Anchor Restaurant & Bar

About Anchor Restaurant & Bar

The Anchor Restaurant and Bar sits on the water at Port Nelson, adjacent to the Nelson Yacht Marina at 62 Vickerman Street. The business describes over 25 years of operation, having opened at its current marina-side location 16 years ago, and has built up a diverse clientele of locals and visitors drawn to its unique spot on the water.

Succulent seafood and steaks are the restaurant's specialty, with the kitchen serving only the freshest locally caught fish and locally harvested produce wherever possible. Mains are priced and designed as complete meals without the need for extras, and the menu also offers vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options alongside a dedicated kids menu.

The restaurant seats 120 diners inside with outdoor seating for 50, having added capacity for another 40 diners four years ago due to demand. The wine list showcases Nelson's world-class local wines alongside other New Zealand and Australian favourites, and Anchor Restaurant and Bar also caters for groups, parties and functions with a variety of set menus.

The Anchor Restaurant and Bar: Waterfront Seafood and Steaks at Port Nelson

Right on the water at Port Nelson, adjacent to the Nelson Yacht Marina, The Anchor Restaurant and Bar has built a loyal following over more than 25 years of operation, with 16 years at its current marina-side spot on Vickerman Street. The setting is hard to beat for scenery, and both locals and visitors have embraced the restaurant's warm, friendly atmosphere.

Seafood and Steaks at the Core

Succulent seafood and steaks are the restaurant's specialty, and the kitchen sources the freshest locally caught fish and locally harvested produce wherever possible. Mains are priced and designed as complete meals, meaning there's no need to pile on extras to make a proper dinner. The menu also stretches to vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options, and a dedicated kids menu, so the whole table is catered for.

Room for Everyone

The restaurant seats 120 diners inside, with outdoor seating for 50 more, and added capacity for another 40 diners four years ago in response to demand. That growth reflects how the venue has become a genuine local institution - a place for a family meal, a catch-up over drinks, or a special occasion by the water.

A Nelson Wine List

The Anchor's wine list leans into the Nelson region's world-class wine production, featuring the restaurant's own Anchorage house label across Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir, alongside other well-known New Zealand and Australian wines. The bar also pours the restaurant's own Anchor Ale on tap, alongside a broad range of other beers, ciders, champagne and sparkling wine.

Functions and Groups

Beyond regular dining, The Anchor offers a unique setting for parties, groups and functions, with a variety of set menus to suit different tastes and occasions. Staff take care of the details so guests can focus on celebrating.

Visiting The Anchor

The Anchor Restaurant and Bar is open six days a week during winter hours - closed Mondays, open Tuesday to Friday from 10:30am with the kitchen closing at 9pm, Saturday from 10am with the kitchen closing at 9pm, and Sunday from 10am until 4pm. It's located at 62 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson, and bookings can be made through its online reservation system.

Signature items

• Local Seafood
• Steaks
• Anchor Ale
• Anchorage Wines
• Anchor Espresso Martini

Menu

Wine

• Sauvignon Blanc — Anchorage (Nelson house), Jules Taylor (Marlborough), Allan Scott (Marlborough), Sheild (Nelson), Edenvale (non-alcoholic)
• Pinot Gris — Anchorage (Nelson house), Waimea (Nelson)
• Chardonnay — Anchorage (Nelson house), Latitude 41 (Nelson), Neudorf (Nelson)
• Rosé — Anchorage (Nelson house), Brightwater Gravels (Nelson), Spencer Hill (Nelson)
• Riesling — Allan Scott (Marlborough)
• Pinot Noir — Anchorage (Nelson house), Neudorf (Nelson), Fickle Mistress (Otago)
• Merlot — Lake Chalice (Marlborough), Allan Scott (Marlborough)
• Shiraz — Pepperjack (South Australia)

Beers

• Asahi Premium Lager — On tap
• Anchorage - Nelson (House) — On tap
• Boundary Road Hazy Pale Ale — On tap
• Balter XPA — On tap
• Carlsburg Pilsner — On tap
• Anchor Ale — On tap, house brand
• Hard Rated Lemonade — On tap
• Waimea - Nelson — On tap
• Corona — Fridge
• Heineken — Fridge
• Steinlager — Fridge
• Speights Gold — Fridge
• Speights Summit Ultra — Fridge
• Speights Mid Strength — Fridge
• Speights Old Dark — Fridge
• Peroni — Fridge, regular or 0.0%
• Scotts Gluten Free IPA — Fridge
• Pure Blonde Ultra Low Carb — Fridge
• Somersby Apple Cider — Fridge
• Somersby Blackberry Cider — Fridge

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Juice — Orange, apple, pineapple, tomato or cranberry
• Chia Sisters Drinks — Apple & feijoa, orange & mango, or apple & boysenberry
• Fizzy Drinks — Coke, lemonade, L&P, Coke No Sugar, Sprite Zero, raspberry & Coke, raspberry & lemonade
• Ginger Beer — Soft drink
• Ginger Ale — Soft drink
• Tonic — Soft drink
• Lemon Lime & Bitters — Soft drink
• Kombucha — Ginger lemon or raspberry lemonade
• Sparkling Water — Voyage, 500ml

Champagne & Sparkling

• Deutz Brut — Sparkling wine
• Henkell Rose — Sparkling wine, 200ml
• Prosecco Canti — 200ml
• Lindauer Fraise — 200ml
• Lindauer Sauvignon — 200ml
• Brancott Estate Brut Cuvee — Sparkling wine
• GH Mumm Champagne — Champagne

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Anchor Restaurant and Bar located?

At 62 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson 7010, adjacent to the Nelson Yacht Marina.

What are the winter opening hours?

Closed Monday. Tuesday to Friday from 10:30am, kitchen closes 9pm. Saturday from 10am, kitchen closes 9pm. Sunday 10am to 4pm.

What is The Anchor known for?

Seafood and steaks, using fresh locally caught fish and locally harvested produce wherever possible.

Does the menu cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes, a dedicated kids menu is available.

Can I book a function here?

Yes, The Anchor caters for groups, parties and functions with a variety of set menus - call to discuss requirements.

How do I make a reservation?

Through the restaurant's online reservation system, or by calling 03-546-6614.

Tips

• {"body":"Outdoor seating for 50 and indoor seating for 120 make the waterfront setting popular - reserve via the online system.","title":"Book ahead for the marina view"}
• {"body":"The restaurant's own Nelson label features across Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir.","title":"Try the Anchorage house wines"}
• {"body":"A variety of set menus are available for groups, parties and functions.","title":"Ask about function set menus"}
• {"body":"The restaurant is closed Mondays and keeps different hours across the rest of the week.","title":"Check winter hours before visiting"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Dedicated kids menu available","dietary":"Vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options available"}