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

children's spanish classes language courses spanish

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. Boasting NZ's first wood-fired asadores and parrilla, 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.

curated selection of wines italian cuisine italian, mediterranean

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 cuisine 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.

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 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 service in a great location.

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 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 cocktail bar

529 reviews

$$$$

Bellamys

4.7(520)

restaurant · Pipitea

Bellamys Restaurant at New Zealand Parliament has closed to the public. It has been proud to serve premium New Zealand cuisine and provide a unique dining experience for all guests over the years.

premium new zealand cuisine

289 reviews