Five Food Streets of Nelson

Plant-based food pioneer East St Café knows how to make all things veggies well. Hearty food, great atmosphere and a wide range of craft beers and local wines make this Nelson restaurant a favourite amongst omnivores and vegans alike. Weekly and monthly live gigs top it all off.

Next door to East St, Nicola’s Cantina serves self-proclaimed semi-authentic Mexican Food in a colourful and bustling environment. Expect tasty tacos, big burritos and excellent margaritas, friendly service and overall good vibes.

Across the road, Kush Café and Roastery serves great coffee and delicious food within eclectic, retro-infused interiors. Kush sources organic, fair-trade beans from small farms focusing on quality over quantity. Grab beans for your home coffee making purposes here as well.

Sublime Brew Bar is a one-stop shop for serious coffee drinkers. A celebration of coffee in its purest form, at Sublime you’ll be sipping expertly crafted single-origin coffee. No espresso machine, just the good stuff how it should be. Find a selection of homemade cinnamon buns, scones and biscuits to accompany that cuppa.

Next door to Sublime, Workshop Brewery offers a selection of on-site-brewed beer and a food menu starring pizza and burgers. There’s a roaring fire to keep you warm on a winter’s day and outdoor seating for those sunny Nelson summers.

Just down the street, you’ll find a gate that leads you to the secret garden of DeVille. With plenty of outdoor seating, a sunny day is where this café comes to life but indoors is just as cosy. Expect a breakfast and lunch menu, plus excellent coffee and a good selection of local craft beer and wine.

Just across the road from Deville, Red 16 churns out delicious tacos until late and sports a hefty drinks list. A casual, cosy and intimate atmosphere with regular live music and open mike nights.

Right on the corner of Kirby Lane, you’ll find The Kitchen. Simple yet enticing, just like the food it offers, this café is a great spot for people-watching while enjoying great coffee and healthy food. You’ll find plenty of paleo and keto options, as well as vegan and vegetarian. 

The resident food trucks on Kirby Lane, Mister Karaage, Rea’s Tacos and Saed’s Falafel keep everyone well fed with Japanese, tacos and Palestinian culinary goodness while visiting food trucks such as Viva la Vaca (don’t walk past their empanadas) brings in flavours from Argentina. 

Sitting pretty at the beginning of Nelson’s unofficial food street, Hardy St Eatery prides itself on making just about everything on-site – think preserves and sourdough bread. This European-style eatery serves expertly crafted simple, tasty dishes in a beautiful architecturally designed space.

Further down the street, you’ll find another true foodie experience at Arden Bar & Kitchen. Tapas style dishes that are designed to share, yet also perfect for the solo diner, great atmosphere and friendly service. Minimalistically appealing décor, seasonal food, plus a wide variety of natural wines makes Arden a must visit.

Up a block from Arden sits Parts & Service, a light industrial dining space focusing on charcoal-fired food. Meat and fish are cooked in a coal-fired oven, resulting in flavoursome, delicate results. Fresh seasonal ingredients and a menu filled with options from small plates to accompany a drink to the full dinner experience.

Right next door to Parts & Service sits another restaurant worth getting to know. Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery functions as much as a bar as a restaurant. Sit along the open kitchen and watch the chef at work, or park on the bar side and let the drinks list be the focus of deliberation. Fresh oysters and an ever-evolving international menu filled with surprising and delicious dishes.

Local institution Hopgoods restaurant provides a touch of elegance and well-considered fine dining with modern seasonal bistro food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bringing the flavours of South-East Asian street food to Nelson is Harry’s Hawker House. Their range of delicious shared plates is created with ingredients that are close to 80% homegrown and self harvested, resulting in a true garden to plate experience in a bustling and fun environment.

Another notable mention is family-owned burger joint Burger Culture. This family-owned spot has been slinging burgers and shakes since 2007, and has earned its place on the must-try of anyone's Nelson food hit list.