Thai Chef's Restaurant occupies the corner of Wakefield and Blair Streets in Te Aro, a short walk from Courtenay Place and within easy reach of the Wellington waterfront and TSB Arena precinct. The restaurant has served Royal Thai cuisine in the capital since 2008 and forms part of the wider Thai Chef group, which also operates in Auckland, Napier, New Plymouth, Whangarei and Christchurch.
### Cuisine and menu
The kitchen works from a classic Royal Thai repertoire, with the menu grouped into appetisers, soups, curries, "favourite woks", noodle and rice dishes, and a section of regional E-sarn (north-eastern) plates. Dishes named on the restaurant's own menu include Kraree Puff, a Thai puff with curry spices and minced chicken; Tom Yum and Tom Kha soups; Royal Panang, described as drawn from a Royal Thai recipe; Mussaman curry with braised beef; and signature house creations such as The 3 Alcoholics, Sexy Little Duck, Duck in Love and Three Kings, a mixed seafood dish. The E-sarn section carries Nuea Num Tok warm beef salad, Larb Gai and Som-Tam carrot salad. Spice levels are marked on the menu, and vegetarian and gluten-aware options are noted throughout.
### The room, licensing and service
The restaurant seats up to 70 people. It is fully licensed with an extensive cocktail menu and also operates BYO for wine. Lunch runs Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from noon to 2.30pm, with dinner served seven nights from 5pm. Reservations are recommended. Dine-in and takeaway are both available, and the restaurant accepts all major cards and EFTPOS.
### Groups and functions
Thai Chef's markets itself for functions and private events, inviting enquiries by email for anniversaries, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and similar occasions. The restaurant also notes that it has hosted visiting dignitaries from Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Korea and other nations, which speaks to some experience with formal and delegation dining.
### Recognition
The restaurant holds a Thai Select Premium designation, awarded in 2013 in recognition of the quality and authenticity of its Royal Thai cuisine. It has also carried TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence recognition.
### MICE suitability
For event organisers, Thai Chef's is a practical option for delegate dinners, team meals and post-conference groups working in the Te Aro and Courtenay Place area. The 70-seat capacity, full licence and stated willingness to host private functions make it workable for a mid-sized group booking, while the central corner location keeps it walkable from most CBD accommodation. Organisers should confirm exclusive-use arrangements and group menus directly with the restaurant. See more Wellington restaurants for delegate dining options.
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