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What to order
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🥇
Nigiri
Praised as beautifully prepared and full of flavour, and specifically called out as one of the standouts.
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🥈
Sashimi
Mentioned alongside the nigiri as a standout for being beautifully prepared and packed with flavour.
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🥉
Roasted Cauliflower
Highlighted as a standout dish, with reviewers praising its flavour and preparation.
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4
Salted Dark Chocolate Miso With Honeycomb
Strongly recommended as an unforgettable dessert that was 'to die for.'
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5
Pork Bun Appetizers
Recommended for being great appetizers and part of an especially enjoyable meal.
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6
Braised Brisket
Called an absolute game-changer, with reviewers loving how tender and flavorful it was.
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7
Squid
Specifically singled out as especially good and one of the best parts of the meal.
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8
Beef Slider
Praised for being juicy, packed with flavour, and so good it was gone in about 30 seconds.
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9
Dumplings
Mentioned positively as part of a meal where every dish was delicious.
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10
Prawns
Recommended as part of a highly enjoyable set of dishes, with no complaints about any of the food.
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11
Lamb Shoulder
Included in a list of dishes described as all delicious and worth recommending.
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12
Broccoli
Mentioned as part of a delicious meal and recommended alongside other standout dishes.
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13
Flank Steak
Highlighted as one of the shared mains that were all outstanding.
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14
Bbq Ribs
Recommended as one of the shared mains that impressed reviewers with flavour and presentation.
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15
Lamb In Peanut Sauce
Mentioned as part of an outstanding set of shared mains and praised for overall flavour.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 4 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Hawker House
Hawker House is a restaurant, bar, and cocktail bar in Nelson, New Zealand. It serves lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert, with small plates, late-night food, vegan options, and vegetarian options. Reviews consistently praise the food, service, and atmosphere, especially dishes like nigiri, sashimi, squid, cauliflower, and lamb shoulder. Reviewers also frequently mention the beer selection, cocktails, and the open kitchen experience.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked
What is Hawker House known for?
Hawker House is best known for its Japanese-leaning small plates, especially the nigiri, sashimi, and squid, plus standout dishes like roasted cauliflower and lamb shoulder. Reviewers repeatedly mention the fresh flavors, strong presentation, and the beer and cocktail list as part of the appeal.
What dishes are most recommended at Hawker House?
The most recommended dishes are nigiri, sashimi, squid, roasted cauliflower, lamb shoulder, dumplings, ribs, and pork buns. Reviewers also call out dessert, especially the Salted Dark Chocolate Miso with honeycomb, as a memorable finish.
What is the atmosphere like at Hawker House?
The vibe is casual but also cozy, trendy, and upscale, with an open kitchen and bar seating that lets you watch the food being prepared. It suits groups well because of the sharing-style menu, and reviewers also mention it works for solo dining and relaxed dinners in downtown Nelson.
Is Hawker House good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is NZ$40–100, which fits the shared-plate format and the more elevated dinner experience. Reviewers still describe the food, service, and presentation as worth it, especially when ordering several dishes to share.
Should you book ahead or visit at a certain time?
Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations, which is useful because it is popular with groups and tourists. Some reviewers note that earlier dining times can be quieter, while the bar and open kitchen are a good choice if you want to watch the team work.
Is parking available at Hawker House?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does Hawker House have vegetarian options?
Yes, Hawker House offers vegan options.
