New Zealand outdoor dining in Nelson NZ

First impressions: Songs of praise may indeed spring to mind for this charming, historic Methodist Church reborn into a café in a rural setting surrounded by glorious gardens.

Ambience: The interior is intimate. The architecture and large stained glass windows provide a very unique décor and talking point. Outside the garden and grounds are the perfect setting to stop and relax.

Food Style: Contemporary and easy! Nibble on the popular Country Platter for Two or a bowl of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. For lunch the menu is varied, simple and delicious. Fresh, local, seasonal produce is served up creatively.

Perfect When: You just feel like a great coffee! Of course you can also partake in a light meal or delicious soup, or share a platter and a bottle of wine with friends.

Open: All day till late 7 days                                                                                59

First Impressions: Vineyard dining is a signature regional experience especially here at the home of Waimea Estates wines. Sunshine, wine, fantastic food - sublime!

Ambience: Choice of indoor and outdoor dining, flowing out to the grapevines. Local music is live every Sunday, 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

Food Style: Country cuisine using Nelson-sourced ingredients such as Tasman Bay Seafood Chowder, Marlborough Green Shell Mussels and Ngatamoti Lamb Rump. Menu changes seasonally.

Perfect When: Lazy weekends roll around and you are out exploring the region; also for weekday lunches, functions, weddings and celebrations.

Open: 7 days, 11am - 5pm, October - March and Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 4pm, April - September, for wine tasting and purchase, lunches and snacks.
Available for special functions, 7 days, all year
by arrangement.                                                                                                 60

First impressions: Set amongst the vineyards, a short drive from Nelson is Seifrieds Vineyard Restaurant, built on the legacy of Nelson’s earliest wine makers, the Seifried family.

Ambience: The striking Royce McGlashen painted banners suspended from the high ceiling draw you into the spacious indoor dining area. Relax outdoors, surrounded by vines, with a backdrop of glorious mountains, while the children have fun in the playground.

Food Style: This fine dining establishment uses as much local and seasonal produce as possible. Their platters featuring home smoked fish, homemade chutneys & relishes and freshly baked bread are favourites all year round. The menu changes seasonally and all dishes are matched with Seifrieds’ delicious wines. Homemade desserts and Pomeroy’s coffee are also available.

Perfect When: Entertaining guests, for special occasions and a delicious stop-over before or after exploring the Coastal Highway or Rabbit Island.

Groups, function facilities, children/families welcome.

Open: All year round for lunches. Evening dining during summer holidays and by reservation during the rest of the year.                                                              61

First impressions: Rustic, historic, the centre of the village, homely and family orientated.

Ambience: The all wooden interior and exterior offers a warm atmosphere enhanced by a large glowing open fireplace. High ceilings give a feeling of space, with cosy corners for small groups and couples.

Food Style: Something for all tastes and value for money for everyone. Tuck in to hearty servings of seafood, Italian or Traditional Kiwi cuisine, and delicious platters laden with local produce, desserts, brunch and salads. There is also a children’s menu.

Perfect When: Friends are visiting, winter by the fire beckons; you feel like a romantic getaway . . . and discover the wine bar with its light meals, huge wine selection, and Internet café and big screen entertainment.

Open: 7 days for brunch, lunch and dinner. Children & families welcome.            62

First impressions: Warm welcome, divine aroma and frequently described as “as good as the best Europe has to offer”. Easy to see why The Naked Bun Patisserie and Café is gaining a world class reputation for its pastries.

Ambience: Relaxed and friendly, chill out over a grilled panini, vegetarian samosa or heart-warming soup and crusty bread. A welcoming meeting place for Mapua locals and visitors alike. Indoor/outdoor seating.

Food Style: Using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques, The Naked Bun produces some of the very best European style pastries, breads and cakes available. Don’t forget to end your meal with an individual sweet treat or perhaps a wickedly good espresso. A delicious breakfast menu in the weekends includes such favourites as Eggs Benedict and French Toast.

Perfect When: You remember that something so simple as a snack, or light as a lunch can be turned into something special, be it to eatit in or takeout.

