Tucked around the end of the City Gallery in Civic Square, and named for the native palm adorning the Wellington hillsides in days gone by, Nikau has many long-time followers. With owners who are gardeners and lovers of fresh, seasonal and house-made, you can’t go wrong here. The kedgeree has been on their menu since day one along with their sage eggs and house-baked almond brioche. Tender house-smoked locally-sourced fish (usually blue warehou) is beautifully fused with grated free-range egg and lightly spiced perfectly baked rice. They may even have some of their tea towels with the recipe on for sale when you visit. Then nip through to the City Gallery next door for a little post-prandial culture. Daytimes only.