Overview
Ever walk into a Post Office and think, I'd love to experience some of the finest fresh produce New Zealand has to offer, served with contemporary southern European and Mediterranean flair? Yeah, me too. Thankfully you can experience just that at Intercontinental Wellington's latest offering: GPO… kind of.
The hotel's latest restaurant pays tribute in name to the iconic General Post Office that once occupied the Grey Street site, but that's where the similarities to post offices end. Led by acclaimed Executive Chef Carl Maunder, GPO presents a modern twist on classic culinary techniques, celebrating the best seasonal produce from New Zealand, infused with the vibrant cultures of Southern Europe, the Levant, and the Mediterranean. And it's all served up in quite the stunning setting, finding the perfect balance in relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
GPO aims to deliver diners a culinary 'souvenir' through its Mediterranean-inspired tapas-style small plates. While bigger dishes include hand-rolled pasta, pasture-raised meats and locally-grown organic produce, creating a fusion of rich spices, fresh herbs, and seasonal delights. Meanwhile, the expertly curated wine list will take your taste buds on a journey from the Aegean to the Riviera, Andalusia, and back to Australasia — no stamps necessary.
The menu has a strong focus on best-of-season seafood, with signature fruits of the sea platter headlining the show, overflowing with locally sourced market oysters, diamond shell clams, mussels, prawns, and crayfish.
The emphasis on local partnerships shines through every dish. Daily bread is sourced from Shelly Bay Baker, dishes are drizzled with Olea Estate's olive oil, sustainable Haku kingfish from Ruakaka, and Fresh clams are harvested from Cloudy Bay.
Continuing the local connection, guests can expect to dine with bespoke crockery crafted by renowned New Zealand brand, Temuka Pottery, adding a nice local artistic touch to every plate.
InterContinental Wellington's GPO is open Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30pm – late.
Images: Supplied.