Children welcomed. Speciality cakes availa ble. Fully licensed.

Open: 7 days. Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm.

Saturday and Sunday 8am - 4.30pm                                                                   63

First Impressions: Come and enjoy this bar and café in the relaxed coastal village of Mapua - this contemporary restaurant has recently reopened, and offers you a superb dining opportunity, or a quiet drink on the wharf.

Ambience: A lovely herb scented terrace awaits you, for mid morning coffee and home-made cakes through the day to the evening sunset with views over the Mount Arthur range, or come inside where you will always find a warm and friendly welcome. Maybe you’ll come and enjoy the legendary Music on the Wharf.

Food Style: With an abundance of Modern Mediterranean influences, Monte E Mare offers wholesome, home-cooked treats such as fresh stuffed pasta, mezze platters or local fresh seafood, alongside more traditional delicacies. A well stocked bar and cellar offer both regional and National wines, beers and soft drinks.

Perfect When: You want something all your friends and family can enjoy together.

Open: Daily from 10am until late. Closed on Tuesdays.                                        64

First Impressions: Exquisite dining and stunning views greet the diner at The Smokehouse Café. The Smokehouse itself is hidden in an historic smokehouse, beautifully renovated to capture the essence of relaxed Nelson dining.

Ambience: Draw your gaze from the wonderful fare to enjoy views of the Waimea estuary and beyond. Outside diners enjoy the landscaped setting under canopy, in the fresh air.

Food Style: The smoked products make up a large part of the café menu and it doesn’t stop at fish either! There’s also plenty to choose from the “smokefree” menu, an innovative selection influenced by the seasons. Nelson’s other culinary stars also feature here - scallops, mussels, cockles and King salmon.

Perfect When: You’re looking to impress friends and family by the unique experience that only The Smokehouse Café can offer.
Par excellence!

Open: Summer: 7 days and nights.
Winter: 7 days 10am - 5pm.                                                                                65

First Impressions: On the waterfront of Mapua, Flax is renowned for its location - situated in an old charming wharf with stunning views up the estuary to the open sea. Outdoor seating bathes in sunlight during the day and delicious natural décor oozes warmth in the evening.

Ambience: Friendly and inviting, Flax will appeal to families and
couples alike.

Food Style: Simple food, done well, delicious and hearty. Expect a bit of the traditional mixed with a few more creative menu options to keep you pondering. Lamb Shanks, T-Bone, Pizzas, Burgers and succulent Pork Belly are all presented to a high standard that will keep families coming back time and again.

Perfect When: You have a few mouths to feed and you want to ensure that the whole family will find something they can enjoy, or feel like relaxing at the waterfront.

Open: Summer hours September to May 11am to late.
Winter evening dining only.
Bookings recommended.                                                                                     66

First Impressions: A Nelson icon since 1991. The Jester House Café combines a fun family environment with intriguing garden, tame eels and wholesome and satisfying cuisine. A must-visit destination.

Ambience: Rebuilt in 2006 as a sustainable eco-building it oozes creativity with a relaxed, rural character - from the giant toaster to the big chess game on the lawn. The play ground and spacious lawns means parents can relax while children play nearby.

Food Style: Tasty and homemade. Lunch menu includes pan-fried fish, salads, focaccia sandwiches, kids plates or try a platter to share. Where ever possible they use local organic produce. To drink, there's great Nelson wines and beers, fair trade coffee, local juices and their famous grandma's lemonade.

Perfect When: Showing guests the essence of Nelson, entertaining the family, or when you feel like great fun, awesome food and a day out in the sunshine.

Open: Summer 9am - 5pm 7 days a week.
Winter Friday/Saturday/Sunday 9am - 4.30pm.                                                  67

First impressions: Discover an art garden, and indoor/outdoor dining at this innovative and appealing café where you can pursue creativity while enjoying the café cuisine.

Ambience: Open and relaxed, this is a great venue for couples out exploring the beautiful region, and for families who like space and time to recharge!

