Wild Kiwi is a restaurant, bar and distillery in Unit 13 at 27 Blenheim Street, Maidstone, Upper Hutt. The house char sui whisky sauce glazes the slow-cooked pork ribs, and guests can order the whisky to go with them. The menu runs from ciabatta with herbed garlic butter and a double Angus beef burger to Ōra King salmon, lamb shank on garlic mash, a 250 gram sirloin, and gluten-free buns and pizza. The bar has a range of craft beer and spirits, and there is a pool table and darts. Tables can be booked on 021 224 5116, and walk-ins have been seated without a booking.
Customers praise the lamb shanks, the pork belly entrée, the fried chicken and the gluten-free pizza, and they say the staff are friendly and the service is quick, even for a large group. One group found the kitchen closed at 8pm on a Friday, and the chef reopened it for them, which they appreciated. Our pick in Upper Hutt for a whisky-glazed rib dinner with a drink at the bar.