Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar

I’ve had 3 experiences here. 2 were high tea, which was good, though you are left a little hungry by the end of it. The 3^rd experience was my boyfriend and I came up for a drink, their wine and cocktails are very good. We were at the bar and about 3 rounds in got hungry. We ordered the steak for 2 but never received it because the waitor forgot. Probably wouldn’t have happened if we’d been at a table. Would love to have dinner here but drinks and the view are enough for now, as it’s very expensive here.

3 stars for the beautiful venue and lovely service. The food was a slight let down, keep in mind I was only there for High Tea. The food was good but not once blew me away. Cheeky tip for the venue: NEVER store macaroons in the fridge and make sure they are not old either.
In saying this, I will still visit purely based on the absolutely stunning venue.

Was SO looking forward to visiting this place for high tea!
Arrived coats checked and escorted to our table promptly, after only being seated for 2 mins I felt rushed to order, I had to select my tea and cocktail whilst having my waiter stand over me as I read the menu list!
Anyway I got over that situation & couldn’t wait for the food to come out!
with in mins of ordering out comes our platter looking mouth watering and well it wasn’t, it was as if they thought they could camouflage fresh deserts with day old refrigerated ones???
At $ 45 a head I would have rather ate day old macaroons from mc café!
2 stars for the venue it is beautiful!

Check this place out if you’re in Wellington, and definitely check this place out if you’re in Wellington on someone else’s dime!
This was one of my stops on my «Quest for Quack» aka the hunt for the world’s best duck, and it ranks near the top. Delicious duck confit with excellent sides and great wine as well. It’s a little touristy (because of people like me), but it will absolutely make for a great night.
Food: ⁵⁄₅
Value: ⁴⁄₅
Service: ⁵⁄₅
Atmosphere: ⁴⁄₅

First time out and it was delicious!
We ordered the Chateaubriand and my daughter ordered the eye fillet (did not know the French name). They served the Chateaubriand tableside with side dishes and sauces. Both meals were cooked to our preference and tasted heavenly!
We had dessert (milk and dark chocolate biscuits with white chocolate ice cream) and a latte. Fantastic service and we would have added a tip, but the server was fast on that little hand held computer. I know it’s not necessary, but sometimes you just want a little something extra! We will certainly return!

Classy spot to enjoy high tea in the city. I think it’s a particularly solid option after a day of exploring at the Te Papa museum right across the street. Look for the adorable gold hippo on the roof of the building!
The 3 tiers of delicious snacks all appeared tiny and delicate but I left feeling pretty stuffed. You also have the option of upgrading your high tea to include a cocktail or champagne because there’s nothing says class like day drinking.
PS, go online to make an easy reservation.