Havana Bar
Hidden among modern city buildings, two historic cottages house a Wellington restaurant and bar.
196 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Walking into El Matador is like walking into 1950s Buenos Aires. You’re met with the smokey smell and sizzling sound of asado. Asado is the Argentinian practice of barbecuing large cuts of meat on an open-fire grill. You won’t find this sort of cooking anywhere else in Wellington.
“We’re all about good food without being overly pretentious,” says owner Mike Marsland. “It’s about being real and giving people what they want.”
El Matador’s menu centres around Manuka wood-fired steaks fired on a parilla (grill). You can get these served with classic chimichurri and patatas fritas. If you want a more communal approach to dining, there are large sharing platters of New Zealand’s finest meats and seafood. There is also a tapas menu to share with friends. Be sure to order the popular roasted bone marrow served with bacon marmalade and housemade bread.
For drinks, you’ll find an impeccable selection of wines from Argentina, Spain, and New Zealand. There are also South American-style cocktails and local craft beers available. Barcelona-brewed beer Estrella Damm is on tap.
El Matador opened in 2012. The family-run restaurant has attracted a loyal following of locals attracted to the ambience. The open kitchen helps create a warm welcome. The white tile and concrete walls have the patina of age, and dark wood surrounds the red leather seating. The chandeliers and black and white photography add to the South American nostalgia.
Luke Owen Smith
Mike has been involved with Cuba Street restaurants since 1980. Previous ventures have had a thematic connection to Cuba. His brother Geoff Marsland started well-known local roastery Havana Coffee. That Cuban connection inspired the naming of El Matador; Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara was born in Argentina.
There are no reservations at El Matador so be sure to get there early. Also, make sure you’re hungry — the portions are generous.
Hidden among modern city buildings, two historic cottages house a Wellington restaurant and bar.
Asian-inspired cuisine mixed with locally sourced produce creates a delicious dining experience.
Finger-lickin’ good Indian tapas will open your mind and fill your belly.
Commanding a prominent corner on Courtenay Place, this restaurant is an oasis for mouthwatering food, quality cocktails, and personable service.
In the heart of Cuba Street, this calm and stylish restaurant serves up a curiously rare cuisine in Wellington; modern Chinese.
A local favourite since 2002, Capitol is a vibrant, family-run restaurant with a bistro-style menu.
Behind a distinctive red brick façade on Swan Lane, you’ll find exceptional cuisine and a vast wine collection.
Inspired by the backstreet restaurants of Venice, Ombra is Wellington’s very own bacaro, serving modern Italian small plates.
A haven for fine food lovers, this restaurant’s menu and drinks list matches the impressive surroundings of the building it resides in.
You’ll feel like you’re part of the family at this Greek restaurant in the suburbs, where old recipes are given modern twists.