I just had the most fabulous lunch at Melrose Cafe. It was a Duck Salad and the most delicious salad I have ever tasted. The flavours were a mixture of soy, ginger, star anise – a sticky yummy texture combined with the crunch of beautiful veges, nuts and the freshness of mint and coriander. So filling and so beautifully presented I had to take a photo. I have read the other reviews and I just don’t get the one by Lorna M. This cafe is an absolute gem and to many people I know, their favourite place to dine in the whole of Nelson. Melrose House itself is the region’s most beautiful “grand old lady” and you feel like a princess dining there. In my and my many friend’s experience the service has always been impeccable and, believe me, I am very fussy and the first to criticise if something is wrong! The problem with review websites is that they sometimes only tell one side of the story. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Melrose Cafe to anyone from anywhere for a very special, affordable treat!!!

Melrose House used to be my “special occasion cafe” and indeed I attended a baby shower there on the weekend and the low tea was exquisite and the staff were very comfortable with us shifting furniture and being incredibly slow to order! Anyway…now I would visit Melrose Cafe several times a month. I love to be the first to introduce new people to it as they are always wowed by the location, the staff and the food. The new summer menu is stunning.

Received the most appalling service at this place during a Monday breakfast. Made the terrible sin of not booking in advance and boy did we pay for our error! Despite only three occupied tables, our party of four was squeezed onto a table for 2. Several larger tables remained completely unused during the entire time we were there!
The breakfasts we were served were just average, and on the expensive side. For example, the pancakes are $16.50 for 3 small pikelet sized pancakes.
We were checking out this cafe in advance of some fortnightly business breakfast meetings we need to schedule, thank goodness we didn’t just go ahead and book them. Needless to say we will be taking our business elsewhere.
Melrose house cafe you would perhaps be wise to remember not to judge a book by it’s cover, no paying customer deserves such rude and dismissive service.

Today 22 January 2011 , had the most excellent breakfast.

World Class.Excellent service, excellent food.Perfect location.

Highly recommend.

Certainly the best breakfast in the city.