, horopito calamari, seared prawns +13.5
Dinner – Sides
add, mix, share. Dietary legend: GF = Gluten Free, DF = Dairy Free, V = Vegetarian, VE = Vegan, * = Option Available on Request. We take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination; however, we cannot guarantee that our food is completely free from allergens.
Fries, House Gravy
Option: Swap for Pacific curry sauce. GF
Roasted kūmara, Honey Glaze
GF | V | VE | DF
Creamy Potato Gratin
GF | V
Cauliflower Bake
GF | V
Steamed Rice
GF | DF | V
Charcoal Broccoli
GF | DF | V | VE
Garden Salad, Coconut Lime Balsamic
GF | V
Dinner – Desserts
Available from 11AM to 9PM.
Sorbet of the Week
Served with fruit, and mint. GF | DF
Lemongrass and Coconut Rice Pudding
Served with citrus, berries and whipped cream. GF | DF | V
Chocolate Lava Cake
Served with berries and creme anglaise.
Kūmara Cheesecake
Served with kiwifruit, berries, and cream.
Island Flan
Caramel flan with banana and coconut cream. GF | V
Cheeseboard
Selection of 3 cheeses, dried fruits, pesto, relish, nuts,.grapes, and crackers. share – for 2 pax
Brunch – Small Plates
Available from open to 9PM. Dietary legend: GF = Gluten Free, DF = Dairy Free, V = Vegetarian, VE = Vegan, * = Option Available on Request. We take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination; however, we cannot guarantee that our food is completely free from allergens.
Oysters
Ask our staff about today’s oyster selection! Natural | with lemon and sea salt. Tempura | With kawakawa and caper tartare.
Horopito Calamari
Crispy squid dusted with horopito, served with chilli oil, lemon, and kawakawa aioli. GF
Samoan Chilli Pork Belly
Twice-cooked pork belly glazed in roasted chilli caramel, finished with sesame, spring onion, and hot honey. GF
Palusami
Traditional taro leaves baked in coconut cream with onion, served with fried breadfruit. VE | V | GF
Pacific Prawns
Seared prawns, garlic, chilli oil, spring onion, and lemon.
Brisket Croquette
Slow-cooked brisket with kūmara croquette, smoked tomato sauce, kawakawa aioli, and baby greens.
Oka I’a
Fish marinated in coconut cream, citrus, onion, tomato, and cucumber, served with green banana chips. DF | GF
Breadfruit Bruschetta
Smashed avocado, feta, tomato, herbs and coconut dressing on crispy breadfruit. V | GF
Fries, House Gravy
Option: Swap for Pacific Curry sauce. GF
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Seasoned fried chicken with hot chilli sauce. option: swap for sweet chilli sauce.
Island Tacos
Four mini cos lettuce cup tacos. Tempura Fish | With pickled vegetables, shredded lettuce, shallots, and aioli | DF. Shredded Pork | With sautéed onion, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli | GF | DF. Seared Prawns | With pickled vegetables, aioli, and chilli oil | GF | DF.
Hāngī Vegetable Arancini
Hāngī vegetables in crispy rice balls with tomato, parmesan, and balsamic glaze. V
Charcoal Broccoli
Charred broccoli, honey mustard, kawakawa tomato, toasted almonds, kūmara crisps, and vegan feta. V | VE | DF | GF
Steamed Mussels
Mussels in a coconut, lemongrass, and chilli broth with wild watercress and toasted bread. DF
Brunch – Sharing Platters
Serves 4 people.
Kai Nui Island Feast
A generous island feast inspired by Aoteroa and the Pacific. Coconut, chilli, and lemongrass mussels, brisket croquettes, hāngī vegetable arancini, horopito calamari and buttermilk fried chicken with dipping sauces, served with toasted bread.
Charcuterie
Cured meats, cheeses, pickles, hummus, and bread.
Moana Antipasto
Smoked kahawai, mānuka smoked salmon, cured meats, cheese, hummus, pickles, olives and crostini.
Brunch – Big Plates
Available from open to 3PM. Main or share.
