The only thing I hate about this place is it's approx 8,000 miles from my home. We started with a beer taster (5) and cracklings - it comes together and sparkling water. The cracklings - which I'm seldom a fan of, were delicious! Sometimes they are too heavy/ have a gamey taste and these were fresh and well salted with a hint of vinegar. Next we had the ceviche tacos which were incredible!! They came with big chunks of local fish, a bit of veggies and crispy nuggets ( wonton strips?) Thrn they finish it with a dollop of coconut whip cream ( not sweetened), a sprinkle of Chile lime salt and a squeeze of lemon. Absolute top 1% of ceviche I've ever consumed! And I eat ceviche a lot. This is a must order! The salt and pepper squid in a steamed bao bun was also very good, but after the ceviche it was tough to compete. I enjoyed the purple cabbage slaw with a good vinegar kick to cut the richness of the squid. Awesome wait staff too! Great place to eat in Nelson!! read more

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Overall great vibes and great flavors. They put a lot of care into changing up their menu regularly to showcase different local or seasonal items which makes for a fun experience. The service is a little hit or miss at peak times, and they seem to forget about us after we get seated, so prepare to be a bit assertive to get attention. read more

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Don't visit this place during busy times. They take on way too many customers/tables than they can service. We ordered just two dishes. Oysters, which doesn't require cooking, and one hot dish. The oysters came out after 10 mins, as expected. But after more than a hour, and no second dish, we walked out as they repeatedly gave untrustworthy wait times. When we ordered, we were told a 30 minute wait. After 50 minutes of no dish, we enquired. Waitress talked to chef, came back with an exact 7 minutes needed. 12 minutes later, still no dish. Waitress goes to kitchen again, comes back with 2 minutes. Guess what happened when 2 minutes later passed... No offer to comp dishes or drinks while waiting, no sincere apologies. Just an excuse than "it's busy at the moment, food will take longer". So yeah, just don't go during busy times. Clearly too popular and they're treating it like a cash cow now. Oysters weren't actually that good. Small oysters, not juicy and tasty. We had oysters at another place in town the same day, and it was night and day. read more

Quintessential. Best in class, lunch here left us happy and restored. The setting is open to the sidewalk so you can enjoy the outdoors. The Moki Cerviche was so fresh and the chunky chips with bulldog sauce were delicious, filling and fun. Nice selection of Brews including low alcohol and no alcohol suds. read more

What a gem in the city of Nelson. We got a recommendation from friends who had a delicious experience there. We had an equally incredible experience. Our wonderful server was Allie. She was attentive and very helpful. We started with the ceviche, followed by the salmon poke and also had the eggplant dish. Everything was perfect. Next time we are in Nelson we are going back! read more

Amazing 5 star service, good food Oysters! ! -Try all the different kinds, each has its own unique flavor, my personal favorite was the fruit shaved ice in it, the last favorite was the tempura one, but it was still good Lamb ribs - you gotta have the lamb in NZ, it is definitely less gamey and more fresh than whatever we have in the USA Escabeche -unfortunately this dish was quite fishy and dry, wouldn't recommend The service was on point and top notch , comparable to a high class restaurant where each dish is explained, sometimes by the cook The atmosphere was modern, a little sticky, and there were a ton of flies trying to eat the food as well Overall quite good, if i ever return. I would like to try the other dishes read more

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The restaurant I had wanted to go to had closed, so I decided to explore the "drag" in search of dinner. Came upon this place and was intrigued by the menu and the fact that it was packed seemed to indicate it was a popular place to be. They had a nice array of beer options from their in-house brewery as well as a nice assortment of domestic wines. I ended up doing the porkbelly steam buns, which were tasty and filling at 3 to the order. I also did a nice, local pinot blanc that came highly recommended by my excellent waitress. I don't know that I would come back as the pricepoint was a bit high for my particular liking, but I enjoyed the space, the accommodating staff, and the fact that it was an excellent spot for people-watching!w read more

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Can't speak highly enough. Kitchen team was fantastic, bar was rocking amazing drinks and the service was great. Every dish was outstanding. Would absolutely go back. read more

We went to Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery during off-hours, so it's hard to say what the normal environment looks like. When we were there (which was just when the kitchen opened for dinner), it was a little like a sad nightclub before anyone shows up -- loud music and no ambiance. We were expecting the food to match, but it really surprised: we tried a whole bunch of different small plate options and left really happy and satisfied. The kitchen knows what it's doing, and the service was, great too. They even turned the music down for us :) read more

