Best Tacos in Nelson

4 restaurant menus in New Zealand, (the ranking and the list of restaurants are based on the number of recommendations received from users in the last month, currently updated to December 2024)
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Red16
Red16
92/100 (146 ratings)
Restaurants
Tacos
Strawberry Margarita
Mulled Wine
Spiced Rum and Coke
Passionfruit Margarita and Ginger Nut
Fish Burger Special
Sour Wishky and Wine
Corn Chips and Dips
Chimichiri Steak Taco
Prawn and Garlic Taco
Tapas
Reservations
"What a gorgeous spot for a quiet drink! Check out what’s on as there are fun events/themes every night & the cocktail menu is to die for! I had a..."
Janita Patrick
"Amazing little bar, great sounds, so many tasty cocktails for $18-$20, loved the Ginger Nut one and the Passionfruit Margarita. Lots of Mexican tapas..."
Kim Seaward
"it was a packed house and 9pm on a Saturday Night...so service was compromised due to being very busy...BUT they handled it well despite this...the..."
Glenn Dunlop
"Comfortable and cruisy venue, great selection of beer and wine, cocktails etc. Tasty Mexican food options too. Open Mic nights Thursdays. Lotsa live..."
Zerostudy1
"Nice place for a drink. Has both indoor and outdoor seating. Good selection of beers including a few on hand..."
J K
"This is one of our favorite spots in Nelson. Granted we came here during public holiday and many other places were closed due to that fact. The..."
Andrew Nelson
"Fabulous for a drink. Prefer the tacos were not served all at once as my second was stone cold when time to eat. Excellent service. Very friendly and..."
Prudence Kilshaw
"Awsome spot for a bar and great customer service. Food here is nice enough for a price. It's a tidy outfit a small group would enjoy to..."
iNVASIVE Sports Team
"We visited Red while we were in Nelson and it felt like home away from home. One of those places you can jump in and find your community, listen to..."
Kaylee Schipani
"Dog Friendly! What a find! Awesome Owners, great crowd, there was live music when we went & everyone seemed happy & responsible. Such a treat to be..."
Twané Chéze-Gower
Smugglers Pub And Cafe
Smugglers Pub And Cafe
85/100 (3178 ratings)
Restaurants
Bar
Bar
Pub
Pub
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Friendly
European
New Zealand
European
New Zealand
Gluten Free Options
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Friendly
Gluten Free Options
Brunch
After-hours
Dinner
Lunch
Fish & Chips
Burger
Ice Cream Sunda
Cocktails
Tapas
Billy Bones Pork Ribs
Fish chips
Brownie
Fish Taco
Garlic bread
Tacos
BEEF BRISKET
Ribs
Smokin' Hot Meat Platter
flat white coffee
Beef
Fish & chips
Ribeye
Burrito
fish n chips
Lamb Rump
Mochaccino
Cheesecakes
Chicken parmigiana
Pasta
Mushroom Sauce
Salad
Beer on Tap
Salmon
Sticky Date Pudding
Lamb
Calamari
Pesto
Chowder
Roast Beef
Fish
Cheesecake
Chowder
Pork
Sit down
New Zealand
Bar
Pub
European
Street Parking
Seating
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Serves Alcohol
Gift Cards Available
Parking Available
Free off-street parking
Highchairs Available
Full Bar
Accepts Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating
Takeout
Reservations
Television
Dinner
After-hours
Lunch
Brunch
Mid-range
"From the outside we thought this place would be a very average pub feed, but it outdid our expectations for sure! Lovely fish tacos, great kids..."
Kim Seaward
"Food was excellent with big portions and loads of flavour, all cooked perfectly. Really friendly service and great value for money. Would 100% come..."
Gavin James
"Blown away by this amazing place. Food was impeccable, worth every dollar. I had the Lamb Loin (it's a dinner special), the Hot Pudding of the Day..."
Yu E
"Great restaurant, the mains are quite huge. Tacos are a great size for older kids. Steak was meant to come with coleslaw but came with leafy greens...."
Emma May
"The food was so yummy, and the place has great character. Peter, our waiter, is great! - so friendly with a great sense of humor. "Bob" the fish in..."
Nathan Blaxall
"We are extremely satisfied customers and highly recommend everyone in the area to check out Smugglers! The food and customer service here was..."
TJ R
"Wow! What a stunning place! The interior is creative and there's is always something to look at. The service was a amazing. Duty manager was a bloody..."
antony clark
"Really nice and delicious restaurant. The steak was really good and also the fries. The ambient in the restaurant is like you are sitting in a pub..."
