The Apple Shed Kitchen & Bar

Make a beeline for The Apple Shed Kitchen & Bar in Māpua Wharf for sensational views and a meal to match.

This rustic-luxe restaurant is set over the water, so be prepared to be taken away by the stunning vistas of the Waimea Inlet, especially if you're lucky enough to score a window seat.

Originally built as a fruit storage shed for Nelson's apple industry, this historic venue has been lovingly transformed while retaining much of its original charm. Inside, skylights and bi-fold windows flood with the natural light and views. Plus, beautiful brass pendant lights make for a cosy and atmospheric dining space as the sun goes down.

The focus here is on working with local artisan producers as much as possible to showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients. They have also gone to great lengths to ensure that a significant portion of the menu is vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free, so whether you're enjoying the grilled sour dough flat bread with fennel, cumin seeds and rosemary salt or the dry-aged steak with duck fat potatoes and wild mushrooms, you'll be in for a treat.