Nelson New Zealand food and drink guide

First Impressions: In Founders Park this relaxed destination café offers a unique outdoor setting and the chance to see a boutique brewery at work. (The first certified organic brewery in New Zealand).

Ambience: Step back in time and enjoy this relaxed and sunny location. Whether it’s Friday night drinks, a weekday meal or a weekend family get-together, this destination is a winner.

First Impressions: This is a stylish cosy eatery, café and bar. An upstairs conference/meeting room is available for hire. Riverstone fireplace, snug booths, large outdoor tropical courtyard with bar, all day sun - described as a hidden paradise - ideal for meeting friends or entertaining staff.

Ambience: Romantic atmosphere finished with copper and riverstone and roaring open fire. Catch up with a friend over a glass of wine or a pint of ale.

Food Style: National winner of ‘Best Lamb’ and a finalist in

‘Best Redeveloped Bar’. Extensive new menu catering for all including vegetarians and children. Breakfast, bar snacks, lunch and dinner available. Extensive wine list and tap beer selection.

Perfect When: Weekends roll around, when you want to catch up with mates to watch the footy, a Sunday afternoon coffee calls, any night for effortless and enjoyable dining.

Open: 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 10am till late.                              2  

First Impressions: You won’t appreciate the mix of contemporary décor and Asian cuisine until you step inside the door. Great space, intimate with a unique vibe and an accent on local art.

Ambience: Sit at the bar and order a local wine, glass of champagne or cocktail. At Harry’s you feel like celebrating, even if it’s a week night, no matter if its business or pleasure.

Food Style: Fresh and flavoursome. Signature tastes include Chicken Larb - chicken with lime juice, chilli and fish sauce; Shanghai Noodles with pork mince and brown bean sauce, and Chilli Salt Squid.

Perfect When: Either a light meal or a banquet is what you have in mind. Here flavour and quality matters. Excellent bar.

Open: For dinner and/or drinks from 5pm Tuesday to Saturday
(Closed Sunday and Monday)                                                                             3  

First Impressions: Simple décor, warm colours, funky and fun, cosy and comfortable. Outdoor dining also available.

Ambience: There is usually a bustle of diners as this is a popular spot because of the quality of the food. The prices and menu will tempt you to return frequently.

Food Style: Big serve of entrée choices. Mains like Chicken, Seafood, Lamb and Vegetarian options are all priced around $13 - $15.
Breads, desserts and try the mini banquet for two or more people.

Perfect When: You’re organising a group of friends, or you want a diversion on Friday night. Or, any week night it will warm up
your disposition. Small, cosy private dining room available for functions.

Winner of “Outstanding International Cuisine” 2005 Award
(Nelson Hospitality Association)

Open: Lunch Monday - Friday 12 - 2pm.
Dinner Monday - Saturday 5pm till late.                                                             4  

First Impressions: Funky and sleek interior with a hint of sophistication, Plan B is a happening café and bar in downtown central Nelson, where you will find more than a good cocktail.

Ambience: A well designed outdoor courtyard, perfect for lunch, fireside eat-you-up couches and quiet nooks create a space for everyone to relax and unwind. The nights are lively and the days are chilled.

Food Style: By day, enjoy the sun-soaked courtyard over lunch and select from a menu that indulges in both NZ and international flavours. By night, Plan B has created a menu of tapas and platters - the epitome of fun and engaging cuisine. Choose from exciting smaller dishes or keep the conversation flowing over a Nelson Bays seafood platter.

Perfect When: You want to kick off your night, or ease into the day.

Open: Monday - Saturday 11am - late.
Available for functions, any night, for up to 60 people.                                     5  

First Impressions: An authentic Turkish kebab house with beautiful Turkish carpets, crafts, traditional Turkish seating, and an outdoor courtyard.

Ambience: A warm and welcoming family business owned by the Akbaba family. A place to enjoy Turkish music or watch Turkish television programmes while you eat.

