A Wellington institution

I cannot pass on a visit to Ombra whenever I’m in the capital. No reservations are required in the evening, you just slip in and instantly become part of the backdrop, as if you have been there forever. Venetian at its heart, the Ombra kitchen works the frying pan, serving up some of the best sizzling, cheesy, oozy, gooey and melting morsels the city has to offer. http://www.ombra.co.nz 199 Cuba Street, Wellington

Floriditas is a Wellington institution and as such I have to check on her smoked mackerel and fried potato hash topped with a poached egg whenever I am in town. I know I should try other things, and if it is after 2.00pm, I do, but for brunch, the smoked mackerel it is. I just wish there was room for a pastry, a tart, a scone. Those scones that you may spy on the counter as you walk in, walk out just like proverbial hot cakes while you are tucking into your breakfast or brunch. If you want one for later, get them while they are there. Can we ever remember that? Nope, missed out again. http://www.floriditas.co.nz 161 Cuba Street, Wellington.