Steffi Brüm
"Great service very inviting and easy to book. Our waiter was on point in taking orders with our big group with lots of jokes. Family friendly place..."
Danii Matthews
"Excellent food,great service,its a little bit dear but great food and good size..."
Ian Wilson
"Amazing place to visit. We had the best waitress, Maia who made the night amazing. Well worth every minute spent there..."
Conor Walsh
"We had great time at this restaurant! The owner was super friendly, he was very accommodating. Kids meal was great value, my steak was good. The food..."
Kumiko Steer
"We went there for a family outing. Welcome was warm and friendly, we were quickly seated and menus arrived. Drinks followed soon after. The range of..."
Donald Lamont
"Overall good food and great staff, but I did think the food is a bit lacking. The ribs and brisket were good but not great. The serving size was..."
Daniel Lee
"Great atmosphere. Smugglers has been operating for ages in Nelson and is now more of an institution. Lots of seating with small and large tables,..."
Simon nicholson
"Had a large group booking. The service was fantastic, prompt, and efficient. They kept everyone's glass full, and the meals came within a good time..."
Rachael Steans
"Came here and ended up going for the cheap lunch option with dessert. Next time I would like to try a normal menu meal as they do look amazing in the..."
Kate Griffiths
"Was impressed with this restaurant themed bar. For dinner we had the brisket and the calamari and both were good quality meals. The establishment was..."
L Lee
Nicola's Cantina
Nicola's Cantina
84/100 (768 ratings)
Restaurants
Vegetarian Friendly
Latin
Gluten Free Options
Vegan Options
Mexican
Mexican
Latin
Vegetarian Friendly
Gluten Free Options
Vegan Options
Dinner
Lunch
Fajitas
Vegetarian Burrito
Margarita Mango
Nachos
Burrito Steak
Ceviche
Salad
Chocolate Mousse
Fish
Salad
Shrimp Quesadilla
Pork
Chili
Taco Steak
dulce de leche
Tequila and Tacos for Breakfast
Piña colada
Vegan Vegetable Burrito
Huevos Rancheros
Tapas
Big Drink of Tomato Juice
Fish Taco
Beef Burrito I Enchilada Espinacs
Tacos
Prawns
Burrito
Guacamole
Sit down
Latin
Mexican
Serves Alcohol
Wine and Beer
Highchairs Available
Full Bar
Accepts Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating
Takeout
Accepts Mastercard
Reservations
Accepts Visa
Seating
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Lunch
Dinner
Mid-range
"This place really exceeded my expectations. The waiting staff was pretty good. There was one instance when they forgot to serve us our desert, but..."
Tinos.adventure
"Our favorite restaurant in Nelson, very authentic mexicano cuisine and reasonably priced. The seafood burrito and ceviche do our local fish justice,..."
Julie Hixon
"I thought it was pretty authentic Mexican food (not that I've been to Mexico), generous servings, fantastic attentive and friendly service, food was..."
Charmaine
"Great place to be really nice food burritos and quesadilla and everything lovely environment friendly staff :) only thing I didn't like was the music..."
Prashant Ahuja
"We went to Nicola's Cantina last night for the first time ~ Was quite blown away to say the least! Enjoyed the food (Jalapeno Prawns - Amazing), the..."
Geoff Adams
"Great place to come for tasty mexican food and delicious Golden Bear Brewery beers!  Recommend the fajitas!  Fun casual atmosphere although it can..."
Mic Heynekamp
"We came in late on a Wednesday evening and were the last to order. The staff were fun and friendly and we were happy to enjoy a good atmosphere and..."
Jasper Gobes
"Such lovely decor and a really chill vibe. We enjoyed the margaritas at $18 a piece. The cerviche was excellent ($24), although I would have liked..."
Kim Seaward
"The best & the only authentic Mexican food in Nelson was extremely scrumptious, however you may have to re order your mains because of the portion..."
Sneha Bharadwaj
"Such a great spot with a real traditional feel and great atmosphere. Amazing food and friendly staff that went out of their way to make sure we were..."
Matt Goodman
"Great little Mexicano Restaurante. Delicious margaritas, excellent music. Had the tacos gf pescado and beef. Tasty and well priced for the size...."
loveleov
"We enjoyed our meals here. We were squeezed in on a really busy Friday night in a cozy corner. Service was prompt with mocktails and a nice big good..."
Steve Warne
"I enjoyed every moment in this place. The food was excellent, staff friendly and helpful. I'll be back again..."
Aleksandar Jovic (Alex)
"Absolutely amazing food, tamales out of this world, super authentic. Staff were good although a bit slow on order takings, and their hot sauce they..."
