Nelson waterfront restaurants & cafes

First Impressions: A premier, waters-edge dining experience - located on the dockside at Wakefield Quay, and taking in Tasman Bay and the spectacular mountains beyond.

Ambience: Fabulous, intimate, relaxed al fresco setting on the vibrant waterfront.

Food Style: Fresh seafood, direct from the boat to the table. Tasman Bay scallops, Nelson Oysters, Bluff Oysters, Groper, Salmon, Blue Cod, Prawns, Shrimp, Crab and much, much more. All cooked to perfection. Deep fried, pan fried, oven baked or steamed. Sublime coffee served all day. Extensive wine list of both local and imported. Full selection of beers. Can cater for large functions.

Perfect When: Entertaining friends or family, or when exploring the finest Nelson cuisine, location and service.

Open: For Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.                                                               41

First Impressions: European styling, authentic Italian cuisine, waterfront views and a warm Italian welcome. Dine alfresco overlooking the water or inside in the sunshine.

Ambience: The simple décor, artwork, flavours and rich aromas will transport you to Venice, Italy. Ponder the Grand Canal in Venice as you savour the extensive menu.

Food Style: Lunch or dinner; expect quality and variety. Pasta is made fresh each day. A choice of Fettucini, Ravioli, or Cannelloni, accompanied by daily fresh ingredients including wild mushroom, scampi, tuna, Parmiggano cheese.Succulent Angus Pure Beef, First Class pure NZ Lamb, and the best fresh local fish daily. Cooked in perfect Italian style by 100% Italian chef. Very good selection of Italian Wine and Spirits such Chianti, Limoncello. Excellent coffee.

Perfect When: You long for an Italian affair! A romantic dinner for two, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy the taste of Italy from a 100% Italian chef.

Open: Lunch 12 - 2pm Wednesday - Sunday.
          Dinner 6pm - 10pm Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Monday.                            42

First Impressions: WOW what a view! Stunning location looking out to Tasman Bay. Heritage theme with fascinating photos and memorabilia, celebrating early Nelson life.

Ambience: Warm, cosy, lots of sun, and with cream décor that sets off the natural wood to beautiful effect. Relaxed café feel, dine upstairs or unwind with lunch or dinner and a drink in the downstairs bar.

Food Style: A delicious selection of freshly prepared local and NZ fare. Dinner highlights include Nelson Marlborough Seafood Medley, Chateaux Briand, Venison and NZ Game of the Day - succulent flavours accompanied by a superb local wine list. Great lunch and weekend brunch specials.

Perfect When: Entertaining visitors, romantic dinners, or for coffee or a glass of wine. Fabulous location for small-medium functions.

"An unforgettable dining experience”

Open: 7 days for luch and dinner from 11am (dinner from 5.30pm - bookings are recommended), with snacks, wine and coffee in-between.                                  43

First Impressions: A “must do” Nelson icon, the Boat Shed prides itself on providing a true “Nelson Experience”, with their exceptional food, sublime service and stunning views.

Ambience: A busy café style atmosphere, set in the historic Boat Shed. A relaxed and welcoming environment in an unbeatable location.

Food Style: The freshest possible Seafood, including crabs, crayfish and paua from live holding tanks. Award winning beef and lamb, as well as vegetarian options. The most extensive wine list in town, with the best New Zealand wines available. The bar has a great selection of local and imported beers, and the best single malt list in town.

Perfect When: You want to taste the true Nelson. Nelsonians impress their visitors and remember why they live here.

Families/children welcome. Groups/functions/catering available by arrangement. Special private dining rooms available.

Open: 7 days from 9am until late, for breakfast, lunch & dinner.                         44

First Impressions: A savvy bar with contemporary flair, 623 has a great location next to Tahuna Beach. At night, flames are burning, and by day the sun-soaked outdoor dining offers a great opportunity for watching the world pass by.

Ambience: Lively, upbeat, and at the smart end of casual, 623 is a place where you can spend all day . . . and all night. Dine alfresco, or find a spot in one of the booths - they’re hard to leave!

