Review Havana Bar And Restaurant - Wellington

Fantastic food and exceptional hospitality. Every dish is faultless👍🏻 I had an amazing birthday dinner here. Thanks a lot 🙏🏻 Highly recommend 👍🏻

Such a beautiful place at the capital! 🇳🇿Enjoyed every bite there! They have tapas style with so many good options at the menu and the seasonal drinks are a must to try! Thanks Karla for having me today you rock!

Lovely meal. The zucchini tart was amazing, as were the prawns. Everything was so good. Really nice staff and a chill atmosphere too.

I had a pleasant visit at this little bar. The ambiance was awesome, and the staff were very friendly. They had a good selection of beverages, and I enjoyed trying some local drinks. The bar had a good atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for a night out with friends. Prices were reasonable, considering the location in the center. It's a nice place to socialize. I would recommend it for those looking for a nice night out in Wellington.

Great atmosphere and service, staff is friendly. I've been there for drinks and I'd totally recommend the Caipirinha, one of the best cocktails there is!

Thank goodness our morning ferry was cancelled or we might never have found this place...we both had the chef's menu (pescatarian version) and every dish was perfect, and great value for the standard of food! In fact, the whole experience was faultless - excellent service, quirky but relaxing music, interesting decor, delicious cocktails and superb wine. And on our anniversary too, we couldn't have wished for a better celebration. The only downside is that England is so far away we can't make it a regular event!

Funky vibe, dudes turning LPS added to an already cool vibe. Cool layout and decor. Cool and pleasant staff

if I could give this place 10/10, I’d give it 15. honestly the service was amazing. the servers and the chefs were all so lovely and accomodating. they made sure to explain every dish, how the menu worked, always refilled our glasses before replacing the jug. loved the vibe of the place, so many things to see, the music was beautiful and felt just right. only con would be that it sort of felt a bit cramped, just a little though. but the food… IMMACULATE. some of the finest food I’ve ever had in my life for sure. it was all soooo flavoursome and surprisingly filling too. well worth the coin, would definitely come back and would like to thank the workers there for making it such an enjoyable night.

Havana is a very reliable bar to enjoy a good cocktail and snacks. The atmosphere is private and chill; The service and food are always to point. The food menu has improved since the last time that I went around. Loved the presentation of each plate and everything was tasty. Great job! 👏🏽

Wonderful, I'm blown away by the service, comes second to none. Was such a treat and blows away the competition. The drinks were wet and stiff and went down easy. Bring the Whanau for a good time.

Friendly service, delicious food. Highly recommend the bread and garlic dip, the eggplant schnitzel, fish of the day (Snapper) was cooked to perfection, and the baked camembert was perfect to finish!

Great bar with a really good atmosphere but the food and the service needs some serious attention. Told the waitress I was not in a hurry and all three plates arrived at the same time with a shrug saying well we are busy. 2 of the fuses were ok. Butt the mushrooms were inedible 🤮 cold mushrooms with cold meted cheese on top.

We were a large group and had a set menu Fantastic service by all the staff, food was delicious and there was lots of it. Great value for money. Chef’s catered really well with a gluten/dairy/soy friend. If only I lived closer ! Thanks so much for a great evening

If you like great service and and “intimate “ setting this place is for you. Cocktails are great especially blowie in the corner is my favourite. It is R18 though

We were recommended Havana by a friend of a work friend and weren't really sure what to expect. Cuban food? Given me and my wife's dietary restrictions, eating out tends to be as much a challenge for us as it is for the dining establishment we've chosen to prey upon 😂 Between the two of us we cannot eat gluten, dairy, soy, bell pepper (capsicum), and we choose not to eat meat/fish. So, it was surprising for both of us when we were given an allergens specific menu, reassured that the kitchen would do it's very best to accommodate us, and served some of the most astoundingly delicious food we've had since visiting NZ (all this despite the staff being clearly stretched thin on a pretty busy night). Was the food we ordered Cuban? Nope. But it didn't matter. It was incredible. The flavors, textures and satiation brought to our table with each dish was unparalleled and completely unexpected. As long as you don't mind having a little patience and going out on a limb, your stomach will thank you for dining here.

