North Island
When In Rome Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
278 Hardy St
Nelson
Nelson City 03 548 1586
Nelson
Nelson City 03 548 1586
Take Away Discounts
From June 2011 we have started giving 10% discount on…
Announced 6 months agoMore »
Hours:
- Lunch: Mon – Fri 12noon – 2pm (Winter)
- Mon-Sun 12noon – 2pm (Summer)
- Dinner: Mon – Sun 5pm – late
-
Facilities/Features:
- Business Dining
- Children's Menu
- Out Catering
- Private Functions
- Private Parties
- Romantic Dining
- Breakfast Meetings
- Payment Types: EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard
- Price Range: Moderate, $15 - $25
- Dress Code: Casual
- Alcohol: Beer, Wine, Spirits
- Seating for: 60
- BYO/Corkage: BYO, Corkage Charge
- Good For Groups: Yes
- Good For Children: Yes
- Takeaways: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Soy-free
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
- Wi-Fi: Free
Experience Rome in Nelson
When In Rome is a fully licensed Italian Restaurant in central Nelson, making and serving simple, non pretentious Italian food, at an extremely good price. Visit our website and read our story to find out why we enjoy every minute of life at When In Rome.
Come and eat with the When In Rome family, at 278 Hardy Street in Nelson’s CBD, or call us and order a meal to take home to your family. There is 10% discount on Take-aways.
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4 reviews
Victoria said: "Delicious food, exquisite coffee….. Hidden away in the corner of a car park you will find this quirky little gem of Nelson. Service is…" read more »
23 Reviews for When In Rome Restaurant
6
1st September 2011
Two friends and I ate here last week. One ordered a takeaway pizza to be ready for 6:30, while the other friend and I ate in. Unfortunately the takeaway pizza wasn’t ready on time and my friend had to return to the restaurant after meeting a plane to pick it up.
The garlic bread wasn’t really garlic bread, more like herb bread with balsamic vinegar, which was fine, but should be advertised as such. The other bread on the menu was much nicer.
The pizza was the biggest let down. The crust was burnt and so were the sundried tomatoes were burnt. Dissapointing, we’ll stick to proper pizza restaurant next time.
The best thing was the service, the young girl was very friendly, polite and despite being yelled at by someone in the kitchen, kept a smile on her face.
The garlic bread wasn’t really garlic bread, more like herb bread with balsamic vinegar, which was fine, but should be advertised as such. The other bread on the menu was much nicer.
The pizza was the biggest let down. The crust was burnt and so were the sundried tomatoes were burnt. Dissapointing, we’ll stick to proper pizza restaurant next time.
The best thing was the service, the young girl was very friendly, polite and despite being yelled at by someone in the kitchen, kept a smile on her face.
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
2/09/2011
Yes I remember the incident in question. As you must have read underneath, we take all comments sincerely and try our best to work on any issue that has been raised by our guests. The chef who was in charge of pizza section that night (and was most likely the…
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3
29th July 2011
Great evening guys. Girl friend really pleased that we arranged her surprise B’day dinner at When in Rome. Well, my birthday is coming soon and we will be back again with the full gang and promise we’ll try not to be so noisy 
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
1/08/2011
Thank you Riki. We will be only too glad to have you guys back. Please let us know closer to the time so that we can organise a nice table for your group. See you soon!
19th July 2011
Very average service with a very disinterested waitress. The deserts were terrible and VERY slow they were so bad they were not eaten. Please look at a recipe before trying to make cream brulee..
Mains were nice and quite prompt, plus a good size but they were left under the heat lamps for quite some time before being brought to the table. Also saw another diners salmon sitting under the heat lamps for a good 15-20 minutes.
Mains were nice and quite prompt, plus a good size but they were left under the heat lamps for quite some time before being brought to the table. Also saw another diners salmon sitting under the heat lamps for a good 15-20 minutes.
