Smugglers Pub and Cafe, Nelson - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

SUPREME WINNER TOP SHOP 2014 and WINNER FOOD, BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY CATEGORY - NELSON The Smugglers Pub and Cafe is famous for its hearty meals, foaming craft ales and great wines all served up in a unique old world atmosphere.Located within easy walking distance from Nelson's Tahunanui Beach and set amongst the areas' busy motel district, the Smugglers is ideally placed to cater for your group no matter how large or small. Food is available all day and into the evening with extensive snack, lunch and dinner menus including gluten free and children's menus for young smugglers. We stock a variety of regional, national and international wines along with Mac's & Speights beers, Guinness, Kilkenny,…

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

CUISINES

Bar, Pub, New Zealand

FEATURES

Takeout, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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Reviews (718)

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Colonial_5024

11 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago

Surprisingly good family restaurant

Didn't expect much from this place, but am glad we stopped in! Came in with two fussy kids and was surprised by the food. I ate delicious ribs drowned in a delicious sauce. The decorations were superb, and the pirate theme was great. You should...definitely go there.More

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?

520daryllc

17 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Glad we stopped in

My wife and I decided to dine here while working past. It was busy but we were promptly seated. Really liked the way they have this set up. We just had mains but they were served quickly given how must it was and we were...both pleasantly surprised at how good our meals were. Not just the standard pub meals these were a class above. Will definitely return next time we are in Nelson.More

Date of visit: April 2021

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Ed R

609 reviews

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Superior Pub fare

First time back for a number of years. Menu has changed but still excellent and very good value. Children's menu is very good. It was very busy so food took a while but we didn't mind. Service fantastic - really amazing and friendly staff.

Date of visit: March 2021

Helpful?

Great to have you back for a visit Ed R, glad you had a good time. See you again soon

kiwitripper64

312 reviews

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Great staff, foods ok, wines poor, beers good

Its hard to review smugglers. We popped in after a evening beach swim and the staff were amazing, friendly, and busy. We really felt welcome. Music not too loud, good outdoor and indoor seating. Meals are good pub meals. Although I am still not sure...about the cornflake coated chicken. Good beer choice, but surprisingly for Nelson, the wines were not great. Overall we liked smugglers comfortable feel and went back a few nights later for another enjoyable night.More

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?

Thank you for your feedback. Its' great to hear your comments about the staff and atmosphere here at Smugglers. In regards to the Chicken Parmigiana dish you're referring to, the menu states that the chicken breast is coated in corn chips rather than cornflakes. Not...More

Noeline M

94 reviews

Reviewed 8 March 2021

A Great Friendly Pub & Café

We were just passing through Nelson & was staying at the Beachcomber Hotel for a night & this lovely Pub was very close by . The Staff were very friendly & accommodating , food & service were great , it is very close to Tahuna...Beach . Would Highly Recommend.More

Date of visit: March 2021

Helpful?

Thank you for your review Noeline, we're glad you had a great time.

ActionHero47

147 reviews

Reviewed 3 March 2021

Evening Dinner Date (with my wife)

Popped in for a light evening meal after a long day on the road. The fish and chips were divine, the fish so fresh and lightly battered and the chips were perfect, washed down with a couple of wines and we were very happy

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?

Thanks for taking the time to let us know about your experience. See you again soon!

nzsmith

371 reviews

Reviewed 8 February 2021 via mobile

Dinner

Went on Nelson anniversary day for dinner. We ordered a beef burger & fish n chips. Quick service, tasty meal.

Date of visit: February 2021

Helpful?

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback.

anth0ny1946

24 reviews

Reviewed 31 January 2021

Something special

Stopped here for lunch on a couple of days while on holiday in Nelson food was really good and good value ( they even have a seniors menu or discount if you order off the a"la carte menu) it has lots of character with friendly...staff and great service thoroughly enjoyable experience.More

Date of visit: December 2020

Helpful?

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We look forward to hosting you again soon.

GilliesFamily2020

5 reviews

Reviewed 26 January 2021

Awesome place

Loved the decor and the food was awesome too. A little mixup with orders in our group, but was worth the wait.

Date of visit: January 2021

Helpful?

Thank you taking the time to leave us some great words about your experience.

Gillian A

32 reviews

Reviewed 25 January 2021

Just Like my Mum used to make

We went to the Smugglers for lunch and discovered that they offer a lunch menu for Seniors....what an awesome deal. Two course lunch for $20.00 - main and dessert. I ordered Liver and Bacon with onion and mushroom gravy,,,,,,it was sooo delicious!! Just like my...mum to make for us as kids. My husband had the best ever roast beef dinner at a pub. Not only was the food great the staff and service was excellent. We met the chef Kay, who appreciated our feed back and reminisced about the UK coastal towns. Will definitely make a point of going to Smugglers whenever we visit Nelson again.More

Date of visit: January 2021

Helpful?1

Hey Gillian, thanks again for taking the time out to write such a great review. We'll see you again soon

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