Top Restaurants in Nelson
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Top 10 Cafe food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
Find out what Cafe 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
10. Robert Harris Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Paul S
This is obviously a popular café, located facing a parking area in the middle of the city. There is a good range of food to choose from, and plenty of seating. The staff are pleasant and friendly, and we enjoy our lunch here. A good find.
9. The Workshop Nelson
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Escape the ordinary!, A craft brewery in the heart of Nelson serving up tasty hand crafted boutique beers from our own onsite brewery and others from around the country. An experience you will be sure to remember, not only for the great beverages and cool
Reviewed By Elliotbex
I Popped in on a whim on a Sunday Evening as I was googling Nelson nightlife in order to find something to do. What a find! First off, through the big sliding door you're welcomed by a really cool, industrial setting with the bar in a large shipping container and lots of seating. I had a great pizza and a beer as part of a food and drink deal that day. The pizza was brilliant (pear and blue cheese!!!) And the beers were fantastic.I had a wee chat with the lady who owns it, and she was absolutely lovely, very easy to talk to and clearly passionate about her and her partners brewery in little old Nelson. Keep up the great work and keep the passion!I will be returning as soon as I am back in the Nelson and would recommend anyone visiting to do the same :)CheersThanks for your wonderful comments, yes we are truly passionate about what we do here at the workshop, and it wouldn't be possible without the fantastic team we have here.CheersNigelCo owner
8. McCashins Brewery Kitchen and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
McCashins Brewery Kitchen and Bar has just undergone a fantastic full refurbishment and fit-out. The amazing new space is open with all new menus including a full a la carte lunch and evening menu. Serving great coffee, delicious food & crafted brews. We
Reviewed By no1pokachic
Well weâve eaten breakfast at probably most places in nelson, this was the worst sadly. We came here on recommendations weâve seen & because we live just around the corner. Talk about disappointing for such expensive breakfasts! Stone cold bacon & sausages & the poached eggs tasted of nothing but vinegar (ridiculously sour) -so did the hollandaise. Someone really needs to learn how to make hollandaise properly ( and please serve it HOT not cold - especially when charging people $2 extra for it on an already $22 breakfast) MIL had eggs bene .. with a mountain of raw spinach.. yuk. Along with sour eggs & sour hollandaise it was inedible. The boys picked at what they could stomach so it didnât go to waste . Bacon was cooked well and yum once the kitchen reheated it all, itâs good quality and the only saving grace. The mushrooms had a fab flavour too with the herbs but once again being cold makes it really unappealing! Chef couldnât even be bothered to apologise, so staff copped it when they shouldnât have, not hard to come out & say sorry I made a hash of it please come back & try us again another time, nope just ignored us with a surly face. Staff avoided us like the plague once they seen how bad our breakfasts were, no surprises, they were embarrassed. Young girl was rather rude but there was a young blonde guy who tried his best & certainly gave a lot better customer service than anyone else in there. There was only two other tables so not busy. We waited a good half hour if not longer just for breakfast, all eating the same thing bacon & eggs etc, so shouldnât have taken so long. We went on others recommendations but what an expensive lesson. Wouldnât return sadly and we only live around the corner so was so convenient for us .
7. Broccoli Row
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By KelvinNelson
Really good vegetarian based food options (doesn't sell meat at all). Not open for evening dining, but a great lunch and/or coffee break option. Food and service is of a consistently high standard.
Where to eat Bar food in Nelson: The Best Restaurants and Bars
6. Morri Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 493 reviews
Multiple Winner of Best Cafe in Nelson. Bright, busy cafe in an historic building in central Nelson. Strong following of loyal locals but plenty to entice visitors as well. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on fresh, natural flavours that build on a
Reviewed By 548manip
We went there right after our arrival to Nelson. A sunny winter morning. The cafe offers a warm environment nicely decorated with paintings. On some items it tends to be expensive though, e.g. if you ask for extra bread itâll cost you 4 dollars, while you can buy a while pack of the same bread with the same price from supermarkets.
5. Lambretta's Cafe Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By SueAP55
2 x breakfasts on 21/2/19.... felt good when we walked in, staff very happy and smiling which means the manager/owner is a good at what they do and passionate.... and so was our waitress... very happy staff... very good food... his big breakfast was great, and when it came it hardly hit the table when I reached over grabbed one of the best mushies I have ever had. All of his food was great!! Very tasty compared to the big hotel where we are staying. And the coffees.... perfect... an Italian experience in every mouthful. Mine, I opted for poached eggs and bacon, once again faultless, bacon very tasty and eggs perfect. We are going back tomorrow for breakfast, and I hear the vegetarian full breakfast should not be overlooked, just ask for some bacon added and voila ... no longer vegan.... I am told that people swoon when they see one of these "walk by"..... do go there, really don't miss it, it is really good.
Most Popular Gastropub food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
4. River Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By SimplySarahLewis
Popped in for a late brunch with friends. Always aim for an outdoor table, the staff will get you sorted out with menus and waters and it allows more opportunity to greet the occasional dogs moving past on the public walking path.Eggs benedict is always a must order here, with amazing crispy bacon, and the special of the day is worth listening to as well - this trips was the sticky ribs with apple slaw.
3. Deville
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Deville is an indoor outdoor family friendly licensed cafe. Dining style is casual/eclectic using ingredients from the Nelson region. Great representation of local wines and craft beers.
Reviewed By Diane W
I have been to this restaurant several times and have never been disppointed. The service is quick and friendly. There are always lots of people there so obviously popular.
Best Mediterranean food near Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
2. 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.
Most Popular Italian food in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
1. East St.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By JackieKenn
We were wandering around Nelson today looking for somewhere to lunch and hankering for fresh and healthy .. we shared the warm schnoodles (think thatâs right) so many flavours.. amazing! Friendly staff, funky interesting decor .. good value, will surely visit again next time in Nelson