Food Style: Includes the traditional Doner and Chicken Kebab, spitroasted beef or chicken served in a flat bread with salad and sauces. The vegetarian Felafel Kebab is also on the menu plus the rice dish Iskender. There’s also hummus dip and salad, Dolma. Desserts are Baklava and sticky Turkish Delight. Try the Turkish apple tea or a good Turkish coffee to complement your meal.

Perfect when: Only authentic Turkish will do, when you can’t be bothered cooking, when want quick service or to pre-order by phone.

Open: 7 days from 11am - 9pm                                                                         6  

First Impressions: Haroo means “spring” in Japanese and this café is appropriately styled with clean, fresh lines and simplistic décor. Haroo Sushi pride themselves on high quality, healthy and authentic Japanese food.

Ambience: Bright and light, like spring itself. Haroo Sushi promotes lively conversation.

Food Style: Japanese trained chefs use only the freshest fish and ingredients when making sushi. Choose from readymade Japanese food in the cabinet, or make your choice from the printed menu.
Nigri Sushi options include salmon, egg, prawn or raw fish, there are a variety of Sushi rolls to choose from, or try a noodle dish if you prefer. There are lunch and dinner specials and party packs that can be made up from over 30 pieces.

Perfect when: The land of the rising sun and delicious cuisine beckons. Sushi lovers can’t resist!

Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 6.30pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm. Children/families welcome. Small groups welcome.                                                                        7  

First Impressions: Upstairs in Nelson City’s State Cinema 6, Trafalgar Street, Stefano’s must surely become part of your perfect movie experience. Authentic Italian pizza at its best, the aroma is enticing, and the chatter of Italian from the kitchen enhances the theme.

Ambience: An upstairs inner-city alcove, Stefano’s has comfortable and casual dining. If you crave for a taste of the city, sneak onto the small outside deck and dream of Rome.

Food Style: True to Italia, Stefano’s menu is crafted around their mouth-watering pizzas, served on thin crust bases baked in a stone oven with traditional toppings such as funghi, prosciutto and mozzerella. Daily pasta and salad specials create a wonderful taste of Europe right here in Nelson.

Perfect When: You’re about to head out to a movie, or you simply have a craving for excellent pizza.

Open: Monday - Saturday 9am to 10pm.
Sunday 5pm - 10pm                                                                                           8  

First Impressions: A good luck wish greets diners with Chinese lanterns and a dragon over the door. Food is ‘guaranteed’ to be cooked by overseas qualified or senior Chinese chefs.

Ambience: Soft pink décor envelops visitors in the simple yet cosy dining room. Attentive staff are on hand to see to your every culinary desire.

Food Style: Choose from the Cantonese menu with up to 80 choices, or enjoy the Sichuan Spicy Food. Dim Sum is popular everyday and classic dishes like Roast Duck make this a memorable experience.

Perfect When: You are thinking an ethnic dining experience sounds appealing - or for unbeatable fresh and tasty takeaways.

Fully licensed and BYO (bottle wine only). Legendary takeaways!

Open: Lunches: Monday - Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm. Dinner: 7 nights 4.30pm till late.                                                                                                                    9  

First Impressions: Arabian nights will take on a new meaning in this intriguing, and intimate courtyard café under canvas, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Ambience: Discover this little ‘gem’ tucked away from the street. Explore the tastes and aromas of Arabia. Outdoor seating moulded around an adobe oven and polished wooden floors inside.

Food Style: Blending flavours from Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and the Arabian Gulf, they offer some of the finest Arabian cuisine in New Zealand. Try their special dishes such as Tajines, slow-baked in the adobe oven, or their fast-fired pizzas and stuffed Arabian breads cooked directly on the oven hearth. Their combinations will delight your taste buds, whether for a light snack or a full 3 course meal ending with their traditional coffee and honey-sweet desserts.

Perfect When: Meeting friends for lunch, or when you desire an evening that promises, warm and spicy food, great company and a hint of far away lands.

