Best Spanish Food in Wellington (2026)

Wellington's Spanish food scene is a fiesta of flavours, bringing the warmth of Spain to the heart of the city. In 2026, indulge in shareable tapas and hearty paellas at these lively restaurants that celebrate community and culinary tradition.

20 places

Spanish Institute Wellington

4.7(12)

educational institution · Te Aro

Learn Spanish in the official Spanish Schools in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Tauranga & Wellington with expert native Spanish teachers.

business spanish children's spanish classes spanish classes

12 reviews

El Matador

4.4(2,298)

restaurant · Te Aro

Welcome to El Matador. We have been serving Wellington's best Spanish tapas and authentic Argentinian steaks since 2012. Boasting NZ's first wood-fired asadores and parrilla, an open kitchen, sunny courtyard, boutique bar, superb service and a great vibe, El Matador is the perfect place for a delicious dinner.

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

Ombra

4.6(2,934)

italian restaurant · Te Aro

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

cicchetti curated selection of wines 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 internationally inspired 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 food birria tacos fresh corn 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.

asian, vietnamese balance of flavours fresh ingredients

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 flavors 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 good staff, located in an excellent area.

977 reviews

El Barrio

4.2(781)

latin american restaurant · Te Aro

Soak up the fiery flavour of Wellington's award-winning iconic Latino bar and restaurant. Get a taste of Latin America right in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand.

authentic latin flavors bar snacks cocktails

439 reviews