Eating Nelson
With friends heading off on holiday to Nelson in the next few weeks, this was the gentle nudge needed to share a few favourite eating places from our May trip to Nelson and Marlborough. Whether you plan to eat out every night or simply grab provisions from the local farmers’ market or farm shop for a relaxing night in, there is no shortage of outstanding cafes, restaurants, wineries and local food producers to tantalise your taste buds.
Flying in early evening, we were delighted to discover Harrys on our first night out in Nelson; a short stroll from the Consulate Apartments, our home for the next 9 days. A little chilly to be sitting outdoors in May, we grabbed a table inside. The casual eatery had a convivial relaxed atmosphere with its Asian-style fare, and a drinks list jam-packed with local wines, boutique beers, and a very tempting cocktail list.
Harrys' fusion fare
Later in the week we enjoyed lunch with a view, quayside at The Boat Shed Cafe. Seated outside on the covered balcony, it was a tough decision choosing from their all day dining menu. It’s a great place to watch the sun set too.
The outside bar at Boat Shed Cafe
View from the port along to Boat Shed Cafe in distance
You can't go past New Zealand whitebait
On our only wet day away – Nelson is after all the sunniest place in New Zealand – we walked into the city for lunch at Urban Eatery. Shared plates, a glass or two of wine and a chat with the chef made for a relaxed and laid-back vibe.
Miso cured angus beef
Striking graffiti wall in Urban Eatery
But if after a few days out and about you fancy a night in, then mark Wednesdays in your calendar, as that’s when Nelson Farmers Market kicks into action in Morrison Square (10:30am – 3:30pm). Be delighted with the freshest fruit, vegetables and eggs to Neudorf Mushrooms saffron milkcaps – they keep their amazing form and colour when cooked – to macadamias and walnuts, fresh sourdough breads and pastries, and so much more seasonal produce.
Neudorf saffron milkcaps... retain shape and colour when cooked
If you've hired a car, take a 30 minutes scenic drive north from Nelson to Mapua Wharf, where you’ll find an array of restaurants, cafes and a microbrewery, arts and crafts and The Smokehouse – delicious hot-smoked seafood and pates perfect for your sharing platter if you fancy a night in.
Mapua Wharf
The Smokehouse at Mapua Wharf
Don’t forget to stop off at Mapua Country Store for local produce and Wangapeka Family Dairy for delicious award winning artisan cheeses on the way back.
Wangapeka Family Dairy
Enjoying a night in... hot-smoked warehou from The Smokehouse
And if you simply fancy a takeaway, the seafood pizza at Milton Street Takeaway is absolutely scrumptious, and you can grab a cheeky beer or wine at the Sprig & Fern pub next door while you wait – it’s a popular takeaway but the wait is worth it especially when you can grab a quick drink too.
Keep an eye out over the next few weeks for more posts on wineries, events and taking the scenic route around the Nelson and Marlborough region.
Enjoy your week.
Michelle