Open: days, Lunch from 12pm, Dinner from 6pm. Belly dancer on Friday evenings.(winter hours vary)                                                                            10  

Food Style: Zippy’s is Nelson’s only café specialising in vegetarian cuisine with gluten-free, wheat-free and vegan options. Everything is made on the premises using the freshest local ingredients. If a quick drink is all you have time for, try those yummy juices, smoothies, teas and Café L’Affare coffees.

Perfect When: Your diet or lifestyle demands an animal product, gluten or wheat free menu. Designed for tired tastebuds seeking an edgy alternative.

Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.
Saturday 10am to 2pm.                                                                                   11  

First Impressions: This compact city café has a big reputation as Nelson’s best kept secret. Step into a warm welcome and soak up the warm décor and delicious aromas. Café L’Affare coffee!!

Ambience: Lunch bar meets smart and intimate rendezvous. Sit in the window and watch the world go by. Feel at ease on your own or meet friends.

Food Style: Delicious breakfast menu available from 7.30am - 11.30am. Wheat, gluten, dairy free and vegetarian items. Spectacular food cabinet - filos, rostis, pizzas, paninis, quiches. All that plus a large gourmet salad menu made with fresh ingredients and imaginative presentation means everything looks as good as it tastes including the sweet cakes and slices.

Perfect When: Great service, great food and great coffee are a must
Indoor and outdoor dining, and take away food / coffee is available. Need a caterer? Then look no further.

Open: Week days from 7.30am - 4pm.
to a warm welcome and soak up the warm décor and delicious aromas.           13  

First Impressions: Step off the street into this beautiful historic building, where larger shared tables and smaller, more intimate ones sit side by side in an airy, roomy space. A tiled leafy courtyard opens on to the neighbouring Fashion Island complex.

Ambience: Gleaming wooden floors, big windows, bright artworks and plenty of natural light make this an inviting place for a quick coffee or a more leisurely meal any time of the year.

Food Style: With a menu that changes every few months the food here is always fresh and seasonally appropriate; and the healthy kids menu is always popular. Over winter enjoy heart-warming food like lamb salad, fish and mussel laksa or the classic bacon and eggs. Lighter foods in summer include beef noodle stir-fry or a thai chicken salad. The coffee is always a highlight and exceptionally well-made.

Perfect When: Business meets pleasure, ladies who lunch meet, when healthy food, excellent coffee and fine taste are essential.

Open: 7 days: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 4pm.
Saturday 8.30am - 3pm.
Sunday / Public Holidays 9am - 3pm.                                                               14  

First Impressions: An inner city café with a strong European influence in the décor and warm tonings. Owned and run by a family team passionate about their Italian heritage!

Ambience: With its Mediterranean styling, complemented with New Zealand pottery platters and paintings, Di Pierri’s has a very relaxing, friendly atmosphere, indoors & outdoor.

Food Style: Everything is made fresh each day using local produce. Described as having ‘espresso food’, there’s no waiting as you select from an abundant choice of salads, pasta, pizzas, bagels, filled focaccias and a wonderful hot open ham sandwich. Coffee is L’Affare, fresh from their roastery. Indulge in hot muffins, croissants and the dessert cabinet. Di Pierri’s is a Taste Nelson Award Winning Café.

Perfect When: You want to start your day with a choice from their breakfast menu (available from 7-10am). You feel like salads to go or simply desire a healthy choice for lunch.
Take a look at their unique Art Tiles NZ while you indulge.

Open: 5 days Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm.
Saturdays, September - December.                                                                  15  

First Impressions: A contemporary setting for lovers of Malaysian cuisine. This central city fully licensed restaurant offers incredible value and seduces the taste buds!

Ambience: The modern fit out is accentuated by the warm, spicy colour palette and drop pendant lights. Spacious with lots of room for groups

.
Food Style: Great food and at $13-$18 for mains, very affordable. Vegetable Korma, Garlic Prawns, Curry Laksa, Roti Chanai and
Nasi Goreng are popular. Try Chicken Rendang cooked in Malaysian spices with fresh coconut cream.

Perfect When: Tired taste buds need tantalising. You don’t need an occasion; with these prices you can afford to eat here often.
Check out the specials on their website.