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery - Gastropubs Near Me - Nelson, AUK

We swung in here for a late lunch and were pleasantly surprised! No oysters (not available at time given the local area availability), but we did order some of their prawn buns, olives, veggie of the day and a couple cocktails. They were all delicious! The veggie of the day had a little curry powder and kale chips and was delightful. The prawn buns were very different with the bai having a little chili flavor to them. Regarding the drinks, being from Chicago, we definitely a high bar when it comes to a good cocktail. While not quite Chicago level, they were some of the best old fashioneds we had in New Zealand! We would totally come back to this spot! read more

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Really enjoyed this spot--got a light dinner here while in Nelson before hitting the Abel Tasman trail. Our waitress Nicole was great and we were able to sit outside. What we ordered: Fresh fish escabeche with crispy rice - really fantastic! Lamb shoulder with tabbouleh If I ever come back to Nelson, I'll definitely come back here...would highly recommend. read more

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery - Fresh fish escabeche - Gastropubs Near Me - Nelson, AUK

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Loved this! Saw in Yelp it was one of 3 restaurants that had 5 stars in Nelson. Went to all 3. This was the most unique and the food was magnificent. One of the best dining experiences we've had on what is now week 3 of our 4 week trip to Australia and New Zealand. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and quite delicious! read more

Excellent food, wine, and service at this local gem restaurant in Nelson City Centre. The seafood dishes were our favorite.

Beautiful food. Loved the tapas, great for a social night. I'm not a fan of tofu generally, but they had a tofu dish that was incredible! Everything was delicious. Great service too. Looking forward to another night here. read more

We ordered basically everything Seafood on the menu and it was all outstanding! The place was packed on a Monday night but the service was still excellent! read more

Excellent! Arrived just after 8.00 and everything was full. Got put on the waiting list, stood at the bar and got a drink and ten minutes later, two seats at the back bar overlooking the kitchen became free, so we even got to see our food being made. They were almost sold out of oysters but we both had raw fish starters - the ceviche taco was brilliant and my wife's japanese soy sauce fish starter was just as good. Her venison main was though almost completely raw but my Thai fish cakes on sliders were great. Guest beer recommendation was Hopnoxius - really tasty. Busy, loud, not that cheap, but a great meal with friendly staff and definitely worth visiting. read more

We were seated at the bar looking into the kitchen which is always fun especially with friendly chefs. The food was pretty amazing. Every dish was fresh and FULL of flavour. We had the soft shell crab but all of the seafood looked like good options. Apparently a lot of their produce comes straight from a farm and all bread etc baked by them. It shows. Would definitely come back again if in Nelson. read more

Great share-plate restaurant with small portions of meticulously crafted flavors. Had the fresh oysters, picked farm to table greens, and venison pastrami. It was all so well cooked, presented, and paired. Highly recommended. Attentive service, quick food turnaround, and attractive interior read more

Delicious, imaginative food creations. We know people who travelled from Melbourne, to dine at the owner/chef's last restaurant. Here, we feel he's even better. read more

Lured by the Yelp reviews, and hooked by the friendly patter from the moment we stepped inside, I realised pretty soon this was a little bit of Ponsonby hipster in Nelson. Not exactly what I was searching for, but the pitch was solid and the pitchman engaging. Irony here the homegrown greens drew me but it rapidly became a flesh fest. A couple of oysters for junior & I (he's game). The escabeche was textured and the deep fried sushi very nutty. Lamb spare ribs rich and fatty. Pork buns rich and sweet. And SALTY! They really like their salt. All up, imagine Depot, minus the steam and airy hustle. More laid back and friendly. Would call this $$$ rather than $$, and a treat. House brews matched very well. The American Wheat was a mellow companion. read more

We stoped here on our way through to get lunch. The reviews were great so we gave it a go, and boy were we pleased! We had the sliders, pork buns, tacos and squid... all amazing! You cannot go wrong here. Good choice of local brews and wine as well. read more

For the second night in three, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Urban Eatery in Nelson! The wait staff is awesome while we sampled an impromptu wine tasting with some local oysters. Then we moved to the indoor side where we ate at the table overlooking the cooking staff. Again this was a great experience where we saw our food prepared with the skilled hands of the chefs, then presented with the great wait staff. Dinner was a sampling of much of what we didn't have two nights prior including the venison and the sashimi. The salad, which changes regularly, was again awesome! We did repeat the crispy lamb which was too good to pass up. The ability of the entire staff to present and create great food is amazing. If you find yourself in Nelson, stop by and enjoy a great meal in a great city! read more

This place is AMAZING. The food was incredible and the staff were extremely friendly. The place just had a constant great vibe. Food was also delivered without much of a wait. This place is definitely a must go if you visit Nelson #1 Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery and a well deserved 5/5 stars. Also I recommend the fish tacos and squid. read more

Had pork buns for lunch; they were delicious. Atmosphere is very nice as is the staff. Recommend this place.

