From our first entering this place my wife and I experienced very good service. That included knowledgeable assistance with our orders. The meals were good pub fare, without being outstanding. We ordered a fish with which we were unfamiliar, but it did work and was an interesting contrast to what we were used to. Would return if or when we return to Nelson

Friendly and easy going atmosphere with food that works for me. The taste buds were delishly satisfied with the beautifully presented meal. Steak cooked slightly more than I ordered, but still a great meal. I’ll go again and I’ll recommend them to everyone I know. Thanks Smugglers for a good night’s dining.

What a totally disappointing experience. Rude staff, cold mediocre EXPENSIVE food. We booked the Captains Table two or more weeks in advance, and confirmed the booking on the day. 15 of us arrived at 7pm to see 9 people already seated at the Captains Table. The Duty Manager was unhelpful and unwilling to appease the situation. We finally asked to speak to the Manager, who was not only arrogant, but went so far as to say we were lying about the booking !!! He had no idea of customer service or the fundamentals of good hospitality. A sorry would have been nice. We finally managed to coerce 2 bottles of wine for inconvenience. The food and service after this was mediocre to say the least. None of us will go again and will be very vocal about this to any friends, colleagues or visitors to Nelson!!!

my wife and myself recently chose to have lunch at smugglers. We were extremely dissappointed..my wife had the seafood pie which was so hot she could not attempt to eat it for some time, when she managed to all the seafood in it was tough, stingy and unedible. I chose the fish of the day and found it to be very overcooked. We left with out trying and more of the menu, very let down… the only bright spot in the time we were there was the friendly staff.

This was our 4th time at the Smugglers and reinforced our impressions.

The menu is extensive enough for most people to find something special. The food is what I would describe as high class pub food but done well. There is a reasonable mix of meat and fish dishes and a specials card at the table describing a couple of extra dishes (The fish in filo for the SPCA fund raiser was very nice.
The wine list and beer selection have a good selection of local beverages as well as many others.

The wait staff were very friendly and quite attentive even though it was quite busy. I have found the staff here have always been very good.

Both the kids love going to the smugglers (10yrs and 14yrs) and it is always first option if ever asked where they want to go for an evening meal – which is good as we adults enjoy it as well.

The big table in the middle with the gas fire is an excellent place for large groups.

We came over to NZ for a holiday from Sydney – if I had the money, I would fly over just to eat at this place! Please open up in Sydney! The ribs are absolutely to die for, beautifully presented, huge servings, however doggy bags were willingly offered! The atmosphere is wonderful, service fabulous and much consideration was given to our two children. The staff offered to take photos of us and in all, a very memorable evening.
Is a little expensive, but worth every single dollar!