Top Restaurants in Tasman
Where to Eat in Tasman: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover the best restaurant in Tasman, New Zealand including The Smokehouse, Jester House cafe, Golden Bear Brewing Company, Chokdee Thai Cuisine, Riverside Cafe, Elevation Cafe Restaurant Bar, Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar, Kahurangi Estate, Kohatu Flat Rock Cafe, Patisserie Royale
Things to do in Tasman
1. The Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Takeaways & Deli on the historic Mapua Wharf. Our onsite takeaways are a Nelson favorite. Come and savour our delicious fish and chips while relaxing on the wharf where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Waimea Estuary. Or grab a cool drink from the local craft brewery where an easy going band is often playing in the courtyard. Additionally our onsite Deli showcases all our Smoked Salmon, Fish, Mussels and Pate. The Smokehouse experience is based on the concept of delicately hot smoking local seafood, using traditional brick kilns and natural manuka shavings. The whole process is overseen by our experienced smokers in a true balance of art and science. 100% Natural 100% Preservative Free
Reviewed By Daniel K
Partner was ordering pizza across the road at the wine bar and I was told we were allowed to eat fish and chips out front of the bar. Ordered a piece of snapper and half chips. Got three fillets of fish and too many chips to eat. Only negative is paying for the sauce.
2. Jester House cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By Bob and Di H - Nelson
Visiting this place continues to be something special. With its quirky features one wonders what next?. A visual surprise such as a toaster carved out of a tree stump complete with its levers and a slice of toast greets visitors on arrival. There are similar quirky devices to amuse children too, not to forget the tame eels.
However the realism is the amazing and ongoing hospitality offered together with the array of outdoor dining choices. And a feature of superb local produce truly served to perfection. This writer remains in awe as to where such amazing and delightful staff are found. No matter how busy they are the service is always there with a smile. We do love visiting this place it's always such a joy.
3. Golden Bear Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By hlmackenzie - London, United Kingdom
I stopped off here half way through my ride on the Great Taste Trail. They only serve their own brewed beers and cider and offer a menu of mexican food and the standard burgers. I had a chicken burrito, which was delicious and a pint of the house lager. It was reasonably priced and served relatively quickly. I had a table outside in the partial shade and left just as the live music was starting. It's a busy place with a great ambiance, one of the more informal places on the Wharf.
4. Chokdee Thai Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By Tracey650 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Chokdee is a Thai restaurant on the Main Street of Motueka. It’s simply an excellent Thai restaurant. The food is fresh, tasty, and very flavoursome. Everyone enjoyed what they ate. We sadly did not try the fresh Thai rolls that looked incredible when delivered to other tables.
The staff are friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable and not overly pretentious. It was also busy for mid week night which is usually a recommendation in itself.
5. Riverside Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Winner of Wild Tomato magazine's best regional rural restaurant 2010 and recommended by both North and South and Cuisine magazines, Riverside Cafe is an integral part of the historic Riverside Community (est.1941). We serve fantastic fair-trade coffee, and a delicious selection of home made cakes, slices and our amazing brioche, with gluten free options always on offer. Our seasonal menu includes local produce,free range meats and eggs, plus superb wines from the plethora of vineyards in the Moutere area. You can dine al fresco in our lovely garden or on our sheltered deck area, or grab a table inside the historic cafe (built 1860) and be inspired by the local art which adorns the walls! A unique and wonderful cafe, offering a very warm welcome. We are open 7 days a week from 8.30 To 4pm, plus open for dinner on Friday evenings. Bookings are recommended!
Reviewed By ohiowanderer - Columbus OH
We drove out to the Riverside Cafe for lunch. The parking lot was full but after a short wait, we got a parking spot. The cafe is in an old house with lawns and Gardens. The staff were pleasant, but not overly friendly. We chose food from the cabinet, salads and quiche. The salads were very tasty. I'd definitely go back.
6. Elevation Cafe Restaurant Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Onsite prepared food using local ingredients.Steak and Locally caught fresh seafood a specialty All baking done onsite including pizza bases cakes and Deserts.Casual and friendly serving good value Wholesome food. Food made with love not manufactured by machine!
Reviewed By dmrxox - stonington ct
Don't be put off by the ambience.....the food and service was terrific and the prices very reasonable. We had fabulous braised lamb shanks with cauliflower mash and pan sautéed snapper...very fresh and cooked perfectly; with roasted fresh vegetables..
We had wine and an espresso. The server was very sweet and took good care of us.. We highly recommended this restaurant if you enjoy well prepared good fresh food, nothing fancy just a simple carefully prepared meal
7. Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Reviewed By Louise B - Wellington, New Zealand
The restaurant is very large - a bit barn like - but does have outside Seating. The food was very good but my lamb needed extra potatoes or such like. The fish was very good and more of a 'full meal'. Desserts were delicious but smaller than The Apple Shed's.
8. Kahurangi Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Teale S - Brisbane, Australia
While most vineyards were closed over the winter months, we where delighted to find this estate open for tasting. Friendly hospitality & a great knowledge of their wines. We also tasted the Portuguese Ports which were amazing! We have some lovely reds & fantastic ports to join our collection back home.
9. Kohatu Flat Rock Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By utripmeup - London, UK
We stopped here for a break going between Christchurch and Nelson/Motueka. The cafe sits at the intersection of both roads which lead to Motueka or Nelson and the road from Lewis Pass.
It's not as crowded as Murchison and is about an 50 minutes to Nelson/Motueka. No trucks stop here. Plus we found the cafes in Murchison average.
Coffee was good and the biscuit/slices very tasty.
Toilets are modern and clean.
Ample car parking behind the cafe.
10. Patisserie Royale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Herbie15
Have had good experiences in the past and this was recommended. On the whole very good, coffee and cheese roll were great as were the friendly staff. The croissant was sought and bland on the inside and stopped them getting a perfect score. Only bad thing out of many visits. Thanks
