Rincones Sabrosos: The Best Latin American Restaurants in Wellington

One of the standout restaurants on Cuba Street, El Matador is a meat-lover’s paradise, bringing the joys of Argentinian asado culture to the heart of Wellington. Think chunky, wood-fired steaks served alongside a staggering array of meat and seafood tapas. An authentic South American dessert menu (dulce de leche cheesecake, anyone?) ensures you can certainly finish with something sweet.

With its track record of whipping up Mexican classics done right, it’s no surprise that Tequila Joe’s remains a popular pick for those after a taco fix. Can’t decide what to order? Tequila Joe’s has one of the most impressive daily deal menus in town, so whether you head along on Taco Tuesday or Wings Wednesday, you won’t be out of ideas. Also, did we mention it’s BYO?

Offering a fusion of Cuban cuisine and American soul food, Ernesto’s is a classy bar and restaurant that blends in with its sophisticated Grey Street neighbours. Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, each menu takes you on a different Latin American journey, from breakfast wraps through to hefty burgers and sandwiches. The daily deals are worth checking out too - who could say no to Mojito Mondays?

A quirky little spot that fits seamlessly into its Newtown surrounds, Bebemos is a fantastic all-day eatery serving up classic Latino dishes. Take a seat by the fire inside or for a change of scenery, check out the heated beer garden out back, before diving into the extensive menu. For a versatile brunch or dinner option, try Bebemos’ take on Brazil’s national dish feijoada (black bean stew with wild meats and chorizo).

Tucked away up above street view, El Barrio is a great spot for enjoying some tapas with a side of people-watching. But the tantalising Latin American dishes and cocktails are far from the only drawcards here, as El Barrio is where you come for some serious fun. Whether it’s the live music and fiestas every weekend or the salsa and cocktail-shaking lessons, with karaoke thrown in for good measure, there’s always something happening in this noisy stretch of Dixon Street.