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What should I order at Boat Shed Cafe?

Helped 0 people eat good food

Boat Shed Cafe

4.5 (1430 reviews)
You are 1 of 17 skippers at this restaurant
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Seafood Chowder

One of the most frequently praised dishes in the reviews, described as rich, creamy, fresh, and full of seafood. Multiple diners called it the best chowder or one of the best dishes they had ever had.

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Chorizo Scramble

Repeatedly recommended at the Boat Shed Cafe/Boatshed, with reviewers calling it exceptional, loaded with flavor, and a standout brunch item. Several people said they loved it or that it was the best breakfast they had on the trip.

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Green Curry

Mentioned several times as delicious, fantastic, and highly recommended. Reviewers praised its great flavor and authenticity, and one said it was especially good with fish.

4

Ceviche

A clearly favored seafood dish, described as fresh, flavorful, and even one reviewer’s favorite dish overall. It was repeatedly singled out as one of the best items on the menu.

5

Oysters

Frequently recommended for being exceptionally fresh, plump, and perfectly prepared. Reviewers repeatedly highlighted the quality and freshness, with some calling them worth the visit alone.

6

Pad Thai

Mentioned multiple times as delicious and outstanding, with reviewers praising its flavor and saying they would happily order it again. It appears as a reliable crowd-pleaser.

7

Pork Belly

Recommended in several forms, including slow cooked pork belly and sizzling pork belly, both praised for tenderness and rich flavor. Reviewers called it one of the best dishes they had ever eaten.

8

French Toast

A popular brunch recommendation at the Boatshed, praised for being gorgeous, delicious, and worth trying. It stood out as one of the best brunch dishes mentioned.

Location details

350 Wakefield Quay, Nelson, 7010, NZ

Open in Google Maps

Hours

Monday 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 8:30 PM
Sunday 9 AM to 8:30 PM

About Boat Shed Cafe

Upscale, globally influenced dishes served in a relaxed space on a dock over the water.

Amenities & services

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • 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
  • Private dining room
  • Small plates
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Reservations required
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Children

  • High chairs

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid street parking

Frequently asked questions

What is Boat Shed Cafe known for?

Boat Shed Cafe is best known for its seafood and waterfront setting, especially oysters, ceviche, snapper, and seafood chowder. Reviewers repeatedly mention the views over the water and say the chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with seafood.

What dishes are most recommended at Boat Shed Cafe?

Reviewers most often recommend the oysters, ceviche, seafood chowder, snapper, and fish and chips. Breakfast dishes also get strong mentions, including eggs benedict, smashed avocado with poached eggs, and the captain’s breakfast, plus cabinet items like ginger crunch slice and flat whites.

What is the atmosphere like at Boat Shed Cafe?

The vibe is relaxed but polished, with indoor and outdoor seating right by the water. Reviews describe it as lively yet comfortable, and it suits groups, tourists, and solo diners who want a scenic meal or coffee stop.

Is Boat Shed Cafe good value, and what is the price range?

Boat Shed Cafe is priced at $$$, so it sits in the higher-end range rather than a budget cafe. Reviewers still say the food, service, and setting make it worth it, especially for dishes like the $28 creamy mushroom breakfast and the seafood-heavy dinner plates.

Do you need a reservation at Boat Shed Cafe?

Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and some reviews say dinner can get very busy, so booking ahead is a good idea. One reviewer mentioned walking in without a reservation on a Wednesday, but the overall feedback suggests peak times fill up quickly.

Is parking available at Boat Shed Cafe?

Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking is available.

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