Eight Plates — Restaurant in Nelson

Staying in Nelson we decided to book Eight Plates through first table. Firstly what a cool spot, the building is amazing and full of character. Staff were friendly and attentive without being too in your face. Had 2 cocktails which were both delicious and strong which was perfect. They have a great selection of drinks! Now to the food, we weren't sure what to expect...we have heard mixed reviews, some say portions are small for the price you pay. But you must take in to consideration that this restaurant serves small sharing plates, that's the concept. And we were not disappointed, each dish we ordered (ordered 6 plus 3 dessert options) were incredible. The house made ricotta omg so devine. Fried chicken, well who doesn't love fried chicken, we orderered two plates of this because we didnt want to share! We loved the spice, it had a kick and we love that, chicken cooked perfectly too. The lamb ribs, wow, so good, full of flavour and falling off the bone. And my absolute fav was the beef fillet with truffle and miso butter, the umami hit was incredible! Beef was tender, soft and delectable. Every sharing plate (we didn't share the chicken because who does that!) was packed full of lip-smacking flavour. Now we were very satisfied after 6 sharing plates, but decided to end the night with a sweet treat. We got 3....hear me out....Banana bread with bacon butter, feijoa crumble cookie (still warm) and affogato. Now let me tell you that this Banana bread was the best Banana bread I've ever had, soft and spicy in the middle and crunchy on the outer, and that addition of the bacon butter...gosh you must try this, with a coffee. The warm, just out of the oven cookie...um yum, need I say more....gooey caramel centre worked perfect with the feijoa. We left feeling full, completely satisfied and we really recommend Eight Plates! Thank you for a beautiful evening. P.S side note,...

I dined with my daughter on her first night back on university break. We are both very hard to please tough amateur food critics, not easily impressed.

Overall, we were then very impressed with your food, drinks, setting, and service. They exceeded our high expectations.

We were greeted warmly and professionally by friendly staff who continued to regularly but not obtrusively attend, and who were also happy to engage and chat more. The setting was warm (temp), clean fresh surfaces, comfortable chairs, and the ocassional eye catching but not obtrusive medley of "artifacts" tucked into corners and local art works on walls.

We first ordered Abel Tasman and Professor Plum cocktails, which were very well balanced and tasty.

We ordered, and then very quickly received the mushroom fries- fantastic, then shared minute steak, beef cheeks, and pork belly, with potato rossi. Portion sizes were generous- much greater than our expectations for "small plates" or the prices. Fresh quality ingredients, meats juicy and tender, all the ingredients, flavours and textures tasty, lively, complementary and balanced.

A single minor critique: the pork belly menu description did not mention five spice, which, although was subtle and balanced just right, and the pork itself so melt in mouth and yummy, the spice might not have been expected or to everyone's taste. I recommend that- as with some other descriptions on the menu- use of any such distinctive flavour is mentioned.

Apart from this single and arguably nit-picky critique, thank you for a really lovely meal. As I'm writing this, over a week since we were there, my mouth is watering...

Heard good things about 8 plates so decided to give it a go. Its a lovely building in a great part of town only a 2 minute walk from heaps of parking and the restaurant is well set out with plenty of room.

I assume that the front of house guy was covering for usual staff. He wasn't unfriendly but was aloof and seemed a bit confused or had his mind on something else. This place gives the impression that it is aiming for higher class than having FOH wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He told us that most people average a plate and a half of food plus drinks so we ordered a choice each plus a few other things to share about. Each portion was no bigger than a starter, all disappointingly small. Two people could share a plate but to stretch any further you might just get a nibble. Everything tasted pretty good but nothing to rave about. We left still hungry and went to maccas for a top up. Oh, and our table was sticky.

If you want this type of meal go to the boat shed and choose trust the chef, it's miles better for...