Top Restaurants in Nelson
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South Island, New Zealand Food Guide: 9 Contemporary food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Nelson
Find out what Contemporary restaurants to try in Nelson. 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
9. 623 Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
3 based on 137 reviews
623 In The City offers a great, friendly atmosphere in a historic old building, situated in the heart of Nelson City. The menu offers a tasty selection of classic and healthy meals at affordable prices, with indoor and outdoor dining, giving you the oppor
Reviewed By Rose22Nelson
Fantastic food, cooked really well and presented nicely.Wonderful atmosphere at 623, there is an upstairs area as well. They make wonderful coffee and chai lattes, I love all the solid wood there it has an old English pub feel to the place :)
8. Prince Albert Backpackers and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By John R
This hotel is about three blocks from the main eating part of town. The outside was a bit daunting but we were after a basic pub meal. The menu was limited but offered large portions and was excellent in quality. The Lamb Shanks just fell off the bone and the local Fish and Chips was very fresh and covered with a crispy batter. A meal in the centre of Nelson at about half restaurant prices
7. Arden Bar and Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 45 reviews
Arden is a neighbourhood bar, small and casual with a city vibe.. walk in's are welcome, groups may like to call ahead : the kitchen and bar are serving delicious share plates and tasty drops from open until close : pop in for one or stay for the evening
Reviewed By lzburton
Great organic wine! The only place in Nelson I have found that has organic wine available. Taking all the girls back there for a girlâs night with delicious wine + cheese and yummy desserts!All the food is divineDecor is stunningGreat selection of winesLots of cocktails to choose fromCosy and intimate twilight dining in the courtyardBuzzing and elegant atmosphereVery attentive and knowledgeable staffArden is amazing - everyone needs to try what they have to offerThank you so much! This made my day!
Most Popular Healthy food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
6. Rhythm and Brown
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By neilcS1420VQ
From the fabulous music, vinyl, changing boutique beers, good wine list and cruisy ambeance this is the place to unwind, have a chat, meet the regulars, have a pre-dinner drink or hang about for the live music, you've got to go there.It's great.
5. Arden Bar and Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 45 reviews
Arden is a neighbourhood bar, small and casual with a city vibe.. walk in's are welcome, groups may like to call ahead : the kitchen and bar are serving delicious share plates and tasty drops from open until close : pop in for one or stay for the evening
Reviewed By lzburton
Great organic wine! The only place in Nelson I have found that has organic wine available. Taking all the girls back there for a girlâs night with delicious wine + cheese and yummy desserts!All the food is divineDecor is stunningGreat selection of winesLots of cocktails to choose fromCosy and intimate twilight dining in the courtyardBuzzing and elegant atmosphereVery attentive and knowledgeable staffArden is amazing - everyone needs to try what they have to offerThank you so much! This made my day!
Most Popular Gastropub food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
4. The Styx
Overall Ratings
4 based on 563 reviews
Sited on the Wakefield Quay Wharf offering spectacular views of the Tasman Bay with its amazing sunsets The Styx takes advantage of the fresh seafood bounty and agricultural produce to offer you delicious and innovative dishes. We are a relaxed casual din
Reviewed By danjonelson
Went here for a working lunch and it was very good, staff were attentive and professional, location was great, right on the waterfront with good views over the harbour. Comfortable seating and the food was fresh, tasty and promptly delivered.For waterfront dining the price was goodCoffee was also goodMenu selection covered for lots of different tastes, and certainly our meals were very good
3. Melrose House Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 431 reviews
Reviewed By joyfully11
Was expecting a great morning tea, however, the cake selection looked old and unappealing, so decided to just have tea. The tea was so extremely disappointing that we did not drink any of it in the end. We told the lady at the counter, she seemed inexperienced, with no idea what to do in this situation and proceeded to tell us the price. Would never come back or recommend.
Best Mediterranean food near Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
2. 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.
Most Popular Italian food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
1. 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!
