Amuse Snack Bar is a café and cocktail bar at 178 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington, that blends European aperitivo culture with Australasian coffee culture. Created by owner Dori Raphaeli, it operates as a café by day and an aperitivo bar by night — espresso and breakfast rolls in the morning, light lunches through the day, and cocktails with small plates in the evening.
The kitchen describes its output as restaurant-quality small bites and light meals: snacks and sharing plates made with skill but without the price of a full three-course menu. Freshly baked goods, including cheese and onion butteries, are a recurring highlight. The interior is furnished with thrifted mid-century art passed down from the owner's grandmothers, lending the room a relaxed, homely feel. Amuse holds a strong local reputation and a high Google rating (4.9).
For meetings and events, Amuse offers a versatile central-city option — morning coffee catch-ups, working lunches or informal evening drinks — suited to smaller groups. Its all-day format and Willis Street location make it convenient for delegates and organisers moving around Wellington's central hospitality precinct.
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