Food Style: Mediterranean cuisine: wraps and pitas, yummy brushetta, fish, char-grilled chicken skewers with chilli aioli. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options. Desserts and healthy options for the children.

Perfect When: A blend of relaxation and retail therapy in the gallery appeals. When you feel like an unhurried morning or afternoon tea, for tasty lunches.

Open: 7 days a week. Summer 9am - 7pm, Winter 9am - 5pm.                            68

First impressions: Located on the main street, great outdoor dining area. Modern décor.

Ambience: The modern styling complements the relaxing, friendly atmosphere. The friendly staff cater to every need, be it breakfast, dinner, a delicious snack, or superb coffee.

Food Style: During the day we have our breakfast and lunch menu, also an extensive range of cabinet food and pizza’s. At night, our evening menu has entrées, steaks, roast, seafood, chicken, pizza’s, vegetarian meals, delicious desserts and a kid’s menu. Fully licensed with a large range of wine and beer.

Perfect When: The mood takes you. No matter what time of the day it is just perfect.

Families/children welcome, groups/functions by arrangement.

Open: 7 days a week 8am to late (summer open at 7.30am)                               69

First Impressions: Cool and contemporary Celsius Café and Bar turns up the standard for delicious, authentic food for the discerning diner.

Ambience: Relaxed and intimate Celsius provides an environment which is both stylish and welcoming. Relax in the sofa chairs, dine inside or out or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Food Style: Begin with a delicious brunch. Daily fare includes gourmet savouries, chilli chicken wraps, innovative salads, chocolate caramel hazelnut tart, blueberry frangipani tarts and orange syrup cake. Evening mains are fresh and contemporary including zesty orange and pistachio chicken salad, salmon bruschetta and coconut dahl stack.

Perfect When: You need to take a refreshing break, or want to dine out on fresh, consistent, quality cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting.

Open: Summer: 7 days till late
Winter: Monday - Sunday daily,
Friday - Saturday 8am till late.                                                                            70

First Impressions: Step into a world where Kiwi cuisine and Italian pizzas and pastas live in delicious harmony! The European décor features a gorgeous Fresco festooned with cheeky cherubs.

Ambience: Experience the hospitality and the warm vibrant atmosphere, alive with the aromas of pizzas and pastas all made fresh on the premises daily. For a great blend of Italian and Kiwi cuisine - this is the real deal.

Food Style: The menu starts with the signature dish; ‘seafood chowder’, made with fresh local mussels and other seafood delicacies. The fresh pastas are immensely popular from Fettuccine, Spaghetti and Meatballs, to Carbonara and Lasagnes. The Pizzas are legendary - choose from Classic - such as Hawaiian or Romano, or Gourmet Pizzas such as Seafood Salmon Salad, Cranberry and Chicken, Vegetarian Nightmare (Meat Lovers) and loads more.

Perfect When: Flavour, value, ambience, Italian cuisine and awesome pizzas are high on your list!

Open: Monday - Friday 9am till late. Saturday & Sunday from 5pm.
Breakfast before 9am by prior arrangement.
Winter hours vary. Closed Sunday nights in the winter.                                      71

First impressions: It’s not until you venture inside that you truly appreciate the attention to detail from the Thai costumes to Thai art on the walls to the extensive menu. Authentic Thai is the word.

Ambience: Warm interior colours combine with rich wood to cosset you in an inviting environment that exudes hospitality Thai style.

Food Style: Bring a big appetite; the authentic menu is made from fresh ingredients, entrees, soups, Thai salads, curry, stir fried delicacies, noodles and rice, seafood. Just the right balance of sweet, sour, spicy and creamy. Dessert and good coffee.

Perfect When: Your taste buds are tingling for garlic, chilli, coriander and coconut milk. Takeaway menu provides awesome dine at home options.

Open: 7 days 11am - 2pm lunch, 5pm - late dinner.                                            72

First impressions: Waterfront location with decks and expansive views over the golden sands of Kaiteriteri beach - does it get any better than this!

Ambience: Relaxed, casual, sunny, you’re here to enjoy yourself!