Join their VIP club online to receive special discounts.

Open: Tuesday - Friday for lunch 11.30am - 2pm.
Tuesday - Sunday for dinner 5.30pm till late.                                                   16  

First Impressions: Housed in the magnificent old NZ Insurance office with its fabulous columns, Lambretta’s, named after the popular Italian scooter, is as stylish as the building.

Ambience: Mint condition scooters add character, and along with fun memorabilia bring the theme to life. This popular café prides itself on presenting great food in generous proportions with snappy service.

Food Style: Start your engine with Ignition Coffee - only at Lambretta's, beans plunger and espresso also available to purchase. During the day choose from all day breakfast, freshly prepared counter food and salads and blackboard menu, pizza's, pasta, mussels and more.

Perfect When: There’s never a day, time or occasion when Lambretta’s can’t provide the perfect setting for enjoying oneself.

Open: 7 days 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday.
8am - 4pm Saturday, 9am - 3pm Sunday.
Summer evening dining hours                                                                          17  

First Impressions: Central city, indoor/outdoor café with a relaxed, inviting feel. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food influences.

Ambience: Intimate, warm and popular with locals and visitors to Nelson. The aroma of their food says it all!

Food Style: An authentic healthy style of kebab’s, pizza’s, platters, soups and cakes. Almost everything is made on their premises. They cater for vegans, vegetarians, wheat-free and of course meat-lovers. They have 13 years’ experience in this business and their standards are high.

Perfect When: The food is generous in it’s proportions, and the menu and prices will definitely tempt you to return!

Catering for parties and functions available.

Open: Monday - Saturday, Summer 9am - 6pm,
Winter 10am - 5pm.
Late night Fridays!                                                                                           18  

First Impressions: Set in the original 1889 NZ Insurance building the Victorian Rose combines character and genuine hospitality.

Ambience: The Vic is a popular meeting place well known for its live music several nights of the week, especially Tuesday Night jazz.
The rest of the week offers a broad variety of musical styles.

Food Style: An all day menu offering contemporary English pub style fare with a variety of dishes from gourmet platters to share, to steaks, delicious salads and seafood. Sunday nights feature the world famous $14.90 roast buffet with free soup and dessert, complemented with the Macs range of craft beers & a unique selection of local, national & international wines. There's always something for everyone at the Nelson's local.

Perfect When: You feel like a pint after work with friends, a relaxed dining experience, getting down and groovy with the best local live music, or chilling out in our heated outdoor areas.

Legendary sponsors of Tasman Rugby.

Open: 7 days early till late. Families welcome.                                                   19  

First Impressions: Timber and stone dominates the décor and reflects the history and surrounds of Nelson, such as the Boulder Bank, Appleby River and Waimea Plains. Memorabilia and old photos line the walls.

Ambience: Stylish and relaxed, warm and inviting with an open fire and fireside seating.

Food Style: Open for breakfast every morning. Through the day both cabinet cuisine and cooked to order food is available for quick lunches to leisurely dinners. Try the famous prime fillet steak or the chef’ fish of the day. Plenty of choice with the Unique Stonegrill dining, an exciting and interactive dining experience that presents your meal cooking on a heated stone at your table. The best of Nelson’s and Marlborough’s wines and foods to be truly savoured.

Perfect When: Family arrives, business and pleasure mix, you deserve a relaxing, casual meal out.

Families/children welcome.

Open: 7 days from 9.00am - till late.                                                                20  

First Impressions: A modern Japanese setting welcomes you with a variety of dining styles.
Ambience: An authentic relaxed Japanese experience.

Food Style: An array of delicious choices from the sushi and sashimi bar, the flare and excitement of the teppan yaki or the traditional flavours available from the à la carte menu. At the sushi and sashimi bar you can watch your chef prepare your meal using only the freshest ingredients. Bring a group and enjoy the entertainment of the teppan yaki grill where you are almost part of the cooking experience. For a quieter meal choose to dine

the à la carte menu and enjoy traditional flavours and service.

