Top Restaurants in Nelson
Where to eat European food in Nelson: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best European food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand. Nelson’s thriving arts and music scene has helped to establish it as a destination for free spirits and art-lovers. Festivals, studios, galleries, craft markets… Every cranny of this South Island city seems to buzz with artistic energy. Lord of the Rings fans will flip for the Jens Hansen workshop in Trafalgar Square—Hansen is the goldsmith who designed the “precious” guarded by Frodo in the LOTR films.
Things to do in Nelson
10. The Monaco Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 368 reviews
The Monaco Kitchen is in a well-known location on the Monaco peninsula (Nelson, New Zealand), presenting a new dining concept in a stunning location. Championing our local produce we aim to provide a sharing experience with small bites, sharing plates and
Reviewed By Nicky G
We are locals and we just never really thought of coming to The Monaco Kitchen for dinner - we are so pleased we did!!We just love and have been back several timesThey are only open for breakfast or dinner - not sure why, I am sure they would be a popular destination for lunch.The food is absolutely lovely and the staff are warm, friendly and inviting. We also love the ambience of the building and the outlook toward the estuary and pond - it's truly beautiful.YOU MUST TRY IT!!!
9. Smugglers Pub and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 648 reviews
SUPREME WINNER TOP SHOP 2014 and WINNER FOOD, BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY CATEGORY - NELSON The Smugglers Pub and Cafe is famous for its hearty meals, foaming craft ales and great wines all served up in a unique old world atmosphere.Located within easy walking
Reviewed By Gourmette1948
We have been here many times. Usually quite good. Not today! Service bad, waitress answering back with a smart comment. Had to keep asking what we were having. We waited for them to come over so we could have a second drink. Got up ourselves. Chicken filo overdone, but nice flavour. Requested no coulis on apple turnover. We could tell it had been scraped off and covered with icing sugar. There were no pleasantries and no effort being made to make us feel welcome. It will be a while before we return.Thankyou for taking the time to review us. All feedback is appreciated especially for training purposes, we pride ourselves on our food and our service.We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your experience with us and hope you bought your concerns to either your server or the duty manager on the day. As part of our commitment to service and quality assurance every meal is checked within a few minutes of being delivered to the table and if there are any issues we are happy to either replace the meal with another of the same or something else of your choosing on the menu.
8. Flames on 40 Restaurant Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Flames on Forty Restaurant Bar is a local favourite - offering a variety of dishes that reflect the region and the seasons - from family favourites through to a succulent steak. Childrens menu is available. Located at the entrance to The Hotel Nelson on W
Reviewed By Adventurer29757
I had Beef & Mushroom pie, husband had lamb shank both great. Think staff member who served us could have let us know you now have a self serve water dispenser - had to ask Justice for water. We are regular diners and feel more variety would be appreciated by regulars.Thank you Adventurer29757 for your review. Please accept my apology for not having water delivered to you at your table - The self service water station is part of our host responsibility being to to always have water readily available - it certainly is not there to replace table service. Justice has asked that I pass on her apologies for not delivering water to your table. We are in the process of introducing our summer menu so we do hope you enjoy some of the new dishes on your next visit.Kind regardsKim and the team at Flames on Forty Restaurant Bar
What to do and see in Nelson, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
7. The Tides Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 427 reviews
Reviewed By 74robadams
We are staying at Trailways Hotel and their signature restaurant is The Tide. What can i say but unbelievable atmosphere,beautiful decor,very exuberant and happy staff. Our service was excellent and my wife and son shared the seafood platter which was too die for. There was plenty of variety and cooked to perfection.I had the ribeye and it was delicious. Cooked to perfection. My boy Joshi had choc sundae for dessert and it was soo yummy. I want to thank Tommy for the great service he and his team produce and for the toy muscle car he gave our son. Joshi is soo thankful.Hello 74robadams, Thank you for taking the time to leave The Tides Restaurant a review. We are very pleased you enjoyed our extensive seafood platter, service and dessert. We hope to welcome you back in the near future. Kind regardsToby M
Nelson Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Nelson
6. Boat Shed Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1483 reviews
Reviewed By Rachaefox
Nice service, nice view, nice food vegetarians can get nice tapas here but not any main meals. The side of brocoli was beautiful, lovely small souffle plate and bruchetta.
Most Popular Brew Pub food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
5. FORD'S Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1037 reviews
Reviewed By KerenB_13
Decided to eat here on a Friday night before the movies, we both had the fillet steak, perfectly cooked, delicious potato gratin and sauces...dessert was just as good, definitely reccomend....not the place for a cheap feed though, but well worth the price with the service and quality of food.
4. Harbour Light Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 580 reviews
Harbour Light Bistro is a locally owned Nelson restaurant based on Wakefield Quay, one of Nelsons beautiful waterfronts. Harbour Light offers a selection of locally and internationally inspired dishes. All dishes are made fresh and our menus change seaso
Reviewed By ElsaMiro
Went for lunch - the views looking out to the shimmering water and snow capped mountains magnificent.Friendly prompt service, yet never felt rushed, was a long leisurely lunch catching up with family.Food exceptional, very hard to choose from menu and wide range of wines.So good to see such a wide range of innovative dishes using seafood.Couldn't think of a better place to have a memorable lunch at in Nelson!
3. Cod & Lobster Brasserie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 851 reviews
Cod & Lobster Brasserie is a seafood restaurant and cocktail bar located in the heart of Nelson. Enjoy the best seafood from around New Zealand, meticulously mixed cocktails and fresh, regional fare - including beef, lamb and venison. Open for brunch, lun
Reviewed By NannaA53
Somewhat surprised at the change in menu from what was previously, an extensive range of offerings, to much fewer choices. â¹ï¸Staff as always were knowledgeable, friendly and professional in regard to the food and extensive cocktail menus. Lemon Sole in Garlic was scrumptious - fries couldâve been hotter. Fillet of Beef was tender and accompanying potatoes luscious. Would recommend the Broccoli, Blue Cheese and Avocado side dish. Cocktails - these were very much the hit of the evening!! Pharmaceutical Stimulant #2 and Message in a Bottle were the winners. Would return for cocktails any day! Hello NannaA53,Thank you kindly for taking the time to review us. All great things you mentioned, although the slightly smaller menu this time of year is just to help keep us fresh and seasonal. It gets a bit of a boost in items during our peak trading. Hope to see you back then. Kindest Regards,Nick Widley
Where to eat Bar food in Nelson: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. Babagatto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By bridgekings
Everything Italian. the decor the owner. The home made cooking & deserts. Great place to enjoy a real tasty, well made Italian meal. Friendly staff who are also the owners. Go there you won't regret it
1. Hopgoods
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1272 reviews
Good honest local cuisine, served in a casual environment.
Reviewed By Mcmlix1959
As soon as we arrived in Nelson, we asked the hotel for a recommendation, one of which was Hopgoodâs. From start to finish, the dishes were nothing short of superb. The service was friendly and attentive.The price for such fine quality is more than fair.
Most Popular Gastropub food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