Food Style: The focus here is on fresh NZ cuisine, using great local produce at real value. The meals are big; Taste of Tahuna Platter, Salmon, Lamb Shanks and a Grill menu to die for which go down well with buckets of Sol, great selection of Monteith’s beers and Erdinger on tap to top it off.

Perfect When: You’re looking for a leisurely lunch, a fulfilling breakfast or a languid evening of fun accompanied by a crisp beverage.

Open: From 7.30am till late, 7 days a week                                                         45

First Impressions: Escape the everyday routine, brush off your sombrero and prepare to fiestia at this lively and popular venue near the beach.

Ambience: The theme is Spanish/ Mexican so the colours are warm with a décor that evokes a celebration of food and good times. Indoor and outdoor dining available and live music to enhance the party atmosphere.

Food Style: Sensational tapas available in seafood, meat and vegetarian options including; aubergine, salmon, calamari, chorizo and spicy meat balls. The feast of flavours continues with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quessadillas, chilli con carne and Mexican steak, and try the traditional Spanish paella.

Perfect When: Your amigos deserve a lively night showcasing the flavours of Spain & Mexico and the irresistible taste of Margaritas, Sangria, Tequila SunRises and Chimichanga. Olé! Ideal for parties, buffets and group functions.

Open: Summer, Monday to Saturday 5pm till late.
Winter, Tuesday - Saturday 5pm till late.                                                            46

First Impressions: The delicious aroma of wood-fired pizza hits the senses immediately! A view straight into the kitchen allows you to see the quick-fire action on busy nights when the place is buzzing.

Ambience: Warm earthen tones, wooden benchtops and tables make this fabulous spot an inviting one. A relaxed atmosphere with lively music and friendly service ensures a fun night out!

Food Style: Mouth-watering gourmet pizzas are the specialty, made on a traditionally thin base with their own special Neapolitan tomato sauce. Only the freshest ingredients are used, and wherever possible, sourced locally. House-Smoked Marlborough Salmon, Wood-Roasted Chicken, Blackball Salami and Rai Valley Ham all grace the menu. Great pasta too!
Perfect When: You feel like pizza. Great for families, couples and the fussiest of pizza-lovers. Take-away and delivery are also available.

Open: Full menu 4.30pm - 10pm. Summer lunches.

Bar licensed until 11pm, 1am Friday and Saturday.

Happy Hour 4.30pm - 6pm.

Groups/functions by arrangement.                                                                      47

First Impressions: Contemporary, colourful, relaxed and inviting.
This is Thai cuisine in a contemporary setting and all the ingredients are there for a memorable and delicious dining experience.

Ambience: The colours and contemporary styling combine to make this the perfect ‘any time’ venue. From a group of friends meeting, to dinner for two, the ambience ensures you feel relaxed and welcome.

Food Style: An authentic Thai chef prepares all food at Thai Tahuna. The menu is substantial and includes favourites such as: Spicy Thai Salads, Curries, Chilli, Noodles, Soups and Fried Rice. Licensed and BYO Wine.

Perfect When: You want to taste Thai tonight! Dine in or take away to feast at home. Phone orders are welcome.

Open: 7 days.
Lunch 12pm - 2.30pm.
Dinner 4.30pm - 9.30 pm.                                                                                   48

First Impressions: A Smugglers hideaway of epic proportions! Old English pub atmosphere with loads of character - hewn posts, banquet table, even stocks and chains! Warm fire and indoor outdoor dining.

Ambience: Relaxed and cosy, warm in winter, ideally suited for the family or to watch the big game.

Food Style: Generous serves! From hot and steamy; “Ship Mates Broth, to hearty; Pirates Pasta Plunder or our popular Lamb Shanks. Hearty eating, full of flavour and value for your crew! Children’s menu.

Perfect When: Planning a fun group function, for anniversaries and family get together’s.

No holiday surcharges.

New Zealand National Winner, Overall Supreme Award of Excellence and Best Re-Developed Bar/Restaurant 2005 H.A.N.Z.

Open: 7 days from 10am.                                                                                    49

First Impressions: The easy décor and contemporary setting of this café are a surprise in a mega-store setting. Urban-style furniture, cool colours and polished concrete floors offer a quiet respite from the surrounding busy spaces.