Perfect When: You want to celebrate a special occasion, hosting business dinners, group social occasions or romantic moments when only authentic Japanese cuisine will satisfy.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

                                                                                                                        21  

First Impressions: Nelson’s best kept secret offering the freshest seafood available, complemented by your choice of live crayfish and local wines.

Ambience: The atmosphere is relaxed, professional, friendly and elegant.
Food Style: A seasonal menu specialising in exceptionally fresh seafood. The theatre kitchen also provides choices of chicken, beef and lamb flame grilled. The wine list showcases local regional wines, which add to the flavour of your evening.

Perfect When: You want seafood to savour, you’re hosting a corporate dinner, special occasions or you simply deserve a quality dining experience.

Open: 7 days for dinner from 6pm.

                                                                                                                        22  

First Impressions: Quiet cosy surroundings complimented by the roaring winter fire and friendly professional service.

Ambience: The perfect blend of warm, relaxed, intimate café dining with welcoming efficient staff.

Food Style: Scrumptious quiches, filled croissants, hearty soups, organic juices, infused fresh teas and sweet treats to rival all others.
Perfect When: Hosting a working lunch that deserves the best, needing space for a group or a quiet table for two.

Open: 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

                                                                                                                        23  

First Impressions: Expansive open interior, cosy and inviting fire place, ambient and lots of character. Great sidewalk seating.

Ambience: The décor is instantly welcoming and offers the opportunity to sip a wine at the bar, or to pull up a chair with a beer, under an umbrella on the street.

Food Style: Contemporary pub grub doesn’t describe the quality of the menu, from Fresh Fish with a cashew nut crust, to Beef Nelson, to the epic, Hot Seafood Lovers Platter with prawns, brie, smoked salmon and lots more.

Perfect When: The footy’s on the big screen, when you feel like friendly company, a great place to meet mates or anytime dining. Local and international ales.

Open: Monday to Friday - 11am till late.
Saturday and Sunday - 9am till late.                                                                24  

First Impressions: Elegant styling blends effortlessly with creative cuisine making this an exceptional dining ‘experience’. Indoor/outdoor seating.

Ambience: Warm clotted-cream décor is offset by wooden floors with soft ambient lighting. Altogether a relaxing and contemporary interior, unpretentious yet very polished presentation all round.

Food Style: A showcase of seasonal local produce including: breads, cheeses, seafood, organic produce, saffron and olive oils. Brunch, lunch or dine on this simple yet stunning cuisine complemented by local wines and beers (Craftbrewers of Nelson).

Perfect When: You want to impress visitors or friends with the authentic ‘taste of Nelson’. An iconic Nelson dining experience.

Open: Bookings are advisable. Monday dinner from 5.30pm onwards.
Tuesday - Saturday brunch/lunch 9am - 2.30pm,
dinner from 5.30pm (drinks from 5pm).
Winter trading hours may vary.

Functions and group bookings available.                                                          25  

First Impressions: Urban style, warm wood panelling and designer fittings create a clean, cool and simple interior. Upstairs and downstairs dining.

Ambience: Contemporary and intimate. The sleek lines of the bar, colours and materials make this the perfect chill out space for a glass of wine outside in summer, or a memorable romantic dinner in winter.

Food Style: Fresh ingredients and imaginative menu choices make pondering your selection enjoyable. Try nicoise salad with rare tuna, Moroccan Lamb with roasted ratatouille, or venison with a grappa and beetroot glaze.

Perfect When: Brunch beckons, lingering lunches or summer evenings unfold, entertaining out of town guests calls for a stylish location.

Tap and bottled beer, wines, spirits, cocktails and coffees.

Open: Summer Monday - Sunday, 10am till late.
          Winter Monday - Saturday, 10am till late.                                              26  

First Impressions: Rows of flavoursome natural gelato and sorbet. The anticipation is immediate.

Ambience: A hugely popular destination for locals and visitors of all ages. Delicious cold gelato as well as exceptional coffees and hot chocolates add to the year-round charm of this unique café.

