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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
$7 - $20
CUISINES
Mexican, Latin
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features, about
Reviews (236)
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229 results
Traveller rating
115
69
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15
11
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Traveller rating
115
69
19
15
11
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago

I asked what was in a specific taco and was given the same ingredients by two staff members (in this case it supposedly had pulled jackfruit). I ordered and when it came out it was something completely random, with pumpkin and courgette and (and pretty...gross if I’m being honest). I brought this to the attention of the manager assuming it was just a mistake, instead he tells me it isn’t a mistake and that is what the taco comes with. When I said I was frustrated his staff don’t know the menu he acted like it was my fault and said he needed to go because “he had steak burning”. WTF SIR. An apology would have gone a long way and maybe take the time to retrain or remind your staff of menu changes and if THEY mess up don’t act like it is the patrons fault. Garbage food. Garbage human. Just so much audacity.More

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

We were drawn in by the vibe but margaritas were almost straight lime juice. Chips were stale, guacamole was not fresh and my burrito was bland. Plus service was extremely slow. Sorry to say can not recommend this place.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 7 May 2023

Super fun and friendly service, delicious food, great vibes. The staff are so helpful, taking photos and making the night special. Highly recommend.

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

We tried to book on the day but being Valentines Day were told it was fully booked. Nicola answered the phone and very kindly opened an early spot for us. We had nachos, an enchilada and some sushimi. They were big servings and we probably...should have only ordered two of the dishes. The classic margaritas were beautifully prepared and delicious. The cantina had a fun open feel about it and made for a very enjoyable dinner. We’d thoroughly recommend this place but recommend you book in advance to get a spot. Nicola is delightfulMore

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed 31 October 2022 via mobile

I personally enjoyed my meal but others in our group said it was average. A few of the waitresses had poor communication skills and were quite rude, the restaurant was really stuffy we were literally melting so it was hard to enjoy the atmosphere. We...opened a door close to our table to allow some air flow which I'm sure other diners appreciated until we were told off. I would hate to think what it's like to dine in on a hot summers day/night as we are in spring and it was near unbearable to sit and enjoy the atmosphere..More

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed 29 October 2022

Went here with high hopes but was somewhat disappointing. The food wasn't bland, not recognisable as being Mexican and I needed to ask for salt to give my food a boost. Churros for dessert, doughy inside and choc sauce in a wine glass was problematic...when getting near the end of my churro stick. Waitress was cheerful but the chewing gum was a bit of a put off.More

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed 29 June 2022

Managed to squeeze us in at short notice on a busy night. Very attentive and accommodating of or friends toddler with us. Lovely Mexican food.

Date of visit: June 2022
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Reviewed 30 April 2022 via mobile

Never welcoming. I’ve been a number of times, always because the a group I’m dining with wants to try it. Every time I hope I’ll have a better experience but I don’t because despite such atmospheric decor, the staff just don’t seem bothered that you...are there. I will say however that this visit we were served by a really young guy who was inexperienced but enthusiastic. The meals are ok, margaritas ok. Just wish they could put some enthusiasm into hosting their diners.More

Date of visit: March 2022
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Reviewed 6 May 2021

I'm always happy with the food. Good, provincial style mexican. Great mojitos. But the service and contact by phone is always lacklustre.

Date of visit: March 2021
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Reviewed 16 March 2021 via mobile

Really yummy Mexican food and the sangria was the best I have had. Plenty of options for a coeliac which is perfect

Date of visit: March 2021
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Reviewed 15 March 2021 via mobile

We ate here with a group of 8 friends on Saturday night. We had to change our booking time later twice that day. The staff were so friendly and so accomodating. The atmosphere in the restaurant is excellent. The food is delicious and the service...is fantastic. We love to go back again.More

Date of visit: March 2021
Helpful?2  
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Reviewed 13 March 2021

The food is really good. But they do need to speed service up a bit. It will be interesting to see if the service issue is just lack of staff due to covid or a management issue.

Date of visit: February 2021
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Reviewed 13 February 2021 via mobile

We have been here many times in the past... first visit back after a couple of years... definitely a different place... service very poor. Entrees ok... mains lacking some love... desserts terrible. The chocolate mousse was more like a hard chocolate sauce which was chewy......we won't be rushing back. The only saving grace was Nicola's happy face and attentiveness.More

Date of visit: February 2021
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Reviewed 8 November 2020 via mobile

Great food and service although one of our meals was forgotten. No Chardonnay for four Chardonnay drinkers, but okay Pinot Noir. They were very busy and the atmosphere was great so we'll forgive them and definitely go back.

Date of visit: November 2020
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Reviewed 9 August 2020

What happened to Customer Service?! Firstly,food was pretty good. The service we got from the owner was just shocking!! From the moment turned up( 4 pax/6.30 booking) we were rushed to leave,, after taking our $$! We were not told about the 2 seating policy...so at 7.30 (1 hour after arrival!!) we were told we will have to leave as table was re-booked. This is not ok. Nicola then came over( after already being super pushy when we were looking at the menu, rushing us to order,very rudely) and told us 'this is how it is, cheap and cheerful '! Firstly,there is nothing cheap about 28$ for a main, in 1 hour we spent over $200 between the 4 of us!! We did not even get a chance to look at the dessert menu as we knew there was no time for us to enjoy desserts...And how about respecting the customer as supposed to just taking their $ and rushing them out!!? Informing customers when they book about your seating policy is a good way to keep them happy as we were hoping to find a place to chill for the evening and catch up with one another. Needless to say, all of us were disappointed and will be sharing our experience. You no longer have the tourist trade so I suggest trying to keep the locals happy! I'm annoyed that we spent our hard-earned $$ here and won't be doing it again!More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?9  
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.
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NICOLA'S CANTINA, Nelson - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about Nicola's Cantina

Yes, Nicola's Cantina offers takeaway services.

Nicola's Cantina is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4