El Matador

Walking into El Matador is like walking into 1950s Buenos Aires. You’re met with the smokey smell and sizzling sound of asado. Asado is the Argentinian practice of barbecuing large cuts of meat on an open-fire grill. You won’t find this sort of cooking anywhere else in Wellington. 

“We’re all about good food without being overly pretentious,” says owner Mike Marsland. “It’s about being real and giving people what they want.” 

El Matador’s menu centres around Manuka wood-fired steaks fired on a parilla (grill). You can get these served with classic chimichurri and patatas fritas. If you want a more communal approach to dining, there are large sharing platters of New Zealand’s finest meats and seafood. There is also a tapas menu to share with friends. Be sure to order the popular roasted bone marrow served with bacon marmalade and housemade bread. 

For drinks, you’ll find an impeccable selection of wines from Argentina, Spain, and New Zealand. There are also South American-style cocktails and local craft beers available. Barcelona-brewed beer Estrella Damm is on tap. 

El Matador opened in 2012. The family-run restaurant has attracted a loyal following of locals attracted to the ambience. The open kitchen helps create a warm welcome. The white tile and concrete walls have the patina of age, and dark wood surrounds the red leather seating. The chandeliers and black and white photography add to the South American nostalgia. 

Mike has been involved with Cuba Street restaurants since 1980. Previous ventures have had a thematic connection to Cuba. His brother Geoff Marsland started well-known local roastery Havana Coffee. That Cuban connection inspired the naming of El Matador; Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara was born in Argentina.   

There are no reservations at El Matador so be sure to get there early. Also, make sure you’re hungry — the portions are generous.