Havana 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.

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. 

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.