Jemmah Shelling
"I've had quesadelas in some od places all over the world... And tonight I tasted one of the best in my home country...."
Altercode “Atercode”
"Excellent food and fun atmosphere! Almost all the menu is Gluten-free as well. We tried the Burritos, guacamole, tacos, chorus, chocolate cake,..."
Matat Lipsky
"Nice and cosy. Food is great quality..."
Adrie Jansen van Rensburg
"a little small for the amount of people we had but the atmosphere was fantastic and the staff where very..."
Jasmyne Taylor
Urban Oyster Bar And Eatery
Urban Oyster Bar And Eatery
82/100 (3447 ratings)
Restaurants
Healthy
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Gastropub
Bar
Wine Bar
Wine Bar
New Zealand
Gastropub
New Zealand
Gluten Free Options
Asian
Gluten Free Options
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Drinks
Dinner
Lunch
Burger
Smoking Scotsman
Sashimi
Fish Taco
Bloody Mary Oyster Shot
Sampler Platter
Pork
Steak
Tacos
Fresh Oysters
Potato chips
Ribs
Beef
Pinot Grigio
Prawns
Malborough Sauvignon and Neson Brewed Beer
Chicken Liver Parfait
Beef Sandwich
Pancakes
Dark Beer
Duck Tacos
Ceviche Tacos
Ceviche
Salad
Dumplings
Tempura
Chili
Lamb Shoulder
Kung Pao Chicken
Crab
Ceviche Style Fish Taco Chilli Lime Salt
Cakes
Duck
Pork 'N' Buns
Oyster
Vietnamese Beef Tartare
Lamb Shoulder
Salmon
Urban Sliders
Lamb
Venison Tataki
Fish
Sit down
Bar
Asian
Wine Bar
Healthy
Gastropub
New Zealand
Serves Alcohol
Wine and Beer
Full Bar
Accepts Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating
Accepts Mastercard
Accepts Visa
Street Parking
Seating
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Drinks
Dinner
Lunch
Mid-range
"Hubby and I had the most amazing meals. Gorgeous tasty sauces and tender meat that almost looked to pretty on the plate to eat. The service was the..."
Coral Stewart
"The best night in Nelson! As a solo traveller this was such a good environment to have a chat, watch the chefs in action along with amazing food and..."
Taylor Duffy
"The food was so delicious I just kept wanting to eat more. Great atmosphere, awesome food and fantastic staff. A place to definitely..."
Mary-Anne Keith
"Food was amazing as well as the service. Highly recommend to people who appreciate food and friendly atmosphere. Definitely will come back for..."
Ieva Rimkute
"Great place with atmosphere and fantastic food. Service comes quick with a smile. Definitely recommend Urban Eatery as a destination if you are in..."
Ingrid van Heusden
"Went here tonight for the first time and it did not disappoint. Had a dozen beautiful oysters, a pulled pork empanada with prawns and delicious..."
Lynne Bear Henderson
"Such an amazing atmosphere, such cool staff and absolutely stunning food! Love that I got experience Nelson’s best restaurant..."
Victoria James
"I have been back multiple times - the food is tapas style so easy to share and more importantly delicious. The staff is always friendly, the oysters..."
Tracy Saunders
"Great ambiance and the staff were simply awesome. They showed how passionate they are about their food and were very attentive Highly recommended..."
Tracey Crookston
"Date night in Nelson. Family recommended urban eatery. The people are so helpful and friendly and the food blew me away! Loved every minute of..."
Nic Leigh
"Great little find in Nelson all the food was fantastic reminds me of Depot in Akl by al brown great service food and drinks thanks for the whole..."
Melanie Joanne Rogers
"Wow this is the place to go in Nelson fantastic fresh food good service great..."
Jacinta Guptill
"The food is fantastic and great beer. Always my first choice in..."
Andrew Bannister
"Stop looking at the reviews! Just go to this place! Right now! Best dining experience ever! The menu is full of surprises! Amazing food! Layers of..."
Lzn0219
"An absolute delight !!!!!! From service to ambience to food - cannot fault a single thing even if I tried. All staff, owner, chefs we're really..."
Live2Eat
"Amazing patient service and great great..."
Jenny Sheng
"Wondering dining experience, yum food and friendly customer service. We are impressive by the venison and chicken liver, the taste are just perfect!..."
Tracy
"By far the best food we have had on our trip to NZ!! Don’t base your decision on overall Zomato reviews, it looks like one person below has given..."
Lozzab777
"Friendly staff, hoppy beer, sun and delicious food. What else would you ask for!! We enjoyed our sliders, lamb cutlet the most. Golden beer is a..."
