Australia and the South Pacific / New Zealand / Marlborough / Nelson, Richmond and Motueka / Best Restaurants

Hopgoods

Kevin Hopgood has worked with Gordon Ramsey, and other big name chefs, in London and he brings a welcome style and professionalism to Nelson with his calm, rustic-chic contemporary restaurant. Here, he puts out handsomely presented dishes from a short and frequently changing menu based of fresh, organic local ingredients. These range from lamb wrapped in bacon and sided by bubble and squeak (a British casserole of potatoes and cabbage) to butternut agnolotti, with baked puy lentils, walnuts, dates and brown butter. The food is nicely balanced, rich in its flavors (and prices) and worthy of a special occasion.