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
19/07/2011
Hello Ian,
I am sorry to know you did not fully enjoy your evening at When In Rome. We take complains very seriously and would like to assure you that your criticism only helps us improve. The waitress in concern is with us for over 18 months and is always…
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1
30th July 2011
I was just in Nelson to follow up on a business option and decided to check out the local restaurants. I walked past When in Rome and decided to enter as it looked so inviting, warm and fairly busy.
Staff approached me quickly with a smile and led me to a table. I ordered a glass of Ned Pinot Gris which was just amazing and the food I ordered was just the same, full of flavour and just a delight to eat, will most definitely visit whenever in Nelson.
Just been back to When in Rome yesterday 29/07/11 and the food, service was as good as when I was there last. I was supprised to read the latest review, in my long experience of business, the latest review and added comments clearly are a personal attack and bigoted one at that on the owner of When in Rome.
I would suggest the owner speak to the people at MenuMania as those comments and the ones added under their profile name do fall outside their review guidelines and appear to have have possible sinister racist overtones.
I would suggest people to ignore that review and visit to make up your own mind.
Staff approached me quickly with a smile and led me to a table. I ordered a glass of Ned Pinot Gris which was just amazing and the food I ordered was just the same, full of flavour and just a delight to eat, will most definitely visit whenever in Nelson.
Just been back to When in Rome yesterday 29/07/11 and the food, service was as good as when I was there last. I was supprised to read the latest review, in my long experience of business, the latest review and added comments clearly are a personal attack and bigoted one at that on the owner of When in Rome.
I would suggest the owner speak to the people at MenuMania as those comments and the ones added under their profile name do fall outside their review guidelines and appear to have have possible sinister racist overtones.
I would suggest people to ignore that review and visit to make up your own mind.
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
1/08/2011
Thank you for your encouraging comments and advice regarding a fake review. We took your advice and sorted out the problem. We are very pleased to hear your second experience at When In Rome was equally enjoyable. We will be honored if you visit us again when you…
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1
28th April 2011
good ambiance, average service,main menu dish adequate presentation, lean on substance.menu stated ravioli served on selection of breads,waitress when questioned disputed the breads but was quickly silenced by staff member.one slice arrived promptly.kids menu poor presentation and very very small.This is not sour grapes for refusing my entertainment voucher it was after all a public holiday,I should have read the fine print
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
17/05/2011
Hello Kevin,
Thanks for your comments. I can assure you we take all feedbacks openly and try our best to correct any problem that is pointed out to us.
I have staff on training both in the kitchen and in the front of house that could have been the reason…
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1
3rd July 2010
Pizzas are really great! Loving the $10 lunch special too. Been there twice in the last month and will definately go again.
1
20th June 2010
What a surprise!
I have been to When In Rome two days after they had opened in October 2009 and to be honest thought of the meal good but not extraordinary. Since then I have been out of Nelson and last week upon returning home my friends organised a dinner at When In Rome.
Things have changed indeed. The food firstly looked fantastic. Could not believe I was paying only $19 for the Ravioli which was looking so fancy and tasted out of this world. Also had a bite from Vanessa’s pizza which was delightful. Staff was friendly and attentive as usual. The chef’s special dessert was again I thought under-priced… only $9 for a yummy banoffee pie!! Well you guys have surely become my favorite restaurant. We will see you soon.
I have been to When In Rome two days after they had opened in October 2009 and to be honest thought of the meal good but not extraordinary. Since then I have been out of Nelson and last week upon returning home my friends organised a dinner at When In Rome.
Things have changed indeed. The food firstly looked fantastic. Could not believe I was paying only $19 for the Ravioli which was looking so fancy and tasted out of this world. Also had a bite from Vanessa’s pizza which was delightful. Staff was friendly and attentive as usual. The chef’s special dessert was again I thought under-priced… only $9 for a yummy banoffee pie!! Well you guys have surely become my favorite restaurant. We will see you soon.
