Flames on Forty Restaurant Bar at The Hotel Nelson — Restaurant in Nelson

Our visit Sunday 23 September 2018 at 6:30pm:

The Host was so lovely and friendly... the other staff were also friendly... we cannot fault the staff.

The seating, wait and the food is a different matter. They did have 2 biggish tables come in off the street without bookings just before we arrived (my husband rung up to see if we needed to book); so they were aware that we were coming. And yet still placed us in the same seating area as the 2 big groups. We would of preferred to have sat in the quieter area.

We had a 10 and 13 year olds.... whom were starving.... as it took 43 minutes for our food to come out from time we ordered. A bit baffled to note that the vegetables were a separate cost to the meal, considering the price of the meal. I would of been quite happy to pay a couple of extra dollars to the main meal to have veges... not as an extra.

Mine said blazed carrots... found 3 very small ones under my lamb shank. The lamb was lovely and tender. Hubbys ribeye steak was chewy and the chips didn't taste like chips - more boiled potatoes and lightly browned on sides. Definitely no crunch to the chips. Daughters sliders... she ordered due to the size that the waitress stated they were... TOTALLY shocked to what she received and what we expected. Sons chicken burger was probably most accurate one according to the menu and expectation, yet the bacon was very dry and over cooked (not crispy - over cooked). Like another review... we love salt and pepper squid due to the taste and crunchiness... this was tasteless and soggy and some chewy. . I am sorry... if the food and seating was a great as the staff manners... I wouldn't hesitate to give a 5, as the wait was understandable and they did apologise a few times...

In all honestly, this is by far the worst meal my friend and I have consumed in Nelson. I apologize for the ill feedback but even paying half price, we both felt ripped off and left with uncomfortable stomachs. Our entree of salt n pepper calamari was soggy and the coating fell off each piece, I'm not even sure if it was fresh as the tang it had was off putting but our chicken nibbles were probably the worst plate of food I've been served and expected to pay for. They had been re fired so many times, the chicken was so dry and hard, that the bones were brittle. The coating resembled eating crispy ash. (This is not a joke) Our burgers were also below the 26$ expectancy mark. Oil continued to drip from my chicken as I bit into it. We didn't stay around to be disappointed by dessert. The environment was awkward, and although our waitress was ok, she missed out food we had ordered (a relief really) and my lemon lime and bitters was flat. Not the best review but the truth is the truth and I had to pay for food I wouldn't ever dare serve up to someone else. Thank you for the experience, but I will never return and am confused as to how you are ranked so highly on...

What a treat! From being warmly welcomed to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and delicious food, we thoroughly enjoyed our family dinner out. We didn't get a pic of all the meals, but loved the presentation of the kids fish & chips. In a tall spiral holder and side of sauce. The chicken bacon burger was a hit with the teen (the photo is just missing the pickle & cherry tomato that was on top) The ribeye with mushroom sauce & potato & rosemary gratin was delicious 😋 I added a side salad which complemented the meal. There were some tasty cocktail options and plenty of choices for drinks with full bar service. The staff were all friendly and jovial. Our waitress was very down to earth, and accommodating, and related well to all the patrons around us too. Lots of laughter 😃 Now the dessert....wow. We ordered from the menu, as well as a special of the day - the Tirimisu, which was devine! Not too overpowering or overly sweet. Nice touch with the fresh raspberries too. The chocolate cheesecake was also a win, with fresh cream and berries. And the caramel Sundae with crispy wafer went down well. Overall a great night, and we will...