Food Style: The café specialises in the very best, fresh gelato and sorbets, made daily on site. A constantly changing line-up of flavours means there's something for everyone. Each day eighteen flavours are offered from the widest variety available locally. Choose from such delights as, white and dark chocolate, coconut, pistachio, mango, date, rice, lemon; the list goes on.

Perfect When: You feel like a taste of what some would say, is the best gelato in New Zealand!

Open: All year round                                                                                        27  

First Impressions: A delectable journey to sweet and sticky perfection. Find yourself surrounded by hand-made chocolates and fudges made using quality Belgium chocolate and Prenzel liqueurs.

Ambience: At either Cocoa shop the sweets are the ‘stars’ and the décor and setting makes selecting sweets and gifts lots of fun.
Taste, smell and be seduced!

Food Style: Light and tasty lunches are available; rolls, club sandwiches, cakes, muffins and scones. Wash down with an excellent coffee,
the perfect partner for a big slice of fudge. KIWIANA packaging (paua, feathers, shells and flax bags) and KIWIANA chocolates.
National winners of the Trade $100,000 Bartercard Kick Start Your Business Award 2005. Winners of ‘Top Shop’ (Speciality) and
Chamber of Commerce BS Awards (Retail Excellence).

Perfect When: You have a sweet tooth or want creative gifts for any occasion from Easter to Christmas, even Halloween.

Open: Cocoa Nelson: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm.
Cocoa Richmond Mall: 7 days.                                                                          28  

First Impressions: Fine wood furniture, clean lines, restful décor greets the diner at Cha-Cha. The food is beautiful to the eye, divine to the lips and irresistible to the soul.

Ambience: Calm and casual, warm and inviting. A peaceful haven from the stresses of life, either in the middle of, or at the end of a busy day.

Food Style: The very best authentic flavours, signature dishes and cooking styles greet the Japanese food lover. Using the freshest ingredients, ethnic recipes and traditional cooking styles that make this food choice so popular.

Perfect When: You desire pure, fresh tastes and warm, friendly service, then Cha-Cha Japanese Café is for you.

Open: For Lunch Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm.

Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 6.00pm - late                                                         29  

First Impressions: A metro café feel combines with a global basket of gourmet foods.

Ambience: Enjoy the vibrant café culture at either of the two locations, the superb coffee and an environment that celebrates good taste and enjoyment.

Food Style: Enjoy sumptuous Zest fare for breakfast, lunch and through to late afternoon. There is a great range of wholesome deli food to eat in or takeaway, including salads, gourmet sandwiches, wheat free, gluten free food, and decadent sweet treats. The delicatessen specialises in local, New Zealand and imported deli lines. Catering is available for all occasions, including antipasto platters and picnic hampers. Zest Delicatessen and Café was named “Best Regional Café” in the 2005 Café NZ Awards.

Perfect When: You feel like a fusion of fashion and food with an accent of local deli products - visit Zest Deli Café on Bridge Street, next to Cooper and Rouge, or for the full deli range of goodies and café, visit Zest Deli Café on Church Street.

Open: Church St Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4.30pm, Sat 8am - 4pm.
          Bridge St open Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm.                                          30  

First Impressions: Big windows and doors open into the rich, colourful décor greeting you at our three Poppy Thai Restaurants.

Ambience: See the intricate work on the stunning handmade three-dimensional framed wall tapestries specially brought from Thailand, they’re beautiful.

Food Style: The owner at Poppy Thai has 15 year's experience with Thai restaurants and has selected the most popular dishes from Thailand. Browse the large menu with 40 individually made dishes, including tasty, spicy Thai salads, mild, medium or hot curries, a selection from the wok range, noodle dishes, as well as desserts. Kaeng Penang is a curry from southern Thailand with vegetables, coconut cream and a choice of chicken, pork, beef, prawns, mixed seafood, squid or vegetarian. Pla Neung Ma Now is steamed whole snapper with a sweet chilli sauce. Lunch specials under $10, and there is a large takeaway menu.

