When I travelled to Córdoba last year, I got to try proper Argentinian steak—not at a fancy restaurant, but at a backyard asado hosted by a friend. There were smoky ribs and bowls of chimichurri that I still think about. There was even a flavourful empanada!

When I returned to Wellington, I tried to share that experience with my partner at a small restaurant. But the steak was dry, the empanadas were soggy, and the chimichurri was obviously mass-produced. It was nothing like the food I remembered. 

That night sent me on a mission to find better—something with real flavour and real fire. After trying spots all over the city, here are the Argentinian restaurants in Wellington that actually got that Córdoba magic.

1. El Matador

El Matador has been around for over a decade, but this was my first time actually sitting down for a proper meal there.

I came on a Monday and went with their Steak & Malbec deal. Mine came with a ribeye and a glass of red. I added a couple of empanadas on the side as well.

The steak had that deep, smoky crust you can only get from a proper wood-fired grill, and the inside was cooked just right. No gimmicks, just solid technique and quality meat.

The empanadas were crisp and filled with actual meat, not the dry paste you sometimes get elsewhere.

What I appreciated most was how they rely on fresh Kiwi produce. Even the chimichurri and side salad tasted bright and well-balanced.

The space itself has a casual energy to it, with an open kitchen and a courtyard that makes it feel more relaxed than your typical steakhouse.

The only thing I didn’t love was the hours. They open at 5 PM, so if you’re thinking of grabbing lunch or something casual in the afternoon, you’re out of luck.

Outstanding food and service

“2023 edit: we visited as always on the long weekend .  The current chef is fantastic! The food level is now phenomenal from my point of view 😍.

Flank steak is still my favourite by far! This time the pork belly was the best I have ever had in my life!  Super crispy on the top and falling apart inside – it was perfection 10/10

Chorizo was incredibly delicious and so were potatos Fritas. Salad was well balanced with the right amount of dressing and we were also happy with the quantity of chimichurri as sometimes we had experienced way too much of it.

Since I have travelled to Argentina with my partner, I have become more picky with Argentinian food and this time around it has exceeded all expectations!!

Remember: they don’t really take bookings, so best to be there 4.55 for the 5pm opening 😉 They will take your number if they are full and call you when the table is available. It is worth the wait!

2020:We go every year that we are attending the NZ Salsa Congress in Wellington. My partner is from Córdoba, and he loves this place. Every year I ask for the biggest coffee they can make as well, and they never disappoint. Meat is amazing, sadly they ran out of empanadas this time, but usually we all have at least one each as well. See you in 2020!”

• Irina Kapeli, Google Review

Flavourful dishes and welcoming atmosphere

“It was a great experience to eat at this restaurant having come recently from Christchurch with colleagues to randomly pick a place:

It was our first time trying Argentinian food and we wanted to try and find something for a South American colleague which might be similar to something from his home country. The staff were excellent with their recommendations, super supportive and one of them spoke fluent Spanish.

The food was excellent, the meat was tender and cooked to perfection. All the dishes were full of flavour and pleasant aroma. Each tapas were special.

The music was great and it wasn’t too crowded.

Each of us have said that we would definitely go again and bring friends and family next time we are in Wellington.”

• Tatsuya Ito Horrobin, Google Review

2. Aurora Argentinian Bakery

Aurora Argentinian Bakery was founded by Argentinian nationals and brings genuine Argentinian baking traditions to Wellington.

I went in to try their medialunas after hearing a few people rave about them, and I can see why they’re a favourite. The one I had was filled with dulce de leche—flaky, just the right amount of sweetness, and clearly made fresh that day.

I also grabbed an empanada and an alfajor. The empanada didn’t fall apart and had a decent amount of filling. The alfajor was soft and full of dulce de leche without being overly sweet. 

They’ve got vegan and vegetarian options too. I’ve gone back since and tried a vegan medialuna and sandwich—both were surprisingly satisfying, especially the medialuna, which still managed to be flaky and flavourful.

I also appreciate that they offer catering for events, meetings, and even weddings. It’s a nice way to share something a little different with a crowd that goes beyond the usual sandwiches and pastries.

Just a heads up: seating is scarce, so unless you arrive during a quiet moment, you’ll probably be taking your order to go.

Fresh, flavourful with generous portions

“Everything was super fresh and very well seasoned. Love the pastrys. Need to try the pizza yet, but everything was nice, big and amazing 😍 🤩 if you never went, please go. Argentinian food in the best light. Sorry for the picture, that’s the sandwich of Lomo and I couldn’t resist to bite without taking the pic. The juices well falling down so I put it down in the wrong way.”

• Luthychan Linto, Google Review

Authentic, exceptional flavour with warm service

“The best Argentinian bakery in all Wellington ♡ They’re amazing people and you can tell, not only because of the lovely service, but by the taste of every factura, empanada, sandwichito they have!! 💗 Is not only the taste of home, it’s really good authentic Argentinian flavor ♡

Gracias por Tanto!! 💖

Recommend it 10000% ☆”

• Carmín Gé, Google Review

3. Aye! Empanadas & More

Aye! Empanadas & More is run by Argentinian owners who’ve built the place around their own take on home-style empanadas. The pastries here are handmade, and the fillings cover a good range of traditional Argentinian flavours.

I tried a few different options, but the caprese, beef, and vegan chamois stood out. Each one had its own distinct flavour, but the pastry was consistently good across the board. Each bite had that delicate crunch, and the fillings didn’t try too hard.

It’s also nice to see a real effort made for vegetarian and vegan choices. The flavours like spinach, sweetcorn, and the mushroom one were thoughtful and didn’t come off as bland or predictable.

