Restaurant Finder

Reviews for Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe

by Dan
29th January 2013

We visited the Mussel Pot for lunch while holidaying in Anakiwa over the New Year break. The place was busy with many people coming and going. Even so the staff were friendly and chatty and our order of grilled calamari and a mussel platter for two was served within 20 minutes.
Everything was cooked well and we left very satisfied with our experience. Fascinating information about mussels and mussel farming placed on the walls inside which was worth a read.
I wouldn’t imagine we will be back in Havelock any time soon (live at the other end of the island) but would certainly recommend to others who might be passing by.

Comment from Rob D. of Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe 29/01/2013    Hide »

Anakiwa is certainly a lovely place to spend a break and we are…    More »

Anakiwa is certainly a lovely place to spend a break and we are pleased you popped in for some of our local seafood. Yes we do get extremely busy through the holiday season but we always try to ensure our customers enjoy their experience here.
Glad you had the platter as this is a great way to try all the different styles of mussels.

by Sandra H.
5th October 2012

We love the Mussel Pot – recently had the chance to visit again and as per every other visit it was exceptional. We even took a photo of our meal to send to our friends and make them jealous.
The waiter was new and obviously being trained but the service he gave was great. Keep up the good work – we will hopefully be back that way sometime soon.

by Karen D.
2nd October 2012

As a Havelock local who uses this restaurant and visit their very clean kitchens regularly, I was stunned by Sarah’s comments. The new young Italian waiter, who I introduced myself to, without any language problems (and I only speak English) is extremely sweet and I cannot imagine would have knowingly caused offence.
As far as I am concerned this restaurant provides Good food and friendly service. Enjoy. I don’t even like Mussels but their steaks and pasta dishes are excellent

by Nicola T.
30th September 2012

My husband and I decided while on holiday to call into the Mussel Pot for dinner, as it is always a nice place for a rest while driving between Nelson and Blenheim.

Hubby ordered the steak with mushrooms and I tried a new flavour of steamed mussels (thought I would be brave as I always stick with what I know).

What an experience!!!

I now have a new flavour of Mussels to try (not sure, but think that next time I’ll be spending more time here and ordering 2 pots – I can’t decide which I like more), Hubby was in 7th heaven with his steak – he said that it was the best he had tasted anywhere (big call from him as he is definitely the “meat eater” in the family).

The wait staff were extremely attentive, and very knowledgeable about how the mussels were cooked and prepared (I was nervous with my choice but after their explanations I was definitely looking forward to them).

After our meal, we were then offered the dessert menu – and what do you know, homemade gelato!! I didn’t believe that it was “homemade” so the owner’s wife (who was serving us at this stage) invited us into the kitchen to watch Tony making it – what an experience!!!

Definitely a favourite place on our holiday, and will be making sure we always pop in when driving through Havelock!!!!

Comment from tracy and tony c. of Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe 30/09/2012    Hide »

It was lovely meeting your husband and it was lovely that you…    More »

It was lovely meeting your husband and it was lovely that you visited us again. I’m glad you enjoyed watching Tony make the gelato. It is time-consuming preparing all the fruit but I’m sure you’ll agree well worth the effort. You two looked lovely in your hair nets and aprons. Please make sure you do come back and see us if you are in Havelock again.

by Peter S.
29th September 2012

Dined at the Mussel Pot a few minutes ago. What a feast.
We had a platter of chowder, grilled, steamed and smoked mussels.
We finished off with Tony’s homemade italiano gelato.
Our waitress was delightful and her wine recommendation was perfect.

by Terry J.
29th September 2012

I try to make a beeline for the Mussel Pot Restaurant every time I am in the South Island. Usually stop off there for breakfast when traveling between Nelson and Picton. On the last stop there we were early and they were just opening. That was not a problem for them, they did coffees for both of us and some real nice mussels. I can recommend Mussel Pot to anyone traveling thru Havelock.

by Sarah M.
27th September 2012

The service was shocking, the waiter understood no english, the wrong meal was delivered 40 minutes after we ordered and the place was almost empty so why it took that long is a mystery, and the chowder was cold and came with not one but two hairs floating in the top, when this was raised with staff it was handled in a poor way and we ended up walking out, which we have never done before as form what we could see in the kitchen when discussing it with the chef the hygiene standards were poor and we didnt want to eat anything else out of that kitchen, a big disappointment as this used to be a great place!