Perfect When: Thai lovers want to break out and feed their passion.

Open: 7 days, lunch 11am - 2.30pm and dinner 5.30pm - 10pm. Groups/private functions.                                                                                                        31  

First Impressions: Step into a warm & spacious, genuine Turkish café, the first in Nelson, offering a real taste of Turkey.

Ambience: Experience an ambient blend of a roaring fire, all day dining and exceptional service. Richly decorated surroundings with ethnic Turkish background music.

Food Style: Fresh all-day breakfast & lunch menu is complemented with a delicious selection of cabinet food with one of the best roasted Allpress coffees in NZ. Mezze-type appetisers are served with warm turkish bread, freshly prepared in their special Turkish oven, form a popular way to start lunch or dinner. Pide (Turkish style pizza) come in vegetarian, cheese & meat options. Kebabs & Iskender also feature with many vegetarian dishes. The traditional dessert, Baklava and cakes can be washed down with Turkish coffee, apple tea or espresso. Takeaways also available.

Perfect When: You want indulge yourself in a genuine Turkish café experience.

Open: 7 days a week, 7.30am till late. Hand-made Turkish goods, Turkish Delight & apple tea available or sale.                                                                               32  

First Impressions: One of Nelson’s most popular Chinese eateries, famous for their takeaways of 12 choices, and a favourite for family dining.

Ambience: The atmosphere downstairs is casual with an extensive takeaway and smorgasbord menu available. Upstairs is their richly decorated formal à la carte restaurant with a definite Oriental touch with seating up to 48 people.

Food Style: With over 30 years' experience in cooking authentic Chinese cuisine, Chef King To can create delicious banquets and tasty takeaways in an instant. With a repertoire of over 100 dishes, his specialities include Peking Duck (cooked the authentic way), Crispy Roast Pork, the real vegetarian dish, "Lo Han" - they are also famous for their Mongolian sauce.

Perfect When: You want value, taste and genuine Chinese cuisine on the go or to savour.

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 9pm. Sunday 4.30pm - 9pm. Groups/functions by arrangement, families/children welcome.                         33  

First Impressions: Prepare to settle in for a delicious journey through authentic Thai cuisine. The sun beams in through the glass.

Ambience: Light and airy space to watch the world go by from. The rich coloured feature wall and bamboo cane tables create a cosy exotic feel.

Food Style: Heady Thai aromas promise an authentic experience. Soups, Thai salads with beef, chicken, spicy mixed seafood, tiger prawns (and more). Seafood includes spicy mussels, garlic prawns, steamed fish with ginger and scallops.

Perfect when: You feel like lots of choice and variety, when you’re in the mood to appreciate the subtle Thai flavours. Order dishes to share!

Group functions available. Families welcome.

Open: 7 days, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 7am - 4pm, Sunday 8am - 3pm. Hours extended over summer. Families & children welcome, open some nights for performances & parties.                                                                              34  

First Impressions: Prepare to settle in for a delicious journey through authentic Thai cuisine. The sun beams in through the glass.

Ambience: Light and airy space to watch the world go by from. The rich coloured feature wall and bamboo cane tables create a cosy exotic feel.

Food Style: Heady Thai aromas promise an authentic experience. Soups, Thai salads with beef, chicken, spicy mixed seafood, tiger prawns (and more). Seafood includes spicy mussels, garlic prawns, steamed fish with ginger and scallops.

Perfect when: You feel like lots of choice and variety, when you’re in the mood to appreciate the subtle Thai flavours. Order dishes to share!

Group functions available. Families welcome.

Open: 7 days for lunch and dinner, 1am till late.                                               35  

First Impressions: Warm earthy colours blend with contemporary design and natural materials to give Lone Star a relaxed, yet sophisticated Kiwi cowboy style all its own.

Ambience: Enjoy a vibrant and lively atmosphere with cool classic music, swift service and a welcoming approach - as they say "Serving Legends Like You Since 1988".

