Amuse Snack Bar is a café by day and an aperitivo bar by night, at 178 Willis Street in Te Aro, Wellington, between two churches. It brings the European habit of small plates before dinner together with Australasian coffee culture. The café serves morning coffee, lunch, afternoon treats and evening cocktails, and the menu changes with the seasons, with all food served until it sells out. Brunch, afternoon tea and aperitivo are booked online from Tuesday to Friday. On Saturdays the big table is for groups of five to ten only. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free swaps are available.
The bar hosts regular events. Every Friday is pintxos night, with snack-sized bites served on a stick to go with the house cocktails. There is an evening aperitivo for two with a shared platter and a sweet treat, where, as at 2026, a glass of house wine or the "Luxe" hot chocolate comes for $35 a person. The lounge also hosts a knitting and cocktails night, open to knitters of every skill level. The idea of a small bite and a drink before the evening is at the heart of the place. Our pick in Te Aro for a cocktail and a snack on a Friday.