We have a plethora of amazing tasty restaurants here in Nelson. We are showing only a small selection of the local eateries in Nelson and the surrounding areas. There are however many very good established restaurants, and with a little bit of searching around we are confident that you will find an excellent match to your culinary requirements. Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Mexican are all on offer and provide some great dining experiences!
Hopgoods & Co:
Rating Cost: $$$$
Situated right in the center of Nelson, making good use of a heritage-listed building at the top of Trafalgar Street, Hopgoods has been presenting awesome, tasty dishes that are seasonally themed since 2005. This well-known and highly regarded city restaurant has deservedly received numerous 5-star reviews. The menu is continually changing, making use of all the great local produce that Nelson has to offer. Selections of the “best of” wines from this region and across the country are always available. Classically trained chefs highlight the local ingredients to provide stunning dishes to enjoy either on a special occasion or a romantic night out. Spoil yourself to a sweet treat at the end of the evening you will not be disappointed!
Boat Shed Café:
Rating Cost: $$$$
Located on Wakefield Quay the Boat Shed Café is an awesome refined dining experience with amazing views out across the harbour in a building that is constructed on stilt pilings over the actual water. A great varied menu with something for everyone and even a Trust the Chef option which is a selection of complementary dishes that are compiled from the a la carte menu selection by the Chefs to share amongst your table. Sporting an extensive, comprehensive, red, white, rose and champagne wine list from top vineyards across the region and countrywide, also beers and ciders are available. A nice decadent dessert menu to finish off the experience. The ambiance in the restaurant is warm and light and with those scenic views over the water, the ideal time to take advantage of those would be sunset.
Harbour Light Bistro:
Rating Cost: $$$$
Located on Wakefield Quay with a superb view across the water taking in the lighthouse and the boulder bank. Harbour Light Bistro & Restaurant serves quality, locally sourced, fresh produce cooked in a “slightly different angle on traditional cuisine” says the owner and head Chef Steve Coyne. Highly rated reviews on TripAdvisor with many of the patrons mentioning great dishes and fine views. The selection of wines on offer are locally sourced from Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions and are all carefully selected to complement the Lunch and Dinner menu our many fine dishes.
The Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery:
Rating Cost: $$$
The Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery has a great location on Hardy Street Nelson. The easy atmosphere with indoor and outside dining options, great to watch the world go by. There is a large selection of Craft Beers on tap along with a solid wine selection. Cocktails are available and are popular. The menu changes regularly which keeps returning guests interested, though there always seems to be a good selection of Oysters, Seafood and Meat available along with a couple of Vege/Vegan dishes. The vibrant atmosphere is contagious and you will be assured of a superb dining experience. Don’t need a reservation here as it is first come first served!
WAFU BISTRO:
Rating Cost: $$$
If you love Japanese food this is the place for you! At Wafu Bistro you enjoy fresh fish dishes that are all specially and delicately prepared right in front of you by Sushi chef and owner, Yuki Takeoda. Yuki gives special attention to each and every dish and makes sure each plate is perfect for every guest.
There is a good varied menu which mainly consists of raw fish sushi, sashimi, and nigiri that can be ordered piece by piece or in some very fine assorted plates and platters. Starters and hot items such as miso soup, chawan-mushi, and tempura fish compliment the main dishes very well.
Wafu has a good selection and variety of Beverages available here including some great Sake, Wines and Beers.
Mama Cod:
Rating Cost: $$$
A relatively new Restaurant and Brasserie at the Top of Trafalgar Street providing a quality dining experience. Whilst Seafood is the prominent theme here there are other options on the menus. Boasting some strong reviews and recommendations from the usual online sites, most comment on the fabulously cooked Seafood dishes. A substantial cocktail list on the drinks menu with some great combinations for the most avid cocktail sampler. They have a robust, extensive selection of white, red, champagne and sparkling wines also some good draft and bottled beers.
The Smugglers Pub & Café:
Rating Cost: $$$
The Smugglers Pub and Café is an award-winning restaurant decorated in an exciting pirate theme and just a stone’s throw away from Tahunanui Beach. They offer extensive snacks, lunch and dinner menus with a great selection of options. The Pork or the Beef Ribs are a specialty! They have a substantial range of local craft and imported beers and ciders on tap and in bottles and an extensive wine and spirit selection and cocktail list.
Widescreen TVs in the bar show all the latest sporting events so you can keep updated with all the scores! Also, an open fire pit in the restaurant to keep you warm in the winter. The Smugglers have an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Management team and owners are a delight and are on hand most evenings for a friendly chat. Highly recommended.
Styx Restaurant:
Rating Cost: $$$
The Styx is an awesome restaurant right on the Wakefield Quay with amazing view out to Haul Ashore Island and the Bay. Tables inside and out so you can make the most of the Nelson sunshine. Great place to relax with a drink watching the sunset. The menu is varied and offers a good selection of fish and meat dishes and also has some great pizza options. Keeps the kids happy! Service with a smile and a great atmosphere. Chef are using local dairy, fish, and meat suppliers who are active in sustainable farming methods. Also fresh, seasonal sometimes organic produce is used in dishes that would satisfy even the most discerning diner. All dietary options are catered for. There is a comprehensive drinks menu comprising of some well-known tap beers and ciders, red, white and rose wines from local and national vineyards and wineries. European sparkling wines and champagnes and an interesting cocktail list complete the menu.
The Speights Ale House:
Rating Cost: $$$
The traditional Speights Ale House located on Quarantine Road opposite the World of Wearable Arts Museum. Indoor and heated outdoor setting with a number of flat screens dotted around the area showing sporting events. A good hearty menu selection with options for Bar Snacks, Sharing Plates and Mains. Mostly Meats and Burgers on offer with a couple of fish dishes to balance it out. A few sugary treats to top off a good meal are listed. A really comfortable atmosphere with attentive staff. The beer selection is the standard Speights ales and cider, Panhead is a welcome addition. They have live music every Friday and Saturday nights with some interesting bands playing a host of music. Speights have a courtesy coach service which will pick up and drop you home anywhere in the local area. All in all good food, atmosphere and drinks which equates to a great night out.