Food Style: An eclectic mix of New Zealand and contemporary pacific cuisine. Known for generous meals with no compromise on quality or flavour. Great Kiwi Kids’ menu, Classic Lone Star mains and the Soul Kitchen menu; for something smaller and finer. Mac's beers on tap, imported and New Zealand bottled beers and an excellent selection of Nelson and New Zealand wines.

Perfect When: Your whanau needs legendary food and great service in a welcoming environment with an atmosphere you can taste. No need to make a reservation, just come on down to the café.

Open: for Lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm Monday - Saturday. Dinner 7 days from 5.30pm till late.                                                                                                            36  

First Impressions: Warm earthy colours blend with contemporary design and natural materials to give Lone Star a relaxed, yet sophisticated Kiwi country style all of its own.

Ambience: Enjoy a vibrant and lively atmosphere with cool classic music, swift service and a welcoming approach - as they say "Serving Legends Like You Since 1988".
Food style: An eclectic mix of New Zealand and contemporary pacific cuisine. Known for generous meals with no compromise on quality or flavour. Great Kiwi Kids’ menu, Classic Lone Star mains and the Soul Kitchen menu; for something smaller and finer. Mac's beers on tap, imported and New Zealand bottled beers and an excellent selection of Nelson and New Zealand wines.

Perfect When: Your whanau needs legendary food and great service in a welcoming environment with an atmosphere you can taste. No need to make a reservation, just come on down to the café.

Open: Bar 5pm weekdays, 4.30pm weekends.
Restaurant is open Monday - Thursday 5.30pm till 10pm,
and Friday and Saturday 5pm till 11pm.                                                           37  

First Impressions: Magnificent Phoenix Palms stand to attention over the Leisure Lodge and complex surrounds.

Ambience: A warm glow emanates from rimu furniture, mellow lighting and a buffet table laden with a feast. The spaciousness allows large groups to gather with ease, yet still provides intimacy for a dinner for two.

Food Style: Local seafood takes pride of place, including French style seafood chowder packed with mussels, cockles and shrimps. Other palette pleasers include the daily roast, fillet steak, smoked chicken salad with crispy bacon, cashew nuts and avocado . . . and desserts that make you sigh. Many wines and beers, including favourite local vintages. Indulge in a drop of brandy or liquor coffee.

Perfect When: There’s a big occasion ahead. Leisure Lodge caters for up to 60 guests for group functions or a romantic dinner for two.

Open: 7 days for breakfast and dinner. Kids' meals, groups, functions for up to 60 guests.                                                                                                            38  

First Impressions: Downtown overlooking the Maitai River, the dining room and outdoor bar combine superb cuisine with seamless service.

Ambience:The Tides Restaurant provides a warm intimacy suited to cosy dinner-for-two occasions, through to larger, celebratory groups.

Food Style: Traditional waffles, croissants, pancakes and bagels make a sunny start to the day. The main menu is a substantial affair, laden with fresh seafood, beef and lamb, and an irresistible selection of desserts.

Special Offer: Mention this advert when you book and everyone in your party will receive a complimentary glass of tap beer, house wine or juice. (Does not apply to other packaged meal deals and cannot be used in conjuntion with any other offers.)

Perfect When: Celebration is in the air: be it special occasion, romance, or to toast life!

Open: 7 days for Breakfast from 7am - 9.30am and Dinner from 6pm - 9pm.    39  

First Impressions: Established over 12 years ago the Anchor Restaurant and Bar offers indoor and outdoor dining right on the water’s edge at the yacht marina.

Ambience: The restaurant has a strong nautical theme and is renowned for service and atmosphere.

Food Style: Open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. All day menu includes our famous Groper, Chips and Salad, and our all day steak and bacon breakfast. Dinner from 5pm includes Pan Fried Groper and Scallop Thermidor, chargrilled Scotch Fillet Steaks, Battered Scallops and a Seafood Platter. Extensive selection of fine wines. Kids’ menu. Large groups welcome. Fully licensed.

Perfect When: You feel like a leisurely lunch or dinner with stunning waterside views.

Open: 7 days from 7am till late.                                                                        40