Visa Wellington On a Plate

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Visa Wellington On a Plate returns this August with a variety of food events across Wellington and Marlborough, featuring pop-up restaurants, international chefs, and the Burger Wellington competition. The festival highlights local venues like Cutie Pie Pizza and Octo in Wellington, as well as Marlborough favorites including Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen and Oak & Ivy, promoting regional produce and diverse culinary experiences.

Visa Wellington On a Plate returns this August with a diverse roster of food events under the theme “Word of Mouth.” The festival, spanning various venues throughout Wellington and the wider region, offers a range of experiences including pop-up restaurants, international chef appearances, and the popular Burger Wellington competition.

In Wellington, Cutie Pie Pizza in Hataitai highlights American East Coast-style pizzas made with hand-stretched dough, distinctive charring, and straightforward toppings. Owned by Tommy Kirton and Alicia Mendez, the pizzeria offers limited sourdough batches that require advance booking for dine-in or takeaway. Additionally, Cutie Pie Pizza hosts pizza-making workshops every second Wednesday, giving attendees hands-on opportunities to learn the craft, with options for private bookings available.

Meanwhile, Octo, a recently opened venue in Aro Valley, blends music and dining inspired by Japanese jazz vinyl listening bars. During July, every Friday and Saturday evening, Octo transforms into a yakitori and cocktail bar featuring vinyl DJ performances. The menu includes charcoal-grilled skewers, karaage, edamame, and other Japanese-inspired small plates alongside creative cocktails.

Further afield in the Marlborough region, several establishments are participating in the festival. Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen, a longstanding Picton landmark located on Wellington Street, combines historic atmosphere with casual dining. Retaining the facade of the former 1870s Bank Hotel, Oxley’s continues to serve as a social hub with a menu and drink selection catering to both locals and visitors.

In Blenheim, Oak & Ivy restaurant, owned by Edward Drury, emphasizes seasonal menus highlighting locally sourced Marlborough ingredients. Drury aims to create a comfortable setting where quality cuisine and regional produce take center stage, reflecting the area’s agricultural abundance.

Also in Blenheim, Little Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar is a favored spot known for its authentic home-style Mexican cooking and signature margaritas. Situated in the Redwood suburb, the venue’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by colorful artwork celebrating the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones.

Visa Wellington On a Plate offers a broad spectrum of culinary experiences, showcasing regional talent and international influences throughout the month, encouraging food enthusiasts to explore Wellington and Marlborough’s vibrant dining scenes.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.