The Indian Café Nelson
+64 3-548 4089+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Mon
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$12.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Come and visit us for the most authentic taste of Indian cuisine! Situated right in the heart of the Nelson CBD, our warm and homely surroundings will add to your whole dining experience.
PRICE RANGE
$12.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
989 reviews
Excellent
673
Very good
212
Average
66
Poor
21
Terrible
17
Ian H
Mount Maunganui45 contributions
Sept 2020 • solo
Dined here as recommended by my motel. Great choice and one of the best indian meals ever. Tasty and good portions. Chicken tikka masala was enough for 2 with light fluffy rice and a garlic naan I really did not need the onion bhaji I ordered. Top Mark's all round
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lara F
Upper Hutt172 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
Being Easter Monday there was a 10% surcharge and whilst we normally boycott places that add a surcharge on public holidays we decided the amount would be minimal and there weren’t too many places open.
We arrived about 5.30pm and it was reasonably busy. We were seated inside having been given a choice of indoor or outdoor dining.
The menu certainly had plenty of options to choose from. I had the Chicken Nawabi and a Garlic Naan, my partner had the Lamb Vindaloo ordered Indian hot and a Peshwari Naan.
It was just over an hour when our meals came out, however they were very busy and it had slowly got busier in the time we’d been waiting.
We both enjoyed our meals, the Chicken Nawabi was something completely new I hadn’t tried and my partner said his Lamb Vindaloo was hot without losing the flavour.
My Garlic Naan was good, however the Peshwari Naan my partner ordered was rather disappointing. He’s had Peshwari Naans before which have always been full of fruit and nuts - this one was very lacking in fruit and nuts.
Certainly worth coming here if you want an enjoyable meal.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family. Sorry about the peshwari naan, we will certainly look into it.
Written 7 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family Sówka
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
My husband and I celebrated my birthday here with our 2 and a half year old son (I'm also 8 months pregnant). We had booked early (5pm) and the restaurant was nice and quiet at this time. We ordered the Banquet for 2, which was a really great choice as it came out with a beautiful and yummy entrée which was the perfect size to get our appetites going. Then the mains came - a generous serving of rice with FOUR different dishes to sample, accompanied by naan bread. Afterwards a delicious dessert came out which was just the right size after the indulgent main we'd finished!
The food was absolutely delicious and I was in heaven! All the people who served us, from the reception staff to our lovely waitresses, were attentive, wonderfully efficient and so friendly. I couldn't recommend this restaurant more, its my new favourite in Nelson!!!
Thanks Indian Café and Restaurant for a wonderful dining experience.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 21 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
June F
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
My favourite Indian restaurant in Nelson. Really good food and service 🙂 Good for families, couples and groups. On a sunny evening, getting Indian takeaways delivered across the road to The Freehouse pub where you can sit outside in the sunshine is very pleasant! Brilliant idea 😁
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, it's really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FushNChips
Christchurch285 contributions
Feb 2020 • solo
I can see why this restaurant occupies the #1 spot. I ordered a Dahl Makhani and asked for it ‘Indian hot’, the meal came out within 15mins and the portion size was very generous. Spice level was good (could have been a touch hotter), it was piping hot and absolutely delicious. Accompanied the meal with a Stoke Dark beer, came to just under $21. Great value, excellent service from the two waitresses... perfect way to end the day!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 31 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter F
Nelson13 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We dined at this Cafe with friends a month before the Level 4 lockdown, twice got takeaways when we got to Level 3 and twice again once we got down to Level 2.
The meals are extremely authentic, very tasty and well priced.
A bonus is that all the curries are gluten free and they also have a few vegetarian dishes.
The service is attentive and friendly both for in-house dining and for takeaways.
Our favourites are Aloo Matar and Chicken Madras.
I am just heading in there now to pick up those meals. Highly recommended for Nelson residents and visitors.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 21 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camille
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • couples
I don’t even really eat meat but OMG the Lamb Rogan Josh (hot spice level, if you can handle it) is out of this world! And the potato naan was something different for us but it was divine. Such a filling meal and the portions appear average but to a long way. My partner and I split this plus a garlic naan and another delicious curry and we both had enough for lunch the next day. I also love that they are now charging $0.50 for takeaway containers, showing their environmentally conscious side. So, be prepared and maybe bring your own container if you’re not one to finish a big curry. Love this place and am now going to be a regular. 😍
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerala Spicegirl
Auckland87 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Had dinner here on the recommendation of several locals. We only ordered from the Tandoor section of the menu so could not commend on other options. We were seated straight away and our food came out fast. The food was well spiced and served on cast iron which kept it nice and warm for longer particularly since we chose to sit outside. The meat options, particularly the lamb chops, were overdone and the chicken somewhat dry. Very tasty though. My only complaint is being told that the prices on the menu were no longer current after I placed my order.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
We are glad that you enjoyed your meals but were disappointed with the meat texture. we will certainly look into and correct it.
we are extremely sorry about the price disagreement which should not have happened as at present we are in the process of coming out with our new menu.
