ADDRESS:   36 Customhouse Quay, Wellington
CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS
MAINS:   $34 – $80
WEBSITE:    atlas-wellington.co.nz
CONTACT:   04 471 1313
SCORE:   16 / 20

Atlas bears the weight of many a menu on its shoulders. There’s a tasting menu, a vegetarian version, a lunch à la carte menu and a three- course lunch menu. James Pask is in charge of the kitchen and under his command, everything is made from scratch and in-house – right down to churning his own butter. Atlas proudly adds that it is big on predominantly organic produce, plus ethically raised meat. This is undoubtedly a labour of love in the truest cuisine sense: it translates into meals, both at lunch and dinner, that we believe in and want more of. There’s a lengthy wine and cellar list to match all tastes and budgets. Hand your matching decisions over to sommelier Yong Yan and you will likely discover a delight from an obscure corner of the wine world.

IN BRIEF Ethically sourced, fabulously inventive food and a plush vibe