Egmont Street Eatery
We usually don't recommend going down dark alleyways, but for Egmont Street Eatery we'll make an exception.
Overview
Located opposite a concrete carpark and surrounded by industrial buildings Egmont Eatery juxtaposes its back alley setting with its beautiful signage and sophisticated exterior design.
The establishment itself is divided into two social spaces – the top level housing the bar and high tables, and the bottom level decked out in dining tables and open kitchen. Due to full bookings at the bottom level, we were seated at the high tables directly in front of the bar, which gave me a little FOMO since the seats down on the lower floor looked super comfy. Nonetheless, the high tables were a good substitute so we made ourselves at home and pondered over the drinks and food menu's that were kindly presented to us. Their drinks menu exhibits an extensive range of both red and white drops, and they also have a fantastic range of beers available, including Wellington favourite's Panhead on tap, and Garage Project's "Beer" beer in a can.
After ordering a simple soda water (#dryjuly), I decided on the lamb ribs, onion crema and herb salad ($18) for my main due to the pretty decent price and my love for lamb. Aiming to create fresh, seasonal and simple dishes, Egmont Eatery's food menu changes on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. This simplicity is also emulated in Egmont's interior aesthetic. Crisp, sleek and with a touch of effortless charm, the place has successfully combined the casual and the classy. Everything is well thought-out - even the lights are features in themselves, each hanging lights and wall lamps contributing to this elegant setting, but also helping define the space.
Before I totally got lost in the presence of the place our food arrived to the table and I was broken from my trance with the presentation of my meal. Simple, yet sophisticated the lamb appeared beautifully cooked and the herb salad on the side looked refreshing and seasonal. My first bite of both confirmed my initial impression. (Although the size of the meal meant that you'd be better off ordering a few sides to share as well.)
With it's funky lounge music, attractive design features and constant hum its easy to get lost in the flow of Egmont Street Eatery. A warm escape from the cold darkness of a Wellington alleyway, you will find a delicious menu, wide range of beverages and subtle charm in both their design and staff.