Ambience: Summer or winter the café is light and airy with tables lining the glass walls and spilling out into the garden area. Kids are happy playing in the secure playground, which has a CCTV link into the café, letting Mum and Dad enjoy a quiet break while the children play.

Food Style: This daytime café has a fabulous selection of cabinet food including tasty savoury tarts and club sandwiches, fresh salads and delicious baking. The blackboard menu has more substantial dishes like a potato and spring onion pancake with fresh salmon, or bruschetta with fresh basil and bocconcini. The kids’ menu has some great healthy options and the coffee is always good.

Perfect When: Looking for a quiet spot to meet for coffee, to take a break from shopping, or an easy, safe place to relax with the littlies.

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm and
Saturday/Sunday/public hols 9am - 4.30pm.                                                      50

First Impressions: The Honest Lawyer is an excellent traditional English style country pub that you can visit for a drink, meal or longer stay.

Ambience: Inside the walls and ceiling are filled with memorabilia of past centuries. The rooms are cosy with an open fire and a bar that wraps around an oak tree, while outside is a sundrenched courtyard with braziers if needed.

Food Style: The restaurant offers an English style meal with a twist of the Pacifica for evening dining. A snack menu is offered all day and includes delicious devonshire teas. A breakfast menu runs from 7am to 10.30am 7 days a week.

Perfect When: You are organising a special occasion, group function, conference, wedding, birthday or having a quiet drink.

Open: 7 days from 7am till late. Accommodation.

                                                                                                                           51

First Impressions: Situated on the Monaco Peninsula, next door to the Monaco Hotel & Resort, The Orangerie is designed for a little indulgence in an elegant and tastefully furnished dining room.

Ambience: Exuding a sophistication of the old-world, the restaurant is fashioned on the conservatory-styled building (Orangerie) that grew citrus in renaissance France. The architecture and décor are reminiscent of such European grace and culture to create truly divine surrounds.

Food Style: Presenting contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a French accent, your fine dining occasion will be one to savour. The menu changes seasonally to focus on fresh and innovative dishes that have been superbly inspired by the kitchen to reflect the
French influence.

Perfect When: You are seeking a wonderful time of culinary indulgence. Perfect to enjoy as a languid lunch or ever-lasting evening - romance assured!

Open: 7 days a week.
Breakfast 7am - 10.30am, Lunch Fare Noon - 2.30pm.
Evening Dining 6pm - Midnight.                                                                          52

First Impressions: Put a little ‘Ra’ in your day at this warm, bright and bubbly licensed café in the heart of Richmond. Indoor outdoor seating.

Ambience: A vibrant colour scheme gives Ra’s a style all of its own. The accent is on ‘intimate and cosy’ so you’re always made to feel welcome whether you are on your own or with friends.

Food Style: The ALL-DAY BREAKFAST is a legend; choices include French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Waffles and much, much more. Every day is a GOURMET DAY; gourmet pizzas, gourmet burgers, fresh panini’s, wraps and nachos, delicious fresh salads and more. DELICIOUS! A tasty and exciting VEGETARIAN MENU is also available at all times. RA’S ARE PROUD TO SERVE ORGANIC FAIR TRADE COFFEE. THEY ARE KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE REGION FOR SERVING THE PERFECT COFFEE EVERYTIME!

Perfect When: You feel like slipping into another world of fantastically tasty food; a place where character and hospitality are always in style.

"Put a little 'Ra' in your day with Ra's Café".

Open: 7.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. 9am - 2pm Saturday.
Small Functions and off-site catering by arrangement.                                        53

First Impressions: Opposite the library in Richmond, Zara’s Turkish kebabs is owned and operated by a Turkish family who provide authentic Turkish food.

Ambience: Transport yourself to another world, including authentic seating and rich tapestries, ethnic music and vibrant colours.
Enjoy your meal in genuine surroundings.