Duck Coconut Red Curry
Duck in rich coconut red curry with seasonal vegetables, served with steamed rice. GF
Slow Cooked Beef Pave
14-hour slow-cooked beef with roasted purple potatoes, watercress chimichurri and jus. GF | DF
Sirloin Steak
280g sirloin with duck-fat roasted purple heart potatoes, watercress chimichurri and jus. GF | DF. Add an Egg +4 | Add 3 Garlic Prawns +9.5
Charred Pork scotch
Charred pork scotch with kawakawa honey mustard, breadfruit and kūmara mash, and watercress. GF | DF
Crispy Snapper
Snapper on breadfruit mash with charred vegetables, coconut broth, cherry tomatoes, and baby greens. MP | GF | DF. Add an Egg +4
Market Fish & Chips
Tempura fish with garden salad, fries, and kawakawa and caper tartare.
Lemongrass Coconut Chicken
Grilled lemongrass & coconut chicken with minted Israeli couscous and char-grilled vegetables. DF
Brunch – Hand Helds
Pacific Chicken Burger
Curry, paprika, and coconut-marinated grilled chicken with tempura vegetables, crispy lettuce, kawakawa aioli and hint of island spice. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5 | Add Bacon +9
Kiwi Burger
Double prime beef patties, cheese, streaky bacon, kawakawa burger sauce, crisp lettuce, watercress chimichurri and kūmara crisps. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5
Ernestos Cuban Sandwich
Shredded pork with sliced ham, salami, pickles, cheese, and honey mustard in a chilli corn baguette. Add Fries +5
Crispy Halloumi Burger
Zany Zeus crispy halloumi with portobello mushroom, wilted spinach and avocado, finished with tomato herb sauce, kawakawa aioli and crisp lettuce. V. Add an Egg +4 | Add Fries +5 | Add Bacon + 9
Brunch – Fresh and Greens
Crispy Eggplant and Pawpaw Salad
Crispy eggplant and diced papaya with fresh chilli, shallots, coriander lime dressing and baby greens. V | VE | GF
Island Green Salad
Crisp lettuce with avocado, citrus, cucumber, capsicum, egg, tomato, red onion, croutons, crisp kumara shavings and Pacific herbs. Choice of dressing – Coconut lime balsamic, Island Caesar, or kawakawa herb aoili. Add grilled chicken, Samoan chilli pork belly, horopito calamari, seared prawns +13.5
Brunch – Sides
add, mix, share. Dietary legend: GF = Gluten Free, DF = Dairy Free, V = Vegetarian, VE = Vegan, * = Option Available on Request. We take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination; however, we cannot guarantee that our food is completely free from allergens.
Fries, House Gravy
Option: Swap for Pacific curry sauce. GF
Roasted kūmara, Honey Glaze
GF | V | VE | DF
Creamy Potato Gratin
GF | V
Cauliflower Bake
GF | V
Steamed Rice
GF | DF | V
Charcoal Broccoli
GF | DF | V | VE
Garden Salad, Coconut Lime Balsamic
GF | V
Brunch
Available from open to 3PM. Public Holidays (15% surcharge on public holidays).
Filter Coffee
Single cup OR BOTTOMLESS
Pork Benedict
Slow-cooked pork with potato, watercress, poached eggs, and chimichurri hollandaise. GF. Sub for potato rösti +5. Sub for gluten free bread +5
Coconut Breakfast Bun
(Island French Toast) With crispy bacon, caramelised banana, fruit, and coconut sauce. DF
Corned Beef Hash
With potato, watercress, poached eggs and creamy mustard sauce. GF | DF
Chorizo Omelette
With tomato, bacon, rocket herbs, and parmesan. GF. Add toast and butter +6
Bacon Benedict
Crispy bacon with potato, watercress, poached eggs, and chimichurri hollandaise. GF
Corn Fritters
With tomato, bacon, and poached eggs. GF | DF
Smashed Avocado
Served on toasted bread with tomato, herbs, and greens. V | DF. Sub for gluten free bread +5. Add bacon +9 | Add egg +4
Island Granola
With tropical fruit, coconut, and berry compote. V | VE. Sub for milk alternative +2 (Soy, Coconut, Almond, Oat). Sub for Coconut Yogurt +3
Eggs on Toast
2 eggs your way (poached, scrambled, or fried) on toasted sourdough. Build your own breakfast from +4. See add ons below
Brunch – Add Ons
One Egg
Plain OR Chimmichurri Hollaindaise
Toast
add Jam +2 | Marmite +2 | Peanut Butter +3
Gluten Free toast
½ Avocado
Grilled tomato
Corn fritter
Chorizo sausage
Sautéed spinach
Potato rösti
Streaky bacon
Brunch – Go Grande
Meat add on
Bacon, chorizo sausage, and potato rösti
Vegetarian add on
Sautéed spinach, grilled tomato, and potato rösti
Dessert Menu
Available from 11am to 9pm | Monday to Saturday. Ask our staff about our Wednesday Deals.