Your feedback is really appreciated.
Written 8 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mattrea2018
Nelson-Tasman Region4 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We arrived at 6.30 with 3 kids in tow. We were seated straight away. Orders were taken promptly and entrees and meals came out quickly with the offer of the kids meals coming at same time of entrees. Everyone enjoyed their meals.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family.
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mischa D
London1 contribution
Mar 2022 • none
Went to this Indian restaurant recently, and absolutely loved the food. The most authentic Indian cuisine I've eaten outside of India, the food is bursting with flavour! We ordered the premium banquet which was reasonably priced for fine dining and how much food you get in it. Service was great, I personally love my food a bit more spicy and The Indian Café knew exactly how to cater to my rather fussy taste. Highly recommend!
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family.
Written 17 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Whio5
2 contributions
Jan 2021 • family
A meal at the Indian Cafe has become a family tradition for every visit we make to Nelson. Denise and her team ensure that every dining experience is personal, warm and friendly. The staff are attentive, the food is delicious, the serving sizes are generous, and the pricing is more than reasonable. We love the decor, inside and out, with attention to detail evident in every corner. A taste of the Malai Kulfi is an absolute must to finish your meal, cool and refreshing, and the perfect dish to share (and to then decide you want one of your own!).
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family.
Written 13 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NMVino
Hamilton303 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
We had booked a table and when we arrived it wasn’t too full but in a short time it had really filled up and there were a lot of reserved tables. We could also see that they were very busy with take-aways too. The service was friendly and efficient, the food outstanding…. Our entrees; the chicken tikka and fish tikka were cooked to perfection. Some of the best fish tikka I’ve had in years! We were certainly not disappointed with our curries either and they know their heat levels too so you do get what you want. I asked if they did cauliflower rice so we could have one basmati rice alongside and yes they did – what a refreshing change and just goes to show that they are adapting to changing tastes/diets etc, again cooked perfectly. The roti and plain naan breads were some of the best, so light and fluffy. Shame they are not situated in our City as they would give some of the other Indian Restaurants a run for their money! If you want a great curry then look no further.
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family.
Written 17 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LouMatt2011
Wellington18 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Walked in on a Friday later afternoon, 5.30pm with no reservation. We were seated, level 2 Covid restrictions being adhered to which was great to see. Helpful and friendly staff who had no problem with us taking ur 16 month old. It was busy with people and got busier as we were leaving.
Thee adults dined, myself, husband, brother and our little man. The men had two beers each, we each had a main dish and a naan and little man had a chicken tikka. Came to $110, outstanding value!
Food was delivered quickly and hot plates were served, Having hot plates instead of cold is great before serving food! The food was delicious, the first time i had eaten a whole curry dish to myself. Little Mans first curry too and he loved it.
The manager was great with the staff, firm but friendly and clear directions. Great to hear and see. Overall a fantastic experience and would highly recommend.
Written 10 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family.
Written 12 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celia
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Lovely food, however the waiting staff were unable to 'grasp' an entree is eaten BEFORE the main course - this got lost...our entree arriving with the main event! Waiting staff told us "That's how we do it"!!! Excuse me?
To top it off, I witnessed a waitress with a tea towel around her neck (scarf style), her hair over the towel, she whipped the towel out and proceeded to dry the freshly washed cutlery! Hygiene standards appalling. Please train staff in basic sanitary standards. Won't be back!
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paullF3773WD
Thank you so much for your feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe family. Sorry about the problems mentioned above, they have been looked into and corrective measures have been taken.
Written 1 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordon
Nelson42 contributions
Feb 2021 • solo
As a die hard Vindaloo fan, I've found it lacking somewhat in most of the Indian restaurants in NZ. Not so here, it comes hot and spicy as it should without requesting it to be so. From the friendly greeting on entering the premises, through the entree of Vegetable samosas, to tickle the taste buds, to the Chicken Vindaloo, and plain Nann, it was a great culinary experience, with great service. Cool atmosphere too.
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about your recent visit with us, its really appreciated from The Indian Cafe' family.
Written 13 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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