Nelson

1. Vegetarian Options

Dining Establishments

• East Street Cafe: A fully vegetarian cafe offering a wide range of dishes, including vegetarian burgers, curries, and salads. Vegan options are also available.

  • Cost: NZD 15–25 per meal.
  • Location: 8 Church Street, Nelson.
  • Accessibility: Centrally located, wheelchair accessible.

• The Indian Cafe: Offers a variety of vegetarian curries, such as paneer tikka masala and vegetable korma.

  • Cost: NZD 18–25 per dish.
  • Location: 94 Collingwood Street, Nelson.

Grocery Stores

• Fresh Choice Nelson: Stocks a wide range of vegetarian-friendly products, including plant-based proteins and fresh produce.
• Bin Inn Nelson: A bulk food store with vegetarian staples like lentils, beans, and grains.

Cultural Considerations

Vegetarianism is widely accepted in New Zealand, and most restaurants will have at least one vegetarian option on their menu. Always ask if dishes are cooked with meat-based broths or sauces, as this is sometimes overlooked.

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2. Vegan Options

Dining Establishments

• The Kitchen: A health-focused cafe offering vegan smoothies, salads, and bowls.

  • Cost: NZD 12–20 per meal.
  • Location: 111 Bridge Street, Nelson.

• Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery: While not exclusively vegan, they offer creative vegan dishes like roasted vegetable platters and plant-based tacos.

  • Cost: NZD 20–30 per meal.
  • Location: 278 Hardy Street, Nelson.

Grocery Stores

• Commonsense Organics: A specialty store with a wide range of vegan products, including dairy-free cheeses, plant-based meats, and organic produce.
• Countdown Supermarket: Carries vegan-friendly brands like Beyond Meat, Oatly, and local vegan products.

Cultural Considerations

Veganism is growing in popularity in New Zealand, and many cafes and restaurants are accommodating. Look for menus with a "V" symbol or ask staff for vegan options.

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3. Gluten-Free Options

Dining Establishments

• The Suter Cafe: Offers gluten-free baked goods, soups, and salads.

  • Cost: NZD 10–20 per meal.
  • Location: 208 Bridge Street, Nelson.

• The Boat Shed Cafe: A waterfront restaurant with gluten-free options like seafood dishes and risottos.

  • Cost: NZD 25–40 per meal.
  • Location: 351 Wakefield Quay, Nelson.

Grocery Stores

• Piko Wholefoods: Specializes in gluten-free flours, bread, and snacks.
• New World Nelson: A mainstream supermarket with a dedicated gluten-free section.

Cultural Considerations

Gluten-free diets are well-understood in New Zealand, and most restaurants will label gluten-free items on their menus. Cross-contamination is generally taken seriously, but it’s always good to confirm with the staff.

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4. Dairy-Free Options

Dining Establishments

• Deville Cafe: Offers dairy-free options for breakfast and lunch, including almond milk lattes and dairy-free baked goods.

  • Cost: NZD 15–25 per meal.
  • Location: 22 New Street, Nelson.

• The Vic Brewbar: A gastropub with dairy-free options like grilled meats and salads.

  • Cost: NZD 20–35 per meal.
  • Location: 281 Trafalgar Street, Nelson.

Grocery Stores

• Countdown Supermarket: Stocks a variety of dairy-free milk alternatives (almond, soy, oat), yogurts, and cheeses.
• Organic Green Grocer: A local store with a good selection of dairy-free products.

Cultural Considerations

Dairy-free options are common in cafes and restaurants, especially for coffee and desserts. Always specify your dietary needs to ensure no hidden dairy ingredients.

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5. Halal Options

Dining Establishments

• Akbaba’s Turkish Kebab House: Serves halal-certified kebabs, wraps, and platters.

  • Cost: NZD 10–20 per meal.
  • Location: 93 Hardy Street, Nelson.

• Little India: Offers halal-certified Indian cuisine, including chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh.

  • Cost: NZD 18–25 per dish.
  • Location: 269 Hardy Street, Nelson.

Grocery Stores

• Pak’nSave Nelson: Stocks halal-certified meat and frozen products.
• Halal Butchers: Check for local halal butchers in Nelson for fresh meat.

Cultural Considerations

Halal food is not as widely available in Nelson as in larger cities, but there are a few reliable options. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm halal certification.

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6. Kosher Options

Dining Establishments

Kosher-certified restaurants are not common in Nelson. However, vegetarian and vegan restaurants like East Street Cafe may be suitable for those following kosher dietary laws, as they avoid mixing meat and dairy.

Grocery Stores

• Online Kosher Stores: Since kosher products are limited in Nelson, consider ordering from online kosher stores in New Zealand, such as Kosher Kiwi.
• Countdown Supermarket: May carry some kosher-certified packaged goods.

Cultural Considerations

Kosher food is not widely available in Nelson, so self-catering is often the best option. Look for vegetarian or vegan establishments for dining out.

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7. Other Special Diets

• Paleo/Keto: Many cafes, such as The Kitchen, offer low-carb, high-protein options suitable for paleo or keto diets.
• FODMAP-Friendly: Ask at health-focused cafes like The Kitchen or Deville Cafe for FODMAP-friendly options.

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General Cost of Dining in Nelson

• Casual Cafes: NZD 10–20 per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: NZD 20–40 per meal.
• Fine Dining: NZD 50+ per meal.

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Local Considerations

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand but is appreciated for excellent service.
• Sustainability: Nelson has a strong focus on sustainability, so many restaurants use locally sourced, organic ingredients.
• Allergies: New Zealand restaurants are generally accommodating of allergies, but it’s always best to inform staff clearly.

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Accessibility

Most restaurants and cafes in Nelson are wheelchair accessible, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm. Parking is generally available near dining establishments.

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This guide should help you navigate Nelson’s food scene with ease, no matter your dietary requirements. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!