What should I order at Eight Plates?
Eight Plates
Fried Chicken
Highly recommended multiple times for its perfect cooking, flavorful spice with a kick, and being so good that some guests ordered two plates to avoid sharing.
Banana Bread with Bacon Butter
Praised as the best banana bread ever had, noted for its soft and spicy middle, crunchy outer layer, and the unique addition of bacon butter that pairs excellently with coffee.
Lamb Ribs
Recommended for their rich flavor and tender texture, described as falling off the bone and packed full of flavor.
Beef Fillet with Truffle and Miso Butter
Favored for its incredible umami hit, tender and soft beef, and delectable taste.
Pork Belly
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish, described as scrumptious and well balanced, a key highlight of the meal.
Potato Rosti
Recommended as a delicious complement to other dishes, noted for its herb rocher and scrumptious taste.
Sarah's Cookie
A chocolate cookie with salted-caramel dressing that is described as divine, gooey, and perfectly paired with feijoa, making it a favorite dessert.
Kung Pao Chicken
Mentioned as the top dish by one reviewer, indicating it is a must-try item for its exquisite taste.
Hours
| Monday | 5 to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 10 PM |
About Eight Plates
Eight Plates is a restaurant and cocktail bar in Nelson, New Zealand, known for small plates and shared dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the food quality, especially the variety of dishes, the cocktails, and the warm, attentive service. The atmosphere is often described as relaxed and friendly, with a casual, cozy, and sometimes romantic feel. It offers dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, and accepts reservations, with dinner reservations recommended.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Frequently asked questions
What is Eight Plates known for?
Eight Plates is known for its small shared plates, especially dishes like pork belly, lamb ribs, fried chicken, ceviche, and market fish. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the portions are designed for sharing and that the food is packed with flavor, which fits the restaurant’s NZ$40–90 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at Eight Plates?
Reviewers most often recommend the pork belly, potato rosti, zucchini fries, banana bread with bacon butter, lamb ribs, fried chicken, and ceviche. The banana bread with bacon butter and the lamb ribs get especially strong praise for being memorable, while the rosti and fries are frequent small-plate favorites.
What is the atmosphere like at Eight Plates?
The vibe is cozy, casual, romantic, and a little upscale, with a small-plates format that works well for couples, groups, and solo diners. Reviewers describe the building as full of character, the service as friendly and attentive, and Sundays include live jazz from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
Is Eight Plates good value, and what is the price range?
Eight Plates is in the NZ$40–90 range, and reviewers note that while the plates are small, the concept is built around sharing and the flavors and presentation make the pricing feel worthwhile. Several guests say they left feeling full and satisfied after ordering multiple plates and desserts.
When is the best time to visit Eight Plates?
Dinner is the most commonly praised time to go, and reservations are recommended for the evening. If you want a specific experience, Sunday afternoon live jazz from 1:30 to 3:30 pm is a standout draw, and early diners may find the room a little quieter.
Is parking available at Eight Plates?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Eight Plates have vegetarian options?
Yes, Eight Plates offers vegetarian options.
Is Eight Plates kid-friendly?
Yes, Eight Plates is good for kids.
Restaurants like Eight Plates in Nelson
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