1
11th May 2010
Me and my family went to When in Rome tonight, and will definitely be going back there again. Service was excellent, food was excellent and design and layout of the restaurant was superb. I had the pizza and chocolate sundae, best i’ve ever tasted anywhere.
1
1st May 2010
What a nice name to start with.I absolutely loved when in Rome, the food is amazing, the deco is superb, the service is very good and with realistic prices.
I had the salmon ravioli with creamy pesto sauce that was yum and to finish it I had the tiramisu equally as good.
Well done When in Rome. Keep it up
I had the salmon ravioli with creamy pesto sauce that was yum and to finish it I had the tiramisu equally as good.
Well done When in Rome. Keep it up
17th April 2010
We walked in When In Rome last Monday without a booking and was amazed to see it full on a Monday night (in Nelson!). We were told if we would like to have a drink next door at Sprig & Fern and the girl will find us a table in thirty minutes. In due time the waitress came to Sprig & Fern to let us know our table was ready. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the food and service. And it was great fun watching the going ons in a busy restaurant. It was busy but service was fast and everything seemed stress free. While leaving we mentioned to our waitress what a great time we had and she asked us to write a review and it is well deserved too. We will be back with more friends… and yes this time we will reserve a table before hand.
4
13th April 2010
When in Rome is my choice when I am in Nelson simply because they have all i need when i go to a restaurant Good food, good atmosphere, excellent service and all in my price range. Well done people of Rome. I will certainly be back.
1
16th March 2010
I do travel a lot within NZ because of my work inevitably I eat out 5 days a week sometimes more and when you do that you start to appreciate when you get a good meal for a realistic price served by a friendly face and thats exactly what I’ve got at When in Rome.
You guys made my stay in Nelson extra special.
I will be seeing you again next month for sure.
You guys made my stay in Nelson extra special.
I will be seeing you again next month for sure.
1
15th March 2010
Having been to Italy on my OE I really developed a liking for Italian food. Going to ‘When In Rome’ for the first time made me feel like I was back on holiday with great authentic food and lovely atmosphere. I’ve been back several times now for a reminder of a great holiday and just love the food. The prices are spot on for the kiwi budget which means a bottle of Chianti is not out of the question.
13th March 2010
My overall favorite restaurant in Nelson. I have been going since it first opened its doors and have never been disappointed. Awesome food, awesome atmosphere and awesome staff that always make you feel welcome and satisfied.
The Pizza has to be my favorite on the menu, as is authentic Roman style pizza, just the way i like it
And when i feel in the mood for something different, I’m never disappointed with my meal what ever i have on the menu. And the desserts are always a treat, and just the best thing to finish off an awesome meal.
When in Rome 100% !
The Pizza has to be my favorite on the menu, as is authentic Roman style pizza, just the way i like it
And when i feel in the mood for something different, I’m never disappointed with my meal what ever i have on the menu. And the desserts are always a treat, and just the best thing to finish off an awesome meal.When in Rome 100% !
12th March 2010
After a very average meal in another nelson restaurant, my girlfriend and I went to When In Rome for a sweet treat to perk up our night. Well done when in Rome you made our night extra special! The service is exceptional and truly beautiful sweets. You made our night. Cheers!
6
6th March 2010
We went to When In Rome while I was visiting Nelson for the weekend. We heard good things about it in Wellington from some friends. I must say I am very impressed. The decor is so classy but food was so reasonably priced. Italian is one of my favourite cuisines and I lived in Italy for a while… so I know the food well. I must say this is as good as it can get. Loved the garlic prawn as starter. My friends had Antipasto which looked great and they enjoyed it thoroughly. My main meal was Carbonara which was really tasty. For dessert the Chef’s special was just perfect. Service was attentive and friendly with a good touch of humor. However I have one major complain… When In Rome is in Nelson and not in Wellington where I live.