Food Style: The blackboard menu offers a good choice of kebabs: beef, chicken, vegetarian or mixed selections, being spit roasted chicken and beef, chicken and falafel or beef and falafel. Try the Turkish Iskender - a rice dish with salad and sauces, tortillas with chicken, beef, mixed or vegetarian options. Hummus, tabouli, zucchini/carrot fritters and Panjar salads are also recommended. No Turkish meal is complete without Baklava or Turkish Delight.

Perfect When: You want a healthy takeaway alternative or want to relax over a decidedly different ethnic experience.

Open: 7 days in summer and six days in winter from 11am - 9pm. Children/families welcome, group functions by arrangement.                                                        54

First Impressions: The moment you walk in the door at Bouterey’s the elegance and warmth of the interior whispers of the fantastic dining experience you are about to enjoy. This is relaxed dining Nelson-style, with excellent customer service.

Ambience: Spacious and inviting, with soft colours and lighting, Bouterey’s has created an atmosphere that you melt into and call ‘home’. The décor is simply the backdrop, for the food takes centre stage. Enjoy drinks and snacks in the comfy bar.

Food Style: Exquisite. Not surprising when you have a Michelin-trained chef behind the cuisine! Showcasing the best of the Tasman’s delicacies, accompanied by home-made condiments and breads - trust their menu with your tastebuds, and you will not be disappointed.

Perfect When: You would like a memorable evening of fine food and wine, whether with friends, visitors to the region or as a couple.

Open: Monday to Saturday for dinner.
Bar open from 4pm. Dinner from 6pm.
Please phone for extended summer hours.                                                          55

First Impressions: Cleverly transformed old stables with old heritage charm, an aged brick exterior, polished wood floors and expansive bar greet you warmly.

Ambience: Deceptively large you can dine in two separate adjoining rooms, one upstairs in a ‘loft’, relax in the outside courtyard and enjoy the big-screen action, or pull up a pew at the bar. This place hums at the weekend and has a great local following.

Food Style: Delicious food and great value, the menu boasts kiwi favourites - upmarket pub style. Large cuts of Scotch Fillet and
T-Bone are likely to satisfy the largest of appetites, enjoy local seafood or tuck into an all day breakfast and bring the kids.

Perfect When: You’re after a satisfying dinner with the family, want to watch the big game with the locals or enjoy a pint with friends.

Open: Monday - Wednesday 11am - late.
Thursday - Sunday 9am - late.                                                                             56

First Impressions: A cosy and friendly café/restaurant with a vibrant personality. Citrus the Café has plenty to offer the café connoisseur and food lover alike.

Ambience: A bright, yet down-to-earth café, you will feel relaxed here. Citrus the Café provides a casual and intimate space in which to dine, or enjoy a quick coffee & cake break.

Food Style: Café by day, restaurant by night - with a menu that changes with the season, and at the chef’s whim! Look forward to the night’s blackboard specials, or embrace the internationally styled lunch menu where fresh local ingredients are favoured - premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood are tempters.

Perfect When: You need to wind down after a whirlwind of shopping, catch up on postcard writing over coffee, or are looking for a delicious dinner to round off your day.

Open: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday 10am - 4pm.
Thursday - Friday 10am - 8pm.
Saturday 10am - 3pm.                                                                                        57

First Impressions: Set amidst the busy Richmond shopping thoroughfare, Ambrosia Café is a great place to discover at the Queen Street entrance to the Richmond Mall.
Ambience: Colourful and vibrant atmosphere with Paula Fitzgerald art on the walls. Buzzy as people come and go!

Food Style: Enjoy their freshly baked yummy muffins and cakes with locally roasted Pomeroy’s coffee. Lunch includes light snacks and seasonally changing mains, prepared using only the freshest local produce. Vegetarian meals and special dietary requests can be catered for. Their fantastic weekend breakfast menu is served all day and is a speciality of the café.

Perfect When: You need to take a breath and re-energise with a coffee and great food, when meeting friends over lunch!

Private functions and catering for any occasion is available on request. Wireless internet available to all customers.

Open: Monday - Friday from 7.30am - 5pm, Thursday evenings
till late, Saturday & Sundays 9.30am - 3pm.                                                        58