WellingtonEat & Drink

Havana Bar

  • Location

    32 Wigan Street, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website

    Havana Bar

Hidden among modern city buildings, two historic cottages house a Wellington restaurant and bar.

Since 2003 Havana has been at the heart of Wellington’s hospitality and music scene. Whether you’re there for a quick drink, a relaxed dinner, or a late-night boogie, Havana Bar & Restaurant embodies the city’s laid-back spirit. 

Unable to render element

The food menu takes inspiration from Spanish, North African, Middle Eastern, and — of course — Latin American cuisines. There is a strong focus on sustainably sourced and top-quality New Zealand produce. In August 2024, the restaurant received a prestigious Cuisine Magazine ‘Hat’. The ‘Hat’ is New Zealand’s equivalent to Michelin stars. “It’s nice to be acknowledged,” says co-owner Potti Wagstaff. “It’s a springboard to reinvigorate and reinvest a lot of energy.” 

The drinks menu offers an extensive list of New Zealand and international wines. There are also seasonal cocktails with a tropical twist. Check out the mango margaritas, passionfruit daiquiris, and feijoa mojitos. 

Throughout Havana’s interior, there’s a harmony between nostalgia and novelty. The aged green and peach walls are adorned with old photographs of Cuban streetscapes, classic cigar advertisements, and portraits of Che Guevara. This all jostles for attention alongside colourful pieces of contemporary art. On the ceiling of the restaurant, Rohan Wealleans’ canoe sculpture ‘Bearer of the Light’ hangs upside down, next to a chandelier. 

The front facade of Havana Bar, situated in colourful and cosy historic cottages located on Wigan Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll find live music and DJs to get your groove on. If you’re not up for dancing, there are plenty of cosy nooks where you can settle in for the night. 

Havana’s origins come from local hospitality legends Potti Wagstaff and Roger Young. They opened the speakeasy-inspired bar in 2003. It originally shared the space with one of the original pioneers of the city’s famous coffee scene, Havana Coffee Works. When the roastery relocated in 2010, they transformed the cottage next door into a tapas restaurant — and the rest is history.

Looking for more?

Two bar staff pour drinks at Puffin Wine Bar in dim lighting.

Puffin

A dark and mysterious, art-filled corridor leads to a stylish wine bar.

The storefront of Liberty, a restaurant in Te Aro Wellington. It's a white building with black accents and six circular ceiling lights.

Liberty

Made by a talented team of chefs, the dishes at Liberty are full of flavour and made to be shared.

Inside Rosella restaurant and bar. The large window on the ground floor lets in plenty of light with seats lining a narrow bench along the window.

Rosella Wine Bar

With a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, this Mount Victoria charmer is a quality dinner choice.

The Bar staff behind the bar at The Ram pouring craft beer. Theres a large shelf of wine and spirits bottles behind them.

The Ram

Come as you are to this relaxed bar meets pub at the heart of Cuba Street.

Two people sharing salads and drinks at Supra. The camera angle is looking down from above their heads.

Supra

“If you know, you know.” Intimate and relaxed, Supra is a no-frills restaurant that focuses on food over fanfare.

Three cocktails and a beer glass are lined up on a wooden bar at Dee's Place located on Cuba Street at Ghuznee Street. A bartender, with a rag on his shoulder is opening a can of beer behind the bar.

Dee’s Place

It’s always cosy at Dee’s Place, a neighbourhood whiskey bar hidden underground on Cuba Street.

The interior The Library, a cocktail bar in Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. There are two groups of patrons drinking. The booths are red velvet and the walls are lined with books.

The Library

With book-lined shelves, plenty of cosy nooks, live music, and a comprehensive cocktail menu, you’ll wish all libraries could be like this.

A close-up of two dishes, two menus, and two cocktails in animal-shaped cups on a pale green table at Mr. Go's.

Mr Go’s

There’s a whole world of flavour on offer at Mr Go’s.

bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.

The Runholder

Encompassing a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, distillery, and barrel hall space, The Runholder offers an exquisite hospitality experience in Martinborough.

Close-up of a plate and side from Oikos Greek restaurant.

Oikos Hellenic Cuisine

You’ll feel like you’re part of the family at this Greek restaurant in the suburbs, where old recipes are given modern twists.