What should I order at Hawker House?
Hawker House
Wagyu Beef Salad
Recommended for its perfectly cooked slices of beef paired wonderfully with spiced chickpea crisps, noted as the star dish by a reviewer.
Sliders
Mentioned as part of a delicious meal along with dumplings, prawns, lamb shoulder, and broccoli, indicating it is a well-liked dish.
Dumplings
Included in a list of tasty dishes enjoyed by a reviewer, highlighting it as a popular choice.
Prawns
Part of a delicious meal mentioned alongside sliders and lamb shoulder, showing it is a recommended dish.
Lamb Shoulder
Noted as delicious by a reviewer, suggesting it is a favored menu item.
Steak Salad
Highly praised for evoking feelings of joy and appreciated for its quality, recommended by a diner who enjoyed watching the kitchen.
Oysters
Mentioned alongside steak salad as evoking joyful feelings, indicating it is a recommended dish.
Naughty Nigiri
Recommended by the chef and described by a reviewer as something they would eat every day for the rest of their life, highlighting its popularity.
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 & services
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 questions
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.
Restaurants like Hawker House in Nelson
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