Beyond the savoury menu, they’ve got a solid dessert lineup too. I picked up a couple of alfajores during my visit, and they were spot on—soft, sweet, and filled with proper dulce de leche.

Convenience-wise, they operate out of a few different spots across Wellington—Kilbirnie, Oriental Bay, and the CBD. It’s been easy to drop by no matter where I was in the city.

The only inconsistency I’ve noticed is with the service. It ranges from easy and welcoming to slightly disorganised, depending on the day.

Great service and convenient location

“AYE! is the perfect spot to grab a bite after exploring the beach in Wellington! Their empanadas are made with traditional recipes, and the quality is outstanding. Whether you’re just passing by or looking for a place to relax and enjoy some delicious food, this is the spot. The service is fantastic—friendly and quick—and the empanadas are packed with flavor. It’s also conveniently located if you want to stroll into the city afterward. Highly recommend for anyone looking for authentic empanadas and a great overall experience!”

• Jesus ZQ., Google Review

Authentic food with relaxing views

“Delicious coffee and great views! If you’re after authentic Argentinian Empanadas & Alfajores or just a nice spot to sit and unwind- this is your place to go. Vegan options available. Highly recommended!”

• Leah Ha, Google Review

4. Chimichurri Argentinian Restaurant & Café

Chimichurri is one of the few spots in the city that’s really leaned into traditional Argentinian food.

I dropped by with my family for one of their Asado nights, and it lived up to the smoky, slow-cooked experience I’d heard about.

The meat had real depth from South American charcoal. The beef short ribs and chorizo stood out the most, especially with their housemade chimichurri sauce.

On another visit, I came back during the day to check out their café-style offerings. The vibe was more casual, and I tried a mix of handmade empanadas and medialunas, along with Turkish eggs and their cheese scone twist on eggs Benedict.

The pastries were slightly sweet and went well with their strong coffee. It was a nice mix of familiar brunch options and Latin American staples. 

I also appreciated how welcoming the space felt for families, and even dogs. There were toys around to keep kids occupied, and the staff didn’t seem fazed by the occasional bit of noise, which made the place feel relaxed.

The only downside was that a couple of the items I’d been looking forward to had been swapped out without much notice.

Great portions and friendly vibe

“This place used to be the Brooklyn deli and has now changed to Chimichurri, an Argentinian cafe.

A mix of NZ classic breakfasts and Argentinian style. Really nice sandwiches with fries on the menu which we came for. I exchanged half of mine with half of my partner’s. We chose the Sangui Tucumano and the Lomito Cordobes.! A little bit more sauce on the Milanese as well as the fries would have been awesome, but that was my taste. Good portion, you won’t leave hungry!

Cozy and spacious, could be a good place to do some work as well while having a cup of coffee.

Some Latin American background music would have topped it for me; but can’t recall there was any music at all?

Many other items on the menu had my interest so would definitely like to come back for the empanadas, Milanesa Napoletana, polenta Porteña, flan mixto & another sandwich – the Bondiolita al limón or Choripán.”

• Sabine Plugers, Google Review

Generous portions and amazing hospitality

“Brooklyn deli started doing Argentinian chimichurri Asado night a couple of months ago. Tonight was the night that we visited and they were amazingly accommodating and did a special platter for us that included dessert. We were just so blown away by the amount of food on offer and the flavours were wonderful. Special nod to the pork neck with BBQ with charcoal for 4 hours and basted with lemon juice and chimichurri, and both their chicken and beef empanadas were just OMG.

Definitely rated one of the best dinners we’ve had and highly recommended to all!

They do $79 all you can eat and you must book!

Bonus was we got a tour of their kitchen and some of us even flipped some meat!”

• Pei-Ying Pan, Google Review

5. Mariana’s Kitchen

Mariana’s Kitchen started out as a food truck in 2020 and now has two casual spots—one in Lower Hutt and a small kiosk near the beach in Petone.

I visited both recently out of curiosity (and a craving for empanadas), and each place had its own warmth. The Lower Hutt eatery was a bit busier, while the beachside kiosk felt more relaxed and tucked away.

As for the food, the empanadas were easily the standout. The pastry was thinner than expected but held its shape, with a glossy finish and folded edges. I tried the beef and chicken—both well-seasoned and filling.

There’s more than just empanadas too. I had a choripán and a milanesa sandwich, both of which felt like something you’d grab off a street corner in Argentina. They were simple, hearty, and definitely satisfying. 

For something sweet, the alfajores hit the right note. They were soft and crumbly and paired nicely with their strong, slightly bitter coffee. 

The menu overall works well for either a quick breakfast or a laid-back midday bite. But if you’re expecting a full sit-down meal with mains and sides, this might fall short. The menu leans heavily toward snacks and baked goods.

Friendly staff and inviting atmosphere

“Such a delightful café with delectable food and lovely, friendly staff! The selection of Argentinian cuisine is fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the empanadas, especially the beef and mushroom ones. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

I also tried the coffee twice, and both times it was brewed to perfection. The rich aroma and smooth flavor were simply divine.

While I didn’t personally try the milanesa, it looked incredibly tempting, as did the “Today’s Steak Sandwich.”

The friendly Spanish-speaking staff added an extra layer of charm, providing a great opportunity to practice our language skills. We’ll definitely be returning to this lovely café.”

• Akiko, Google Review

Authentic dishes, exceptional service

“A lovely bright & cozy atmosphere, the food here is absolutely delicious with many authentic Argentinian options you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The staff are hands down some of the kindest and inviting people. Really fast and attentive service, & the girl who took my order was absolutely rocking it her first day!”

• Allie, Google Review

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