Celebrated a birthday here last night and we were all blown away by the food, wine, and amazing service. Highly recommend!

What a little gem in the heart of Wellington. Great atmosphere, very cosy. We all ordered something different from the menu and shared it. The meals were well presented and the flavour combinations were amazing. The staff are a credit to the restaurant, providing a fantastic service. Highly recommend this lovely little spot

Cute dining area. The outdoor bar area is great to have a drink first before dinner. Tried the tasting menu which was delicious and reasonably priced

interesting and fun vibes, the staff were also highly attentive and friendly. however, as the restaurant was full, we had to be moved to the bar which was less warm and inviting, it was also pretty quiet for a friday night. we ordered the crispy potatoes, sautéed prawns, maori bread w dip, pan fried mushrooms and poached cauliflower. <br/><br/>highlights include the crispy potatoes — great portion, certainly crispy, salty, hot and overall tasty; the sautéed prawns which were mouthwateringly flavourful and also, the poached cauliflower, this worked beautifully with the aged cheddar, truffle and prune, a combo im not familiar with but incredibly excited about! the maori bread was warm and so soft, it worked surprisingly well with the dip. the pan fried mushrooms were the only let down, by the time they had reached our table they were almost cold. however, flavour wise, they were relatively enjoyable. <br/><br/>overall, i had an enjoyable experience and look forward to returning!

I was recommended this place and it didn't disappoint. Right from the moment we walked in, where someone offered to take our coats you were made to feel very welcome. All the staff that tended our table had excellent knowledge of the menu. In fact, with my nut allergy, they altered a few dish's to accomodate me. The food was absolutely divine. We shared 8 different plates and could not decide on a favourite. I would recommend Havana Bar to anyone that enjoys great food and service. A great experience. Thankyou.

I visited Havana Bar for the Cuba Dupa festival. <br/>I got free meals as I am a foodie. <br/><br/>I got to try the crispy eggplant, and it was absolutely delicious! I’m not sure if they currently have this on their menu.

This was recommended by our hotel, and they were right on. They told us they had killer cocktails. So true. They told us it was funky and eclectic - absolutely. And they told us the food was great. They didn't lie. Fun place. Great vibe. Comfortable and welcoming. Fun menu with lots of unusual food pairings. Everything is tapas style and menu changes frequently. We had 8 dishes for three of us and everyone was great, well presented and yummy. My fav was the black pudding! Really. Not only great cocktails, but also a very nice wine list. When I next return to Wellington I will also return to Havana.

Arrived at 7ish where all the bar was almost full. We grabbed some tapas and some drinks. All the food and drinks were fairly good. We loved the potatoes so much. The price was a bit high for tapas but quite reasonable with the atmosphere.<br/>

The coolest bar in nz! NOT a lot for vegans but the crushed potatoes, mushroom dish and YAMS were yummo went with 5 others who said their food was amazing<br/>The staff were excellent just such a wicked spot well done guys!

Delicious food and lovely ambience. Definitely recommend the beef brisket! The sangria was very yummy. The decor was very cute and staff were very friendly

My first time to be here having met some friends for a few drinks. It's a little gem that's hidden from the main thoroughfare, and I'm not surprised it's one of the fav haunts of some of my mates. The ambiance was really nice; staff were friendly; no blaring music that drowns the conversations. There was a wide range of drinks, from cocktails, beers, to liquors.  It was a very good experience and would definitely recommend to other friends.

This unorthodox hidden gem is a well known secret and is located right behind campus. Coincidence? Went in with a group of friends on a regular Friday looking to be amazed and we were after seeing the quirky decor. The whole Fidel Castro, Cuban theme running through Wellington at the moment, you know the one. Anyway after being shocked by the length of the menu we decided on some Sangria to share as well as a few Hasta Mananas because they were so close to my name that I ended up folding because of it. The cuban cigar based concoction although left us $28 a glass lighter, the whole experience was (almost) worth the price. After our expensive cocktails we choose one other and I picked flowerbomb which was delicious and affordable. Overall the waitstaff are really quick and seem to know when you're thirsty, also not a coincidence. I love this place and I do recommend it if you're wallets bloated.

