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Ratings and reviews

#1 of 22 Pub in Nelson
Travellers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
Bar, Pub, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
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meals, features, about
Reviews (769)
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746 results
Traveller rating
406
231
56
34
19
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
406
231
56
34
19
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All reviews ribs steak salad chicken fish and chips cheesecake potatoes great atmosphere great meal friday night visiting nelson pirate motel nz
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

We were in Nelson for three nights and ate here on our second night. It was so good that we went back there for our third night in Nelson - can’t give a much better recommendation than that The food was great. We had tacos...and burritos the first night and BBQ ribs and lamb duo ( from specials menu) the second night. All of these dishes were great but the lamb duo was the best - it was delicious Portion sizes are generous- be aware that the deserts are huge - we ordered one to share in the first night and glad we did when it arrived. We were too full the second night to have a desert Staff really friend and a nice atmosphere Prices very reasonableMore

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Visited for a quick bite to eat, excellent service, great food and food prices loved the fish and chips. Lots of meal options and would visit again

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Not only were the meals very good value for money, what stood out was the attitude and friendliness from all the staff, a real compliment to the owner

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 15 May 2023

Love this restaurant. It is soooo friendly, quick service (even when they are almost full). We went on the off chance on Mother's day that we would get a seat - and they were happy to find us a lovely spot for lunch. The food,...service and prices are all excellent. It has a great atmosphere - of Pirates in times gone by - so much to look at. Congratulations to the team.More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 8 May 2023

Had an after-wedding catch up with some family & friends here for a drink and dinner recently. The food was lovely, the staff were friendly, and overall there was a great atmosphere in the place. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. I must add, my parents had...ordered a taxi which hadn't turned up by closing time and when the owner noticed during lock-up, he kindly brought them home in his own car. A very kind gesture and one which they were very grateful. Thanks Smugglers.More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 6 May 2023

Disappointed, ordered a steak was nicely cooked but too small, came with a average sized baked potato with chives and sour cream, potato was powdery and coleslaw was average. For the price have had much better at other restaurants in Nelson. My son's burgers were...alright but the chips were greasy and looked like they had been through the deep fryer twice. Cheese cake was average. Ordered a beer and glass still had lipstick on it from previous customer. They replaced my beer which is fine but a little sorry about that wouldn't have gone astray. Can't say I will be heading back there any time soon. Average at best.More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 15 April 2023

What a awesome place to have food! Stumbled across it and now is one of my favorite places. Greeted with a smiles from all staff and the decor was unique. I ordered the lamb shoulder and it was among the best I've ever had, just...didn't want it to end. It left such a good imprint on me that I decided to buy one of their t shirts :)More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed 8 April 2023

Absolutely wonderful place to eat - the food, service & prices are all so excellent. The staff are extremely efficient and on top of everything. Delicious menu. Still the best.

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed 4 April 2023 via mobile

Disappointed after such good reviews on TripAdvisor to have to give this rating. When we arrived the place was busy so I went to what looked like the service area and asked if we could have a table for two. The woman looked at me...and then walked away. I then went to the bar and luckily found the other staff to be much friendlier and helpful. My husband had the fish and chips which he enjoyed but I mistakenly ordered the risotto. I should have learned to only order pub-style food in a pub. The risotto was chalky, the snapper was overcooked and, I think, had been frozen, and the whole meal swam in butter. I certainly wouldn't come here again.More

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 18 March 2023

Excellent Service & fun time had by all. Thank your to Mike and the team for a great time. For st patrick's day it was very busy, however the service was very very good and we all had a great time. Much appreciated. You made...our night. Again Thank you to all.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 4 March 2023 via mobile

Came here to enjoy a beer with friends. Ended up staying for dinner. Obviously popular on a Friday night. Decent food, good staff and atmosphere

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed 20 February 2023 via mobile

Not recommended for vegetarians!!! One option. After my family received their meat meals my vege burrito was missing. Waited politely for 15minutes to receive a chicken burrito!! Err no, chicken is meat. Knocking a beer off my tab didn’t fill my belly. Went home hungry....Smuggler’s sumg alright.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 18 February 2023 via mobile

Food was amazing and well priced. They were busy, still managed great service and atmosphere. Decor is very cool and unique. Would definitely recommend.

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 15 February 2023 via mobile

Convenient location to the local beach, delicious food and friendly staff. Paid attention to food allergies. Nice "smugglers" decor but caution to the frail as the uneven floor could trip you up! Recommended.

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 11 February 2023 via mobile

Six of us booked in to this busy, friendly Eatery on a Friday night. It was busy, but service was excellent and personal. The guy serving us was a real character. Very attentive and funny. Food was very good. The ribs were excellent and our...wives struggled to eat the huge lamb dish and loved the salad it came with. Great Value, great service, great food. A good choice when in NelsonMore

Date of visit: February 2023
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Questions & Answers
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Curiosity52795277478
22 October 2021|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from Pollyjoan | Reviewed this property |
Im sorry I dont know but imagine it would be. Best to ph them direct.
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SMUGGLERS PUB AND CAFE, Nelson - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Smugglers Pub and Cafe

Yes, Smugglers Pub and Cafe offers takeaway services.

Smugglers Pub and Cafe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5