Coconut Sorbet
with fresh fruit and mint
Island Flan
Caramel flan with banana and coconut cream
Chocolate Lava Cake
Served with berries and creme anglaise
Kumara Cheescake
Served with kiwifruit, berries and cream
Lemongrass and Coconut Rice Pudding
Served with citrus, berries and whipped cream
Cheeseboard
selection of 3 cheeses, dried fruits, pesto relish and nuts.grapes and crackers. to share – for 2 pax
Late Night Snacks
Available from 9pm to late.
Buffalo Wings
Crispy chicken wings with spicy Buffalo sauce and a creamy blue cheese dip
Jalapeño Poppers
Homemade panko crumbed jalapeño poppers stuffed with cheese, served with spicy aioli
Calamari
Panko crumbed calamari with aioli and lemon
Charcuterie Board
Prosciutto, coppa ham, salami Napoli, beetroot hummus, olives, baby gherkins, triple brie, chèvre goat cheese, pesto and fresh bread. to share – 2 pax
Papas Fritas
Fries with aioli, sea salt and chives
Dinner – Cocktails
Available all day.
Pineapple Daiquiri
Havana Especial Rum, pineapple syrup, pineapple juice, and lime. *
Guava Mojito
Havana 3yo, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. * Ask about our Different Flavour Options
Jalapeño Margarita
House Infused Jalapeno El Jimador Blanco tequila, triple sec, agave, lime and lemon
Cuba Libre
Havana Especial, lime, and coke. *
Dessert Cocktails
Cuban Liqueur Coffee
Your choice of liqueur served with a shot of Havana Coffee. Have it either classic black with whipped cream OR Latte. Liqueurs (Choose One): Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Kahlua, Jamesons, Crème de Menthe, Baileys, Frangelico, Ratu Dark, Disaronno, 0% Rum
Midnight Mint
Vanilla Vodka, Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao White, Cream, & Mint
Classic Espresso Martini
Czarina Vodka, Kahlua, Espresso & Sugar
Chocolate Orange Negroni
Cacao infused Antica Vermouth, Scapegrace blood orange gin, Campari, Crème de Cacao, Xocolate mole bitters, Orange
On Tap
Heineken
5%
Heineken Silver
4%
Tiger Ultra Crystal Low Carb
4.2%
Monteith's Apple Cider
4.5%
In The Fridge
Heineken
0%
Heineken Silver
4%
Heineken
5%
Sol
4.2%
Juice & Soft Drinks
Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Ginger Ale or Tonic
Kara Coconut Water
Lemon Lime Bitters, Coca Cola, Coca Cola Zero
Fever Tree
Light, Elderflower, Wild Raspberry Tonic
Sparkling Wines
Pares Balta Brut
Penedes, Spain
Alpha Domus Beatrix Sparkling Rose
Hawke’s Bay, NZ
Edenvale 0% Bubbles
South Australia
Awatere River Methode Traditionnelle
Marlborough, NZ
White Wines
Te Mata
Hawke’s Bay, NZ
Jules Taylor
Marlborough, NZ
Duck Hunter
Marlborough, NZ
Red Wines
Gold River
Central Otago, NZ
Johner Estate
Wairarapa, NZ
Maude
Central Otago, NZ
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