We had we had such high expectations of having lovely food , yes the food was delicious but very overpriced and portion sizes when they eventually appeared where very small, they forgot my tapas and never offered anything in return ,and as I couldn't eat anything else due to being restricted with food allergies I went home very hungry , in my option the staff just weren't interested , they may have been busy earlier in the evening but certainly weren't when we where dining .wouldnt be rushing back and don't think I'd recommend it

A wedding anniversary treat.  We had heard so many good things about Havana we came with very high expectations and didn't have them dashed.<br/><br/>The sharing plates were lovely and the quantities meant we left satisfied but not bloated.<br/><br/>Very efficient too - we even got out in time to see a movie across the road.

Fantastic atmosphere and food. Great service. Highlights are definitely the braised cabbage, and the pork belly. 10/10 would go again! Not a bad word to say.

What a neat little place for a night out. Great atmosphere and cool ambience with a VERY eclectic bunch of diners. We had two wines, a coffee and three courses in the form of eight tapas. Pricey ($150) but delicious food although the pork belly was dry. Great for daintier eaters but probably wouldn't bring my burly husband. Some cool jazz was being held in the bar next door. <br/>Gutted I didn't get to try cocktails but we'll be back.

Great live bands & spectacular cocktails, extensive menu of the classics and modern creations. Awesome fun vibe all round on any given night.

Tapas at Havana is as Wellington as it gets, it's also as good as it gets when it comes to modern uber cool dining. <br/>I'll keep this one short - do what we did, which was order a selection of items from the daily tapas menu and wash them down with wine! The highlight was the Groper sashimi, with fresh pea dressing and the only black mark being that our menu ended with the crispy potatoes, which didn't seem quite right. Granted, that's the risk you take with tapas, but it would've been nice to have the tasty little buggers to graze on throughout the duration, rather than as a stand alone finish. <br/>Havana is great! Go there!<br/>

My BF and I had the fish, beef fillet skewers and pork cheek with mash for lunch, which cost $61 and both of us were only half full. I know they are tapas size but still think it's overpriced. The beef skewers were good. The Fish was too dry. The braised cheek isn't with skin and fat, only meat and I can't recognise if it is or not. The taste is ok.

The tapas are delicious. This little bar has great vibe for a couple or small group. Service is always friendly and pretty prompt, we ordered our plates bit by bit as we sampled each one and the staff were quick to take an order and bring it out.

My partner and I had dinner and cocktails. Firstly we love Havana as a bar and the drinks are top knotch. The food was delicious I just wish the portion sizes were bigger as I loved the food as much as the cocktails. Service is great. It is a small place so not ideal for families but more of a date night place or small group of friends.

The service was slick and friendly, and we had a great time sharing the various courses, without any arguments over who got what! For a large group it certainly was an enjoyable spot to dine.

Friendly, but busy waitstaff (Saturday night) who do not speak Spanish, wide selection of beverages in different price ranges. Small portions (tapas), delicious but over priced.

Lovely atmosphere and great that everything on the menu was gluten free but the portions are tiny and the prices are not. Three small beef skewers (maybe 4 chunks of beef each) was $20 and came with nothing else. By the time the veggies came out we'd finished the meat/fish dishes already. <br/>Food was very tasty but not worth the money. If you're not paying the bill give it a go, otherwise, give it a miss.

Service was impeccable with wait staff not only professionally attendant but likable and personal. Despite gosling with a dozen others for a much coveted seat on a Friday night, the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant was in no way compromised. The food lived up to its acclaim. (No matter what you order the prawn starter and gourmet potatoes side are necessary accompaniments!).  The small (and young) team, visible from the dining area, does an outstanding job catering half a dozen dishes per table with adept pace and consistency. Food was to the point, expertly prepared and presented - the honest result of a chef dedicated and passionate about produce. Upmarket yet refreshing.