1st March 2010
After the demise of Venice Cove we were really up for a good Italian Restaurant in the Nelson area. Well, I’m afraid this wasn’t it. The antipasto starter was pathetic with ordinary ham hidden under the Parma,the cheese was a few cubes of supermarket feta, the salmon was passable and the rest was salad. This starter for two may have filled one. My wife and daughter decided on pizza and what arrived had to be on the thinnest base ever in fact it was akin to crispy tissue with a topping spread as thinly as possible, I tell you it was worthy of Weightwatchers. For my main I ordered the Pallo Romano (it may have been the other way around)and what arrived was a starter size dish of something that had been in the oven all afternoon, the chicken was dry and the aubergine unrecognisable. For dessert I had to try the Tiramisu, I wish I hadn’t, it was a dry affair and had little resemblance to the real thing. I asked the waitress if it contained alcohol and the next thing you know a glass of brandy appeared on the table (no amaretto or massala then)presumeably I had to pour it in myself.
The staff unfortunately were too attentive and it was a case of as the last forkfull was going in the mouth and there she was ready to collect my plate.(No rush then!).
I have the say the restaurant is an unfortunate shape and most seating seems to leave you in a corridor situation,. Certainly not a romantic venue!! We won’t be going back.
The staff unfortunately were too attentive and it was a case of as the last forkfull was going in the mouth and there she was ready to collect my plate.(No rush then!).
I have the say the restaurant is an unfortunate shape and most seating seems to leave you in a corridor situation,. Certainly not a romantic venue!! We won’t be going back.
Comment from Arko B. of When In Rome Restaurant
2/03/2010
Firstly we appologise for the experience you had at When In Rome and we appreciate the time you have taken to give us the feedback. As a business we take all comments seriously and try to address issues as much as practically possible.
So far we have not come…
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2
8th February 2010
Fabulous pizza! Generous servings and delicious food !
The wait staff are friendly, prompt, polite and I hope they are earning more than minimum wage for their service was way above par !
Thank you for a brilliant meal and experience
The wait staff are friendly, prompt, polite and I hope they are earning more than minimum wage for their service was way above par !
Thank you for a brilliant meal and experience
1
8th February 2010
Delicious food, great selection of wines both local and Italian, lovely environment and very friendly and helpful staff.
I would recommend the balsamic Chicken dish ,which is on the new menu, I also really enjoyed the Tiramisu.
I would recommend the balsamic Chicken dish ,which is on the new menu, I also really enjoyed the Tiramisu.
1
29th January 2010
We were visiting Nelson as part of a 3 week holiday from England. We chose to eat at this restaurant because it looked clean, tasteful and inviting. We weren’t disappointed. Really friendly staff, lovely food and a very reasonable price. I want one of those chandeliers. Where are they from?
4
2nd December 2009
A reasonably priced meal in an upmarket setting. Comfortable seats which is always appreciated. We had Al Ragu and Canneloni followed by the Panacotta.
All very nice.
My only critisisms are small ones. Maybe a bit of sound baffling to deaden the noise of the coffee grinder, or grind the coffee earlier and store it?
All very nice.
My only critisisms are small ones. Maybe a bit of sound baffling to deaden the noise of the coffee grinder, or grind the coffee earlier and store it?
1
27th October 2009
This is a great little restaurant. The ambiance is great. The service fantastic, cheerful and prompt, yet not over-the-top. The menu is varied and interesting and the food does not disappoint. The wine list has a good selection of local, NZ and international wines.
And all at reasonable prices, (with no surcharge for a statutory holiday).
And all at reasonable prices, (with no surcharge for a statutory holiday).
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Did you eat at this restaurant? Have an opinion to share?
We really enjoyed the food and italian wine for a very reasonable price.
Haven´t tried the rest of the menu but or gamberoni starter, padrino pizza, and stuffed calamari were dazzling, not to mention the tiramisu! mamma mia!!
highly recommended!