J Li
"We almost didn't pick this place because of the rating but a local friend firmly recommended it. We are so pleased We did. Best meal out in NZ so..."
Matt
"One of the best meals we've had during our visit to the South Island - and we've paid more than twice as much per head. The service was friendly and..."
Wurst Ever
"There really is a lot to like about Urban. The menu promises bold and exciting flavours and for the most part, it delivered. Sashimi was excellently..."
Paul O
"Very good and creative food and friendly staff. Music was a bit loud but that didn't detract from the atmosphere. Best was the salmon sashimi. Also..."
Nomad 123
"Great food and great service. We got four tapa plates to share between two - probably one too many, but we finished them all anyway they were so..."
Claire Lane
"These guys are great. Great service, great food. Great music too. Couldn't fault the place. Not even the prices. Wanted to come again the next night..."
Jay Knight
"After all the positive write ups we had high expectations and these were exceeded. Great hosting and assisted us with dietary requirements. Starters,..."
Paul
"Eating here was such an excellent experience. The passion of everyone who worked here for creating incredible flavours, combined with truly delicious..."
Clare
"Had a quick pre-movie dinner here with our son and we all enjoyed the food, service, and atmosphere. The food is based on small plates to share and..."
Roger Fraser
"Really good and interesting food. Yum. Good atmosphere on a Thursday night as well. Bla bla bla bla. Only at 101. This 140 rule is so..."
Jared
"Had dinner. Excellent food. Great service. Fabulous chef interaction if seated alongside their cooking. Thoroughly enjoyed the food, ambience and..."
Rjaduram
"Awesome place, great atmosphere, delicious food and very attentive friendly staff. I love the fact that you can sit by the kitchen and chat to the..."
Shelly Long
"Urban was definitely one of the best restaurants we have been during our trip in New Zealand. Everything was amazing and the staff was great. We..."
Marina Caimel
"A Modern Culinary Haven, Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery Urban Oyster is a Nelson gem! Exceptional food, diverse beer selection, and a vibrant night-out..."
Peter Kurdulija
"Wow, amazing food. It's very tasty. Chefs awesome. Friendly service and clean. Recommend pork sliders and beef tacos. Oysters from Marlborough..."
Gary Roberts
"Amazing food - all 4 dishes we had (ceviche tostadas, duck tacos, market fish and the tiramisu) were the best meal we had so far in NZ. Cocktails..."
Joao Nobre
"An absolute gem of a spot. If you’re ever in Nelson, give it a go. We had the most delightful dinner, the service was great, chefs were friendly,..."
Tavisha Fernando
"We were welcomed and provided the best service by Vitalija. She provided excellent recommendations and had full knowledge of all the meals and..."
Sanjeev Sunnie
"Great place for dinner! We ordered the fresh oysters (natural and nahm jim sauce), market fish crudo, Vietnamese beef tartare, bbq dark breast taco..."
J K
"This place was definitely one of the top eateries I've been to. Excellent service and excellent menu choice and I was very impressed with the drinks..."
alice02
"Beautiful oysters and food was amazing! But just the duty manager was not very nice, they mischarged us for one more dozen oysters, the duty manager..."
Sophie Lau
"Absolutely love this spot for a spectacular drink and meal. Food like you’ve never had before. Genuine 5 star quality with fresh local ingredients..."
Spike E-J
"Absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was great. Dimed lights, chilled vibe, music. Service with a smile, efficient and friendly. The food was epic. It..."
maraea falwasser
"Loved this place! The food, the staff and the cocktails were superb! Very well looked after for someone with food allergies as well. Highly..."
Lorien Goedhart
"Came here for my brother's after graduation dinner. Food was superb. I personally wish the portion was a bit bigger but thats because it was so..."
Petrina Janessa
"Had another delicious meal at Urban recently. This place has such a great vibe, music, ambience, service and food. Lots of different sharing platters..."
Sasha Gill
"Food cuisine is more innovative and has a different taste. The taste is very good. But the taste is generally salty. More suitable for pairing with..."
c l s
"Absolutely delicious! Everything we ordered simply great! Service was also super friendly and quick. Definitely a must-see. The portions have been..."
Jussi Hakala
"Fantastic eatery in Nelson. Came here for a late lunch in a Thursday and the lovely staff were more than happy to help with the menu and our large..."
Bennis Dennis
"Went here in orange light one night on our honeymoon, staff are lovely & chatty, and will help with the menu. What they don't tell you is the..."
Marcus Koolaard
"Fantastic food. Interesting with no pretence and topped off with a tasting plate (paddle) of beers. Service was friendly and efficient with staff..."
Rob Kolbe