Came to Havana Bar just after 10pm on a Saturday night were seated and given menus as we wanted to purchase food. After deciding on our order we waited for 15 minutes to have our order taken. We were then informed that there was only one menu item available to us which was misleadingly described and then served to us cold. When this was brought to the staffs attention they immediately got on the defensive and wouldn't accept that this is not good enough. There was no attempt to resolve the situation and we had to argue to get a portion of our order taken off our bill. I usually have a great time at Havana Restaurant but this experience was very off putting.

Took hubby out for suprise birthday dinner. Tables were full when we arrived and was a bit of a wait. Was advised to order drink next door. Drinks was amazing and table didn't take too long. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Love the menu and decor. 4/5 lamb was bit overcooked and didn't like how waiters took plates away when we just finished and one time before I had finished. Also tried to take my drink when it wasn't finished.<br/>overall a great night. Thanks

I absolutely love this place, service is always great and the food is presented beautifully! It's hard to fault it, keep up the great work.

We visited last night, (our second time for this restaurant ), and were again very happy with the tapas - a great taste experience. The only negative was the waiter who hung around - nearly obtrusive - whisking our plates away as each tapa was nearly finished. So we were quite unimpressed with this. Other staff were professional.

Been a few times. Restaurant food and service both good but very busy. Good for groups but time consuming. Would recommend intimate dinners at the bar. Food great. Atmosphere also good.

When you've worked hard all week and simply want a quiet corner to relaxing Havana is great, shame you need to put up with bar staff think there too cool to serve somebody willing to spend money in this venue, maybe the owner is making so much cash he doesn't give a dam about his staff throwing drinks around the bar and acting like it's their own living room. I liked the spot but hate 21 year olds thinking there all it when really they don't have a clue about service, is it a job or a hang-out? It's a job not an excuse to hand out free drink to there friends while paying punters wait. I won't be back and if there was more competition this like many places in Wellington would struggle.

A nice quiet place with a homely ambiance, I really enjoyed dinner at Havana. The kai was delicious and the service was excellent. We had a couple of tapas each and shared them around the table, so we all got to try a bit of everything. And dessert was just 'melt in your mouth' fantastic. Tino pai! I can't wait for my next visit there :)

Had a girls night out here, and we could not find fault with any of the lovely tapas dishes. Two stand-outs were the aged beef skewers that were super juicy and flavourful, and the blue cheese and walnut heritage carrots that melted in our mouths. On the merits of the meal we decided to go for dessert, and that was amazing as well, particularly the chocolate sorbet. I've always loved Havana's cocktails, but now I'll be coming for dinner rather than just drinks.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Had Tapas and cocktails, was beautiful. The prawns tasted like I was in Argentina and the accents and service of the staff to boot.... suitable for any occasion. Can't wait until I come back.

I love this place, the food is delicious, the setting comfortable and stylish and the staff knowledgable, friendly and professional. They have a tapas menu as well as an alacarte. I enjoy their lunch special menu, it's good value and if you go with a friend or two you can really sample the delights. I highly recommend this place.

My partner and I came here over the weekend to celebrate two years together.<br/>We had been to Havana before as part of a very large group, and left rather unsatisfied, as we felt that we hadn’t eaten a thing, even though the food was lovely.<br/><br/>We had later been advised to come as a pair by others, and were assured that we would have a better time of it. It was certainly true. The food, service and decor of the iconic little Cuban-style cottage combined to create a great night out. We were impressed by the high quality dining that went alongside an easy-going, casual, unpretentious atmosphere.<br/><br/>You cannot make reservations on Fridays and Saturdays, so we turned up around 7pm hoping for the best. To our surprise the extremely friendly hostesses were able to usher us to the ‘date table’ – the table near the window.<br/><br/>After we were given a generous amount of time to choose dishes, we ordered. The warmed olives, Kashmiri prawns, aged beef, roast potatoes, harissa lamb, eggplant &amp; persian feta, and grilled haloumi were all selected, and each was a delight, and were perfectly complemented by one of Havana’s amazing cocktails.<br/>Also, the service was impeccable; we were served by about three different people (the food is tapas-style and each dish is served one by one as soon as it is cooked), and they were all polite and bubbly and made us feel so welcome. Our water was constantly being filled as we consumed it.<br/><br/>At the end, our opinions of Havana were changed: it made for one of the best dinner dates my partner and I had been on together, and set the mood for the perfect way to celebrate two years together. We loved every aspect of this experience and will definitely be back again.

