I recently had the pleasure of dining at Koji Restaurant in Wellington, and wow – what an experience! This modern eatery combines Japanese and Southeast Asian influences to deliver an innovative and flavour-packed menu. From creative takes on classic dishes to surprising combinations that work brilliantly, Koji has earned a spot as one of my top dining recommendations in Wellington.
Location: Koji is located at 12 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand. Nestled in the bustling Mount Victoria area, it’s conveniently right next door to another favourite spot of mine, Ortega Fish Shack. The location is ideal for a night out, with plenty of charm and accessibility.
Cuisine: Koji specialises in a fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian flavours, creating bold dishes that are both familiar and exciting. Their menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to explore a variety of creative combinations, from rich umami bites to zesty, aromatic dishes.
Dishes Ordered:
- Natural Oysters with unique flavour pairings
- Kingfish with truffle and ponzu
- Venison Pie (Pie tee, venison, star anise, kaffir lime)
- Yellow Curry Donut
- Chicken and Prawn Dumplings with “Strange Flavor Sauce” and chilli oil
- Udon noodles with wagyu, black pepper butter, bottarga
- Miso Dengaku Eggplant with pepita, puffed grains, and nori
- Charcoal Roasted Broccoli with lemon anchovy soy
What We Drank: While Koji’s menu is the star, their drinks list complements the dishes beautifully. Pair your meal with sake, creative cocktails, or wines that enhance the fusion flavours. We started off with a zesty citrus cocktail before moving on to a natural wine.
The Details: I started with the oysters, which I usually enjoy naturally with just lemon, but the paired flavours were fantastic and elevated the dish. The kingfish with truffle and ponzu was a revelation – it melted in my mouth and struck a perfect balance of flavours.
The venison pie was unexpected, with a raw-like texture (possibly sous vide?), and the combination of star anise and kaffir lime added depth to every bite.
The yellow curry donut came highly recommended, and I can see why. Its slightly sweet dough and curry filling worked surprisingly well together, creating a dish unlike anything I’ve tried before.
The chicken and prawn dumplings were delicious, with a bold chilli oil kick, though they didn’t outshine the other incredible dishes. The udon noodles with wagyu were hearty and flavorful, but again, other dishes stole the spotlight.
Two absolute standouts were the miso dengaku eggplant and the charcoal roasted broccoli. The eggplant had an incredible contrast of textures, with the soft vegetable and crunchy, caramelised topping. The broccoli was equally impressive, with a smoky char and the perfect balance of lemon anchovy soy.
The Service: The service at Koji was attentive, friendly, and super knowledgeable. Staff were quick to offer recommendations, and their passion for the menu was evident in their descriptions of each dish. It made the experience even more enjoyable.
Vibe Check: Koji’s atmosphere is low-lit, chic, and modern with a touch of minimalism. It’s the perfect setting for a date night or an intimate dinner with friends. The ambience adds a sophisticated yet relaxed energy to your dining experience.
Investment:$$$
The prices reflect the quality and creativity of the dishes. While it’s not an everyday spot, Koji offers great value for the experience, making it a perfect choice for a special meal.
Why I’d Return: Koji is the kind of restaurant you want to visit again and again to explore more of the menu. With innovative dishes, local ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service, it ticks all the boxes for a memorable dining experience.
Final Thoughts: If you’re in Wellington, Koji is a must-visit. From their innovative flavours to their chic ambience, this restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience that stands out even in a city full of great food. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their creative menu. Oh, and don’t skip the eggplant and broccoli – they’re truly next level!
