Restaurants in Nelson
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Indian Café
This open-plan, saffron-coloured Edwardian villa houses an Indian restaurant that keeps the bhaji raised with impressive interpretations of Anglo-Indian standards, such as chicken tandoori, rogan josh and beef madras. Share the mixed platter to start, then mop up your mains with one of 10 different breads.
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Lambretta’s
Feeding what seems like half of Nelson, Lambretta’s is a continually busy diner-style joint with ample seating inside and out. Family friendly, the big-eatin’ offerings include breakfast, lunch and dinner (pizza, pasta, salad) and hearty counter food along the lines of humongous muffins, pies, filled croissants and sandwiches. Good coffee, too.
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Hopgood’s
Tongue-and-groove-lined Hopgood’s is perfect for a romantic dinner or holiday treat. The food is decadent and skilfully prepared but unfussy, allowing quality local ingredients to shine. The Asian crispy duck followed by pork belly with watercress and apple purée was a knockout. Desirable, predominantly Kiwi wine list.
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Zippy's
Zippy's décor is a confronting combo of purple, teal and red, and service is zippy indeed. Strictly vegetarian food includes burritos, salads and the ‘locally famous' chocolate afghans. Drinks include ice-cream shakes, chai and heart-startlingly rich, full-flavoured coffee.
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Stefano’s
Located upstairs in the State Cinema complex, Stefano’s wouldn’t win any awards for its decor. This Italian-run joint, however, does get top marks for traditional pizza – thin, crispy and delicious. Escape the movie-time madness and smell of popcorn on one of two balcony tables.
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Yaza Cafe
Adjacent to the weekend markets, Yaza is a colourful, kid-friendly café with all-day breakfasts and live music most summer weekends (folk, blues, punk, pop and reggae). Food is free-range and organic (quiches pizzas, frittatas, wraps, soup); patchouli lingers in the air.
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Smugglers Pub & Café
This maritime-themed pub was shipshape when last boarded during research, with friendly staff dishing out hearty meals to hungry landlubbers. A dependable family option serving pub grub favourites such as roast-of-the-day, burgers and fish and chips. Good patio area.
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Stingray Café
From its ecofriendly ethos to sunny courtyard, well-priced meals and smooth tunes, Stingray embodies Nelson's upbeat mood. Drop by any time for relaxed vibes and to snaffle a pizza or salad. Later on, settle in with a cocktail and some live acoustic twanging or DJ.
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Morrison St Café
Part cafe, part gallery, Morrison St is a polished operator, with a menu that sticks out of the cafe crowd. Enjoy raspberry and cinnamon butter pancakes for brekkie, then sneak back for a zingy Burmese chicken salad or an afternoon pick-me-up of coffee and cake.
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When in Rome
With its swanky Roman-chic fit-out, you might expect to pay Euro prices here. Fear not, the food at this new Italian joint is reasonably priced and darn tasty too. Ample portions of proper pasta, interesting salads and thin, crispy pizzas: bellissimo.
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DeVille
Indoor-outdoor DeVille is a cool place, with a pebble-covered courtyard dotted with couches, mirror mosaics and established greenery. Feast on bagels, veggie burgers, nachos and thumpin’ breakfasts away from hustle and bustle.
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Swedish Bakery & Café
Delicious breads, croissants, pastries and cakes from the resident Scandinavian baker. Lovely fresh filled rolls such as meatball and beetroot relish, or smoked-salmon bagels. Take your goodies away or eat in the bijou cafe.
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Penguino Ice Cream Café
Queuing for Penguino’s superb gelato and sorbet, made daily on the premises, is a Nelson ritual. The boysenberry sorbet is a medal winner.
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Tozzetti Panetteria
You’ll smell fresh bread baking before you see Tozzetti, a pocket-sized bakery serving beautiful breads, sandwiches and sweet treats.
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Akbabas
Tiny Turkish kebab house where hyperactive staff in natty head scarves build a better tomorrow for late-night drinkers.
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Mediterranean Foods
A terrific deli with great charcuterie, cheese, dried pasta et al, as well as sit-down coffee and sandwiches.
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Falafel Gourmet
A cranking Middle-Eastern joint dishing out the best kebabs in town, full of salad.
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Haven Fish & Chips
Pick your own fillet, then eat your meal by the waterfront. What could be better?
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