Comment from tracy and tony c. of Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe 28/09/2012    Hide »

Thank you so much for your review. We once again apologise for…    More »

Thank you so much for your review. We once again apologise for your experience. We would however like to point out some gross exaggerations in your review. Our camera footage shows you were in our restaurant for just over 29 minutes from entry to exit. We are a restaurant in the service business why would we employ staff with no or very little English? We have accents but our English is extremely proficient with most of us being able to converse in 2 or 3 languages.
You pointed to the grilled butter mussels but said battered so your waiter repeated it as buttered and you confirmed this. Hence this is what you received. We were happy to replace these when you said you asked for battered. As we were removing the buttered mussels you pointed out “hair” that you found. As explained to you and shown, this was a small piece of mussel beard which was inside one of the mussels chopped up for the chowder – there was still mussel meat attached on careful examination..
Now you have added a new complaint of the chowder being cold. The chowder is always served at 80-82 degrees which we check as part of our HACCP regime.
As for implying, that our one-year-old fully remodelled kitchen is unhygienic that is not just scandalous but libellous. We pride ourselves on our high standards – a fact that can be attested to by impeccable health inspection reports.
You were not charged for your meal or any of your drinks and were told this when you came up to pay (you did not just get up and leave as you implied).
We are still a great restaurant and we strive to ensure our customers are happy.

by bo
15th October 2011

Obviously a popular place as it was packed both inside and out. I was impressed at the multitude of different languages from the various tables around me. I had battered mussels and my friend had the calamari…. the real thing… not some crumbed stuff found in so many places. As a girl it was nice to use clean toilets.(I think u can tell a lot about a place by its toilets.

by franz
13th October 2011

Had a fantastic meal here with friends.
The seafood plate was amazing and the lemon and manuka honey dessert just dreamy.
We were impressed by the friendly waitress who took the time to answer our questions about the mussel farms although they were packed with lots of overseas tourists.

by Belinda
10th October 2011

After seeing the brochure for The Mussel Pot in various places, we decided to try it on our way to Blemheim. Brochure stated that they are open @ 5pm in October and that fit in well with our plans. Arriving @ 5.20pm we found the door locked. Checked out the window, which also said 5pm. Someone quickly opened the door and said opening in 10 minutes and left us standing in the cold. After waiting for 10 minutes The Mussel Pot remained closed and we went on to Blenheim to have diner.

Comment from Tracy & Tony C. of Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe 12/10/2011    Hide »

We apologise for you not finding us open at the time of your…    More »

We apologise for you not finding us open at the time of your visit. With the huge influx of lunchtime tourists travelling for the rugby we changed our hours accordingly with lunch service on most days not finishing until after 4pm. The sign in the door explained that dinner service would start at 5:30pm not 5pm as stated on the menu in the window. We also ensured that i-site personnel,our web page and Facebook page had the hours changed. Hopefully we will see you next time you visit.
Tracy

by sarah
7th July 2010

Great place to try mussels and local seafood. I took overseas visitors here and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Friendly staff took the time to answer our questions about the mussels. A must stop for any South Island trip.

by Megan H.
23rd January 2010

Loved it – just charming. Really friendly staff. Great mussels and fab desserts. Perfect for a relaxed family dinner. Would eat here regularly if I was a local!

by Biggie C.
7th December 2009

We called in here on the way from Nelson to Picton expecting some local mussels. The mussels themselves were fine – although the portion a little on the small side for the price. Another had fish and chips which did not rate well – chips undercooked and the fish tasted of oil from the frying – little more.
They also have a 2.2% surcharge on their bill if you choose to pay by credit card, I was told my eftpos was declined when the receipt said “No dialtone” – so glad I had some cash. Needless to say I am in no hurry to return.

Comment from tracy and tony c. of Mussel Pot Restaurant & Cafe 29/09/2012    Hide »

Sorry for your experience here This was before we owned the place…    More »

Sorry for your experience here This was before we owned the place so I can’t comment. We do not surcharge for anything and prices are the same on public holidays

by Nicola
15th June 2008

Fabulous little place. Went on a cold day and was greeted by friendly staff and a warm cosy fire. The food was to die for – had fresh steamed mussels.Hubby had a seafood plate and a yummy apple crumble. One of my friends doesn’t like mussels but lots of other things to choose from. She had a Spaghetti Matriciana followed by a sticky date pudding.
Great local wines. Highly recommend if visiting the south island

Write Review