Intersecting the centre of Wellington is this street, named after one of the settler ships from the mid 19th century. Cuba Street is Wellington’s own little piece of bohemia, where, even though historically it is not related to the Caribbean island of Cuba, the culture and food is reminiscent of the multi-ethnic country on the other side of the world.
Havana Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Cuban, Tapas, Street Food, $$$
Tapas | Image courtesy of Havana Bar
The quirky, colourful décor in this hidden tapas bar pays homage to Cuba’s largest city and is aptly named Havana Bar. Have a bite to eat while enjoying the music of local and international artists from numerous genres, or the DJs who play here three nights a week. On top of a dinner menu that features authentic Cuban flavours, Havana Bar offers their list of tapas options, providing a modern twist on Spanish sharing food.
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Mexican, European, Cuban, $$$
Fidel's café | Image courtesy of Fidel's Café
Fidel’s Café provides classic home-style cooking using ethically sourced ingredients from local artisan producers. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can find exactly what you need in this Cuban café that exudes the bohemian vibe that is found on Cuba Street. Enjoy your brunch, available daily until 4pm, with an authentic Cuban espresso, or maybe one of the meals, inspired by the Caribbean country’s cuisine, available from midday until late.
Logan Brown offers a dining experience that is different from many others, it’s relaxed, casual and comfortable, without the overblown formality you would expect at a fine dining establishment. Located in an old, high-ceilinged 1920s renovated bank chamber, Logan Brown offers impressive and delicate gastronomic options that won them the Cuisine Good Food Guide’s Good Food Award in 2014.
Open all day with a brunch menu as well as a selection of sharing plates and intriguing main meals, Plum Café stands out from the Cuba Street crowd. The gorgeous rustic decor makes this cafe a great place to have brunch, made only better by providing some of the best coffee in Wellington. The charming and cheerful atmosphere is complimented well by the culture and feel of its location.
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Contemporary, Fast Food, Vegetarian
Arriving from Venice in the 1960s, the founder of this restaurant, Remiro Bresolin, brought with him the passion and creativity that comes with Italian cooking. He decided to open this modern Italian café, with the help of his two sons, in order to add some Italian colour in to Cuba Street’s already vibrant community. Scopa’s classy leather furniture is matched with the brilliant Italian wine selection and the delicious Italian food from the kitchen. Fresh hand made pasta and classic pizzas, made in-house daily, are given a modern Italian twist, while also respecting the traditions of Italian cooking.
Olive, a restaurant, café and bar, is one of Wellington’s secret havens. Its garden area is furnished with palm trees and wooden décor, a great place to have a drink with friends, or even a romantic drink with someone special. If you’d prefer to eat indoors, the simple, intimate decor is also great for a casual dinner. Olive Café offers a fresh and delicious breakfast menu from 8am, a selection of fast and light, or long, lazy lunches or contemporary Mediterranean options for dinner.
Located in the heart of this bohemian street is Floriditas, where the high ceiling, quirky decor and bright, colourful ornaments provide a cool space for you to enjoy the delicious modern cuisine. Floriditas have breakfast, lunch and dinner covered, and even if you come at the weekend, they have a specialised brunch menu. The wine list aims to exhibit the diversity and excellence of New Zealand wine, as well as giving customers a selection of wines from around the world.
If you’re in Wellington and you want to try something different, you must go to Loretta, where there is always something new, since the menu changes every day. Open from breakfast until dinner every day, the selection is constantly changing to reflect the weather and to ensure the best eating experience possible. The decor is chic and stylish, which reflects the food that achieves an excellent balance between classy and rustic. Loretta, 181 Cuba St, Wellington, New Zealand +64 4-384 2213
Home to the eclectic decor reminiscent of days gone by, Arthur’s provides wholesome New Zealand cuisine in a rejuvenated historic building. The food and feel at Arthur’s is casual and homely, whether you’re eating outside in the sunny courtyard or indoors in the stunning Victorian inspired dining rooms. Arthur’s remains one of Cuba Street’s charming, old-fashioned cafés that are perfect for breakfast lunch or dinner. Arthur’s, 272 Cuba St, Wellington, New Zealand +64 4-385 7227
KK Malaysian serves up delicious Malaysian cuisine. All of your favourites are created using the authentic flavours and cooking techniques from the Southeast Asian country. From the outside, you’d have no idea that the decor inside is subtle and casual, perfect for a family Malaysian feast or a get-together among friends, or if you’re craving that Malaysian taste, but don’t want to dine in. KK Malaysian also offers take away, so you can eat the delicious flavours of Malaysia wherever you want.