Food Style: Kick start the day with a traditional kiwi breakfast or eggs benedict. For lunch or dinner let one of our highly trained chefs prepare your choice from our exciting à la carte menu. Accompany this with one of our premium local wines then indulge yourself from our house made desserts followed by exceptional Vivace coffee.

Perfect When: You require an exotic location with superb cuisine whether for lunch or dinner.

Functions/weddings are welcome.

Open: 7 days form 8am. A la carte evening dining, reservations essential.           73

First Impressions: A casual restaurant capturing the relaxed Kaiteriteri lifestyle with a ‘pacific rim’ à la carte menu and fantastic dining experience.

Ambience: A friendly relaxed environment where good food, wine and entertainment can be enjoyed by all.

Food Style: Superb à la carte dining with a cooking style that enhances the flavors’ of local produce. Gourmet manuka wood fired pizzas, eat in or takeaway. Dine-in and be amazed at the choice from Mediterranean style flat breads, traditional New Zealand rack of lamb, wild venison, Italian braised rabbit & scallops, just to name a few temptations.
The manuka wood fired pizzas promise such exotic toppings as shrimp, prawns and roasted red peppers, through to Mediterranean chicken, and there’s also delicious fish n chips. Takeaways with an edge!

Perfect When: Celebrating with good friends over great food and fine wines. Part of Kaiteri Lodge, perfect for weddings, functions and conferencing (call 03 527 8281).

Open: 4pm till late, October until May.
Closed June - September unless pre-arranged, please call.                                   74

First impressions: Exquisite food and fantastic views greet the visitor to Hooked on Marahau. A feast for both the eyes and the appetite await, along with a truly memorable dining experience.

Ambience: Located on the Marahau waterfront at the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, you’ll dine in one of the most gorgeous settings imaginable. Inside, be cocooned in the warmth and friendliness, or head outdoors for the best possible views. Licensed waterfront dining at its best.

Food Style: Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are offered, along with home-baked takeaway snacks, Atomic coffee and a fine selection of New Zealand wines and local Macs Beers on tap. Every meal is something special, created with the pick of fresh, local produce.

Perfect When: You’re looking for a little slice of paradise! A unique experience that will satiate all the senses.

Open: Everyday. Closed in winter June till September.
          Available for functions.                                                                             75

First impressions: This café has beautiful views out over the native wetlands to the incredible coastline. It is situated at the entrance to the Park.

Ambience: Relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere. The café blends harmoniously into the environment.

Food Style: Browse the extensive menu offering breakfast, light meals, snacks, and a delicious range of evening à la carte meals. Lots of care and attention goes into creating healthy cuisine with fresh produce, herbs, fruit and many vegetables grown in the organic garden. A range of counter cuisine is also available such as muffins, chicken filo pie and cakes..

Perfect When: A cold beer or a refreshing fruit shake beckons on a hot summer’s day, you’ve walked the National Park track, when you feel like watching the moon rise over the sea and islands. Magic!

Families/children welcome. We welcome large groups.

Open: 7 days from mid September to May 8am till late, closing time may vary.   76

First impressions: At the quiet northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park, dine overlooking the Awaroa wetlands or in the outdoor courtyard surrounded by native bush and birds, open year round.

Ambience: Relaxed, stylish, authentic, captures the ‘energy and spirit’ of New Zealand.

Food Style: Creative contemporary cuisine inspired by the unique location and the Awaroa Lodge organic garden. Fresh herbs and greens are picked daily to complement superb, seafood, beef, lamb and vegetarian dishes. The wine and beverage list showcases New Zealand's premier vintages, wineries, regional boutique beers, natural juices and local roasted coffee.

Perfect When: You want to experience regional excellence, entertaining guests, for special occasions, corporate dining, when walking the coastal track. Very busy during January, try before December or after February for a more tranquil, relaxing visit.

No road access, please contact us for transport details.
Indoor/outdoor dining. Weddings and special occasions.

Open: From 8.00am - 8.00pm 7 days all year round.                                            77