Ortega Fish Shack And Bar

Food is absolutely amazing!!! Especially the prawns and chocolate mousse desert. We ordered 4 – 5 appetizers (sashimi, scampi ceviche, oysters, etc) and 3 entrees (beef filet, king salmon, and snapper) and 3 desserts and everything was phenomenal.

What an awesome restaurant. I had been looking for a good seafood place in Welly for some time. After all, it is by the sea and there are great tasting fish in nearby waters. As a person who lives near the New England coast, I know decent fish when I taste it. Up until today, Wellington disappointed me.
Now, I know where to go. Absolutely fresh fish prepared in an amazing way. Everything we had was tip top. I think we found the Tall Poppy of Wellington seafood.
We started with an outstanding scallop with risotto. These were real tasty bay scallops, not the kind that are cut into round circles. Wonderful. The sashimi was ok to good. Probably will try a different starter next time.
My main course was snapper. It was prepared perfectly. I had mine on a spinach and bean in a tomato sauce. I could not get enough, it was so good. (Fortunately, the portion size was generous.) A person with me had it on an Asian style noodle preparation. It was also excellent.
My wife had the special of Trumpeter, which was light and flavorful.
I can only say that this is by far the best fish I have hsd in Wellington. It is also one of the best seafood restaurants I have been to anywhere.

One of Wellington’s best for a reason. Reservations are a must and we were lucky to get the last table. Sincere, friendly service. Ready to explain menu if needed. All dishes were very tasty as ingredients were really fresh!

Can’t say enough about this find. Unassuming from the outside and spectacular on the inside from the atmosphere/​décor and service to the delicious food. We walked in without reservation and were greeted by Max who said he’d call us if we wanted to go somewhere for a drink while we wait for our table. He called within 15 minutes and got us seats at the bar. Oysters were so fresh that we had to order more. The Asian flare of the tuna sashimi and dumplings was unbelievable. Main courses were delicious, too. Will definitely be back next time we’re in New Zealand.

Wow! This place was so good my friends told me about it and went twice before flying out. Yeah… it’s that good. I went in on a random Thursday and was seated at the bar immediately. They are generally very busy so I would make reservations. I ordered the scampi ceviche and it was wonderfully prepared with Thai influences. It had some spice to it but it was the perfect amount. Next came the grunard and it was a large portion of 2 fillets sears on one side. The sauce was light and buttery. Instead of getting something sweet I ordered the cheese plate and I was not disappointed! There were 6 choices and they only charge you by what you eat. That was new to me and a wonderful way to try cheeses. I zoned into the french picard which had a nutty flavor and medium soft. All of my food was paired nicely with wine including the cheese plate. This is a great solid choice for food.

The atmosphere of this restaurant is fabulous. The beautiful staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful. We started the evening with hot mulled wine which was fruity and fragrant and delicious. For the main I had smoked warehou with beetroot borscht which was fabulous. Although the flavour of the dish was outstanding the serving was small so I was glad we had heeded the waitress’s suggestion to order potatoes and seasonal Brussels sprouts. Overall a great dining experience.

We loved this place! I might be the best fish we’ve both eaten. We got a fresh mix of vegetables and salad with our fish, amazing sauce and the fish was so succulent. A flavor explosion!
We loved the service right away when we stepped in, the staff greeted us and asked us how our day had been. The bartender explained the differences between the fish, he helped us with the wine to go with the food and we were very pleased. Lots of waiters and nicely dressed with cool leather aprons. They were very attentive and helpful and nice.
Prices were good, nothing extreme and the ambiance was lovely, lots to look at when you’re waiting for your food. Toilets are clean which is always a good sign! I would come back again! They also serve meet if one of you doesn’t prefer fish.

Clearly amazing place!
— looks cosy and low-​key: very warm atmosphere
— service is very friendly, yet professional (the owner came for a chit chat)
— but the food is where Ortega stands out: amazing fish dishes: from the appetizer sashimi to the great grilled snapper with a twist of beurre blanc, cilantro, and fresh tomato (and the corn risotto it was on… Hmmmm). Innovative and delicious!
The menu is new everyday along the catch, so all fish is fresh and it tastes so…
Great place! I wish I were in Wellington longer

Outstanding seafood prepared with creative touch ! Small restaurant with highly efficient and experienced waitstaff. This place is all about the food. gurnard with papparadelle in crayfish butter and grouper pan seared. Both were extremely fresh and served to the perfect doneness. The presentation was also excellent. Wine list is mostly nz but that can be good. I would go back in a flash.