Whitby's Restaurant and Bar

Went to the buffet dinner tonight - one word disappointing. Overall everything was bland. Meat was overcooked in most instances, unappetizing salads, desserts tasted stale even the nuts with the cheese tasted stale. For $65 expected a lot better. Would not recommend. However staff were very attentive and ambience was great. Real shame but will not be coming again

Very basic and no atmosphere, ; entrance hall was like entering a hospital or factory, maybe some paintings and plants can go a long way.food was very basic and disappointing for what you expect to get at a decent hotel.

We celebrated my mother's birthday here. We had a group of 14, buffet dinner, and kids eat for free special. $65.00 per adult. It was well worth it and we stayed over 2 hours. Highly recommended.

We had a fantastic family birthday celebration at the buffet. Great service and excellent food. Highly recommended. Thanks so much for a memorable evening.

Dinner buffet was very average for the price. We expected better food. At least the dessert was tasty. Waitress was not great either. I had to order my drink 3 times.

I enjoyed my time at Whibys, was welcomed by the staff and was served by a lovely waitress who’s name I believe was Kelly. She served me the majority of the night and was constantly checking on not only me but the surrounding customers. She is also an amazing barista I ordered a mocha that was one of if not the best I’ve had in a while. The food was really good for it being a buffet some of the meat was dry but still had great flavour, lots of variety of foods to choose from. There is also a blind man who plays piano and he is very good but it does really make it feel as if the place is a little to fancy and wouldn’t mind just listing to some random music because when he stops it’s dead silent I would recommend giving it a visit

Great buffet, bit misleading price wise as currently only doing mid Xmas buffet at a mark up

We were very excited to go here given the amazing reviews to only be VERY disappointed. The food was the same standard as the pre-cooked meals from new world (at least they come hot). Considering this is the same price as other nice restaurants in Wellington, this is not acceptable. One silver lining - the service was lovely.

Was staying here so went for the buffet breakfast, it was pretty good lots of choices for everyone. Watch out for the old people they flock to the restaurant and get in everyone’s way

A weekend away gift, accommodation at James Cook Hotel was excellent. Bit confused on walking instructions but friendly Wellingtonians showed us shortcuts in and out of the hotel. The 17th floor had Whitbys. Great staff all smiling, happy, polite and friendly. Our meal was devine. Pumpkin soup to die for. Mains were just enough but couldnt do dessert. Breakfast the next day was perfection. Nothing too far fetched just delicious and plenty of it. Can't wait to go back.

We had my sisters 50th birthday, she booked the room for her buffet breakfast birthday celebration. Everything was on point from the time we walked in to the time we left. The lady at the reception was amazing and so friendly, the room was beautifully set up they way my sister wanted it. Everyone enjoyed the buffet breakfast and the morning celebration as the staff there, made us feel very welcomed and their service was amazing. Thank you so much for your awesome hospitality. You all made my sisters day feel very special.

My partner and I dined at Whitbys on a Tuesday evening. Having never been before.
The atmosphere was nice, with a lovely view of the city from the 17th floor of the Grand Chancellor hotel.
The service was very good, with very regular check-ins on the dining experience and quality of our meals.
My partner had the Risotto and said this of it "It was the best Risotto I have ever had"
I had the Salmon and this was fine, perhaps one small comment would be that the portion size definitely left room for desert.
Which we had.
My partner a lovely selection of cheeses and I had the Banana Cream Parfait. Both of which were lovely.
Would definitely recommend to friends and family alike for a lovely dining experience.

When you miss your flight from Hamilton, for being five measly minutes late for stupid check in, then have to sit there with no cafe or bar open while you wait for the next flight to Wellington, arriving at the hotel at like 8.55pm and then break-neck-speeding it to the 17th floor of the James Cook Grand Chancellor before 9.30pm when they stop taking orders, you will be overjoyed to have made it to Whitbys. The service is friendly and relaxed, and super helpful. Don't sit in the breakfast part where the tables have cups and saucers on them! Yes, you can have another glass of rose'! The scallops were perfect, the risotto delicious and the steak just nicely done. Thanks Whitbys. Happy to recommend!

Bizarre experience

We got seated in the bar area rather than the restaurant. No idea why as place was half empty. Half way through a load of conference attendees poured out for buffet lunch and literally surrounded us. Any ambience there was (not a lot) was totally destroyed. High tea was nice enough although the chocolate covered strawberry was horrible. Some kind of ersatz chocolate. Presentation very lacklustre. First time I've had high tea served on dinner plates. Generous with the actual teas but for the money there are better high teas to be had in Wellington. Too bad if you wanted to upgrade to bubbles as it wasn't even offered!

1st time here. Seems most buffet have not survived covid. Probably the only buffet left in the capital. Personal experience enjoyed the food. Decent variety, won't be everyone's cup of tea. Waiters were awesome, environment subtle and cosy. Felt very welcomed. Good place for a family buffet dinner depending on how busy it gets. Sunday buffet wasn't too busy so food was always plenty and didn't have to wait long to food items to be replaced. Well done James Cook hotel.

We had the chocolate high tea. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Very relaxed atmosphere, lovely view. Gorgeous morsels to eat. But Lance and his selection of tea’s was superb. Lance’s knowledge and passion was outstanding. He certainly is a Gem.

Second time I've been to Whitby Restaurant and both times have been fantastic. Went to High Tea today and it was better than any other High Tea experience I've had anywhere in Wellington. Staff are exceptional and the food was so good!

Our family love Comming here. Such a selection of food depending on what nights you go. Have been on a weekend and there seems to be more food options than a Monday. Which is fair as they weren't too busy in Monday. Staff are friendly and helpful. Even recoiled my mums steak for her as it was too rare for her. Awesome service!

Stayed in the hotel and breaky was included. Nice crispy bacon and hashbrowns. Perfect poached eggs from the chef.

A brilliant place. We had a wonderful dinner on the 27/3/22. Niraj Dave gave us perfect service.
On the 28/3/22 Lance entertained us as he served us high tea and helped us with brilliant information.
Thanks from Clive and Ruth Read