No doubt our best meal in NZ! Didn't find many restaurants with fresh oysters, so were super happy to try a few varieties here. Their food is more of a cosmopolitan modern style with great flavors and beautiful presentation. Our favorites were sashimi - great fresh fish, and sliders - medium sized and packed with flavors. Highly recommend if you are in Nelson. read more

Fantastic dinner in Nelson! After walking the streets for about 10 minutes we made the decision to eat here after it looked (and sounded) like the most buzzing place around. The menu is all plates that are shared in your group, but don't let this phase you, it just adds to the fun. We got the beef brisket, kung pao chicken, salad of the day, sliders, and chips. These were all delicious and just right for four people. The vibe is great, the waiters and waitresses were delightful, and it's an overall great place. Hope you can find a seat, because it'll be a great time. read more

We had a great evening with outstanding food and super friendly service in a sophisticated but casual atmosphere!

Dropped in for dinner without reservation on this bustling restaurant with excellent vibe. After a short wait we were seated at the counter across from the kitchen. Every dish we ordered was superb, rivaling anything we've had at our favorite places in SAN Francisco, in inventiveness, flavor, and presentation. The roasted lamb, veggie roll, garden veggies and beer salad were all amazing. The veggies had been picked that morning, and tasted like it. Even the chips were delish, crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for scooping up the spicy mayo they come with. For dessert we tried the beet cheesecake with lemon-thyme meringue. I hate cheesecake but this was more like a mousse and amazing. Throughout we chatted with the wait staff and cooks, who were friendly and patient despite whirling around like dervishes trying to get everything out. I almost wish we were staying in Nelson one more night to go there again. read more

Friends (foodies) highly recommended this restaurant and we thoroughly enjoyed their very creative dishes, such as the smoked wagyu brisket and the sticky Korean lamb shoulders. Loved their fresh oysters, raw and tempura style. Would definite return here if we're back in Nelson. read more

Extraordinary! We stopped in around 4:00 after a long day of travel and had no idea what to expect. The oysters were fresh and sweet, the chicken liver pate was subtle and delicious - served with a local berry jam - sweet/tart to beautifully offset the pate. The "earth wrap" was astonishing! Shiitake mushrooms and vermicelli wrapped in cabbage leaves with pumpkin curry, whipped coconut cream and caramelized nuts. We hesitated, but ordered anyway and wow! If you visit, this is a must-order dish. The best meal we've had in New Zealand so far! read more

Outstanding menu and innovative presentation. Whow each dish had explosive flavor and freshness! We had the sashimi, beef brisket and pumpkin, and seasonal vegetables with a great Otago Pinot noir. Traveling from Vancouver Canada in New Zealand for the past month. We have loved the farm and sea to table cuisine throughout but this was the BEST!! read more

First time eating here and my socks were blown off! Had the oyster, had to order a second round. Best if tasted in NZ. Then sashimi oh man that was so good. Now waiting for the kungpoa chicken! Can't wait read more

Absolutely delicious! Husband and I had dinner here because we were craving oysters, and this place did not disappoint. Great service, great food, could not ask for a better dinner. The ceviche was a little light on lime juice, but everything else we ordered was fantastic (pork buns, pickled vege, lots of oysters). They have their own unique spin on the pickled vege and pork buns, and they were very tasty. read more

Having spent two weeks in Nelson enjoying sensational dining experiences at many places, this is a standout: exceptional food and exceptional service, both delivered in an unpretentious, relaxed and welcoming way. 5+ stars and do not, for Heaven's sake, walk past. read more

I so wish we had this restaurant in MY town, I would go every week. Every single tapas dish was a stand out! Jackie especially liked the sashimi, Marie liked the beef thing in lettuce cups, Julie loved the street corn and the service was lovely. A Perfect night out! read more