I was really hoping for a great evening after everything I had read about Havana and booked for our wedding anniversary. Imagine my surprise when we turned up to find a sign on the door saying they were shut for the evening, was it too much to think that someone might have called and let us know? My husband called and left a polite message asking them to call as maybe there were extenuating circumstances, but one month later we still haven't heard back. That's just bad customer service whichever way you look at it.

This is probably the best service I've had all year... not to mention fantastic food and a kick-ass wine list with some interesting Old World options. Great decor, and food-wise the beef with ras el hanout and the goat's cheese salad were both stunning... but, hell it was all great.

As vegetarians we chose this as it had options for us and we found the food generous, delicious and interesting. Was worth the 30 minute walk and we would return. It also has a great atmosphere and has an excellent range of cocktails.

A group of six of us had lunch at Havana last Friday, and Havana put on a great performance for us.<br/><br/>The lunch menu really is a series of small plates, and we had at least one of EVERYTHING from the menu - no complaints at all.<br/><br/>The chillied Prawns earned a repeat order (or two), and it all went down very well with a couple of beers. The wine / beer list is good, and we spent a couple of hours at Havana enjoying the tastes on offer.<br/><br/>Price was $82 per head, half of that was alcohol, and seemed very good value for money to us.<br/><br/>Havana is a bit out of the way and it's surrounds are a bit bleak on a cold windy day - but once you get inside then you will be very pleased that you went.<br/><br/>Recommended!

Everything was amazing! I've been to Havana a few times for drinks and love the vibe and atmosphere there, but this is the first time i've eaten there..and it was incredible! The service was wonderful, very helpful and easy going. It was such a difficult choice deciding between the shared tapas but the ones we settled on were delicious. I wish my stomach was big enough to have tried more! I will definitely be heading back to Havana to try more dishes! Such a lovely warm, relaxed environment to chill out and enjoy amazing food with friends.

I walk past this place just about every day and finally got around to going. The service was excellent the decor extremely comfortable especially with the open kitchen. The food was with out a doubt nothing short of amazing. If I could I would have eaten everything off the menu. I could not pick a dish which I would label as favourite.

I cant fault my evenings I have had at Havana bar recently. I love the new restaurant and they change the menu weekly with inspired seasonal fresh dishes. I had a wicked girls night catch up here, and it was so nice to be able to drink really good wine with fabulous food and feel safe an relaxed. It's not a rowdy boys hangout, this one is for the girls no matter your age.

I adore this place and visit as often as I can - and not just because of the wonderful decor that I find rather interesting (check out the canoe). The tapas menu is delicious, I've not found a dish I don't like and it's consistently high quality, tasty tucker. The service is always impeccable and the wine list has something for everyone. Go, eat, enjoy!

Thank goodness the waitress asked us if we has been there before, our group said no. The lovely waitress then explained portion size was small and yes she was right. What lacked in size more than made up on quality and that's what you will get here at Havana. The cozy dining area and coolness to the place is surprising to the unsuspecting mind. Small from the outside but roomy inside. You may do a maccas run afterwards. But you will remember the amazing food for some time.

it’s a balmy summer night and you and your friends are feeling breezy. two cute little cottages are winking in the distance beckoning you in. outside in the courtyard you agonise over whether to go with a mojito or a caiparinha. live dangerously - you’re only in Havana once...<br/>Service: 4/5<br/>Ambience: 4.5/5<br/>Food: 4/5<br/>Value for Money: 4/5