Best Spanish Food in Wellington (2026)

Spanish food is built for sharing, and Wellington's Spanish spots lean into that. These are the best places for tapas and a decent bottle of wine.

20 places

Spanish Institute Wellington

4.7(12)

educational institution · Te Aro

Learn Spanish from expert native Spanish teachers from Spain and Latin America in small and interactive classes.

business spanish classes children's spanish classes online spanish lessons

12 reviews

El Matador

4.4(2,298)

restaurant · Te Aro

El Matador has been serving Wellington's best Spanish tapas and authentic Argentinian steaks since 2012, featuring NZ's first wood-fired asadores and parrilla, an open kitchen, and a sunny courtyard.

argentinian bbq argentinian steaks empanadas

2,298 reviews

Fidel's Cafe

4.5(4,553)

cafe · Te Aro

Colorful institution for Cuban coffee & homestyle eats ranging from egg dishes to burgers & pizza.

afternoon beer brunch cafe, new zealand

3,357 reviews

$$ Michelin Guide

Ombra

4.6(2,934)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

Wine & small plates in a cozy establishment inspired by the informal bacaros of Venice.

artisan wines cicchetti italian cuisine

2,934 reviews

Havana Bar

4.6(2,262)

restaurant · Te Aro

Tapas, wine & cocktails served in colorful, side-by-side cottages with a hip, throwback Latin vibe.

cocktails cuban cuisine tapas

1,408 reviews

Hot Like a Mexican Willis Lane

4.8(2,184)

mexican restaurant · Wellington Central

Hot Like a Mexican offers real Mexican food made by real Mexicans, featuring fresh ingredients and ancestral cooking methods.

authentic mexican flavours birria tacos homemade tortillas

2,142 reviews

Viva Mexico

4.6(1,732)

mexican restaurant · Newtown

Counter-serve Mexican eatery offering tacos, tortas & other traditional dishes in a colorful space.

affordable mexican food authentic mexican cuisine fresh ingredients

1,459 reviews

Rock Yard Restaurant

4.6(1,613)

vietnamese restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Rock Yard Restaurant, where Vietnamese culture meets culinary delight in Wellington. Our passion is to share the authentic tastes and traditions of our homeland with you, in a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

aromatic dishes asian, vietnamese balance of flavours

1,405 reviews

Mexico Wellington

4.2(1,547)

mexican restaurant · Te Aro

Inspired by the streets of Mexico, our food is created to deliver complex layers of flavour across a range of shareable dishes. Our menu changes throughout the year to stay in tune with fresh ingredients.

complex layers of flavour mexican cuisine shareable dishes

1,176 reviews

Wildfire Restaurant Wellington

4.7(1,128)

restaurant · Te Aro

Wildfire Restaurant offers a good basic eatery experience with lovely food and excellent staff in a great location.

977 reviews

El Barrio

4.2(781)

latin american restaurant · Te Aro

Wellington's #1 Latino bar, restaurant & nightclub serving authentic Latin American tapas, cocktails and live music in Te Aro.

authentic latin american cuisine bar snacks cocktails

439 reviews

$$ - $$$

HIDEOUT

4.4(529)

asian fusion restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to Hideout - an Asian Fusion Restaurant. Designed for sharing, our carefully curated menu will push you to experiment with new flavours, whilst also offering options for those with more timid palates.

asian asian fusion cocktails

529 reviews

$$$$

Bellamys

4.7(520)

restaurant · Pipitea

Bellamys Restaurant at New Zealand Parliament has closed to the public. Thank you for all your support – we have been proud to serve premium New Zealand cuisine and provide a unique dining experience for all our guests over the years.

premium new zealand cuisine

289 reviews

$$ - $$$ Michelin Guide

Rita

4.8(484)

restaurant · Aro Valley

We make a new three course menu every night, using the best local and seasonal produce.

fine dining nz cuisine seasonal produce

484 reviews

Ernesto’s

4.5(364)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Join us for an exquisite dining experience designed to complement the vibrant energy of the World of WearableArt™ show.

american bistro caribbean cuisine

358 reviews

Faithful Flavours Cafe, Bakery, & Restaurant

4.8(290)

restaurant · Wellington Central

Reviewers consistently praise the comforting and delicious food, as well as the warm and welcoming service.

290 reviews

Aye! Empanadas & More

4.8(218)

argentinian restaurant · Oriental Bay

We are Ayelen and Sebastian from Argentina, bringing some of our traditional homemade delights to Wellington!

argentinian cuisine argentinian empanadas artisan desserts

201 reviews

Saint Diablo

4.4(79)

bar · Te Aro

Saint Diablo is Courtenay Place's Mexican-themed bar and late-night party spot — and we don't do quiet. Expect world-class cocktails, the best margs in town, karaoke, DJs, and a crowd that knows how to move.

cocktails margaritas mexican street food

79 reviews

Casa Sabrosa

5.0(35)

restaurant · level 2/342 Lambton Quay

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic, home-style Filipino food and the friendly service at Casa Sabrosa.

35 reviews

Next Door

4.9(20)

bar · via Wilson Street

Reviewers consistently praise the amazing drinks and service, highlighting the friendly bartenders and great atmosphere.

20 reviews