Must-see restaurants in Nelson Region

  • Harry's Hawker House

    Nelson

    Step into a dimly lit room imbued with the glamour of old Shanghai and order a Singapore-style cocktail before delving into a menu filled with delectable…

  • Urban

    Nelson

    Slurp oysters from the shell, or revitalise with sashimi and ceviche, then sate your cravings with street-food dishes such as kung pao Sichuan fried…

  • Hopgood’s & Co

    Nelson

    Hopgood’s relaxed approach to service and gastro-pub feel seem a little at odds with the hefty prices, although the bistro menu (two/three courses $49/59,…

  • T.O.A.D Hall

    Nelson Region

    This fantastic cafe serves excellent breakfasts and lunches such as salmon hashcakes, lamb burgers, pies and some good vegan options, then stays open late…

  • Cod & Lobster

    Nelson

    Stellar cocktails and a vast array of gin make the corner bar an essential destination, but this heritage space also serves up excellent food. A concise…

  • Chokdee

    Nelson Region

    There's a huge menu to peruse at this highly fragrant restaurant, so cut straight to the house specialties, such as the venison yellow curry and the…

  • Cellar Door

    Nelson Region

    Relocated from its original location after a 2016 fire at the Waimea winery, Cellar Door is a very popular eatery near the rural town of Richmond. The all…

  • Kai

    Nelson Region

    Formerly called Shoreline, this cafe-restaurant near the beach has re-emerged as Kai, a modern and stylish bistro. Breakfast and lunch options include…

  • Hooked

    Nelson Region

    The art-bedecked interior of this popular place opens on to an outdoor terrace with distracting views. Seafood is showcased on the menu, including kokoda…

  • Burger Culture

    Nelson

    Addictive burgers with international flavours partner with craft beer, wine and cocktails at this recent opening on Nelson's Trafalgar St eating and…

  • Jester House

    Nelson Region

    Long-standing Jester House is reason alone to take this coastal detour, as much for its tame eels (friendly critters that like to be hand fed) as for the…

  • Roots Bar

    Takaka

    Aside from being Takaka's best bar, this hip joint also turns out its most interesting food. Wild game meat finds its way into venison burgers, goat…

  • MAD Café

    Nelson Region

    With oddball art on the walls and a barista that looks like he's been beamed in from Woodstock, this is the ultimate Golden Bay hippy cafe. The name…

  • Smoking Barrel

    Nelson Region

    An old Austin truck serves as the coffee station inside this hip, greenery-filled barbecue joint, where lamb and pork shoulders are grilled for 12 hours…

  • Wholemeal Cafe

    Takaka

    Within the cavernous, brightly painted interior of this old theatre is a cabinet groaning under the weight of tempting savoury and sweet options. They…

  • Curry Leaf

    Takaka

    Trust Takaka to have a kooky takeaway joint in a shipping container, painted with a giant squid mural. The menu isn't run-of-the-mill either. Sure, they…

  • DeVille

    Nelson

    Most of DeVille's tables lie in its sweet walled courtyard, a hidden boho oasis in the inner city and the perfect place for a meal or morning tea. The…

  • Dangerous Kitchen

    Takaka

    This cafe serves good-value fare such as falafel salads, pizza, burritos, pasta and baked goods, as well as juices and local wines and craft beer. It's…

  • Morri Street Cafe

    Nelson

    Shared tables, colourful local art and a side-street terrace all combine to make Morri Street a top place for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. You may have…

  • Choco Loco

    Takaka

    Sweet-toothed travellers should start their days with a chocolate-and-almond croissant at this cute little shop, where all the chocolate truffles,…

  • Stefano’s

    Nelson

    Located upstairs in the State Cinemas complex, this Italian-run joint turns out the town's best pizza. Thin, crispy, authentic and delicious, with some…

  • Precinct Dining Co

    Nelson Region

    This relaxed cafe-bistro is a versatile slice of cosmopolitan cool. Kick off with eggs Benedict for brunch, before returning at dinner for fish and chips,…

  • Indian Café

    Nelson

    This saffron-coloured Edwardian bungalow houses a convivial Indian restaurant serving impressive interpretations of standards such as tandoori chicken,…

  • Swedish Bakery & Cafe

    Nelson

    Nelson's resident Scandinavian baker serves up delicious breads, pastries, cakes and small chocolate treats in this bijou bakery cafe. The freshly filled…

  • Fat Tui

    Nelson Region

    Everyone's heard about this bird, based in a caravan that isn't going anywhere. Thank goodness. It serves superlative burgers, such as the Cowpat (beef),…

  • Ginger Dynamite

    Nelson Region

    Operating out of a pair of brightly painted shipping containers, one of them set up to resemble a 1970s Kiwi bach (holiday house), this quirky coffee cart…

  • Motueka Sunday Market

    Nelson Region

    On Sunday mornings the car park behind the i-SITE fills up with trestle tables laden with produce, jewellery, clothing, secondhand books, art and crafts…

  • Smokehouse

    Nelson Region

    Visit this Māpua institution to order fish and chips and eat them on the wharf while the gulls eye off your crispy bits. Get some wood-smoked fish and…

  • Falafel Gourmet

    Nelson

    This humble joint dishes out healthy pitta pockets, platters and the best kebabs for miles around. Choose between chicken, lamb or tasty falafels.

  • Park Cafe

    Nelson Region

    At the Coast Track trailhead, this breezy cafe is perfect for fuelling up or replenishing reserves. High-calorie options include the big breakfast,…

  • Ford's

    Nelson

    Sunny pavement tables at the top of Trafalgar St make this a popular lunchtime spot, as do modern classics such as excellent seafood risotto, the steak…

  • Penguino Ice Cream Cafe

    Nelson

    Indulge yourself with superb gelato and sorbet, from traditional vanilla and boysenberry to macchiato and chilli-chocolate. Next day, visit for a shake,…

  • Beached Whale

    Nelson Region

    Partner business to the Kaiteri Lodge, the Beached Whale is a sociable affair serving wood-fired pizza, burgers, fish dinners and the like. Drink and dine…

  • Simply Indian

    Nelson Region

    As the name suggests: no-nonsense curry in a no-frills setting. The food, however, is consistently good and relatively cheap. Expect the usual suspects…

  • Penguin Café & Bar

    Pohara

    A popular locals' hang-out, this well-run spot sports a large garden suited to sundowners and thirst-quenchers on sunny days. There's an open fire inside…

  • Old School Cafe

    Nelson Region

    These folks get an A for effort by providing honest food to an unpredictable flow of passing trade. What it lacks in imagination (steak, pizza and even a…

  • St Arnaud Alpine Village Store

    Nelson Region

    The settlement’s only general store sells groceries, petrol, beer and possum-wool socks. It has tramping food, sandwiches and pies, with fish and chips…

  • Jellyfish

    Nelson Region

    Between the waterside location, sunny patio and inspired East–West menu you've got an A-grade all-day cafe. Local fish and other produce feature heavily,…

  • Nelson Organic Co-op

    Nelson

    Community-owned and operated, feel-good business stocking produce, organic tipples and natural body care. Food to go, plus good coffee and cafe fare on…

  • Patisserie Royale

    Nelson Region

    The best of several Mot bakeries and worth every delectable calorie. Lots of French fancies, delicious pies and bread with bite.