The Mussel Inn is located in the heart of Golden Bay, North West Nelson region of the South Island of New Zealand. A two hour drive from Nelson, over the Takaka hill, through the township of Takaka and on another 17 kms towards Collingwood you will find yourself in Onekaka. Located on the left hand side of the road about half a k past Iron Works road. But don’t worry if you miss it - it’s a dead end road, so you’ll be back.
Built in 1992 by Jane and Andrew Dixon and their two sons, Henry (vid) and Toby, the Mussel Inn could be described as ˜Kiwi woolshed / tramping hut meets Aussie farmhouse” in style of construction. A single room with a veranda on three sides, solid wooden furniture (tables good to dance on) and a large open fire create a space that is rustic and homely.
No need to get dressed up - in fact there is no dress code - although it would generally be more appropriate if some clothes were worn - at least a mask, when required! The atmosphere is laid-back and family friendly.
The fare is simple and wholesome and as much as possible, prepared in our own kitchen. Famous for our fresh steamed mussels (when available) and mussel chowder Onekaka style, we also do steak, fish and vegetarian options and a range of snacky foods are always available. We don’t pretend to be a restaraunt - to judge us as one is your choice. We produce food that we can eat every day.
We also produce all our own beers, ales, ciders, soft drinks and occasional house wines in a small brewery located adjacent to the Mussel Inn. Home made lemonade and ginger beer will please those looking for something non alcoholic and a small selection of Nelson area wines and a basic range of spirits for those who are.
The Mussel Inn is also a performance venue and live music is a regular feature, usually on a weekend night - and every second night or so, over January. All genres of music are covered although original singer songwriters seem to get the lions share of the gigs. Our performers are not background music for your conversations so if you have lots of interesting stuff to talk about to your friends, please enjoy the fire space outside. (check out who's played at the Mussel Inn to get some idea of the range of styles).
No Pokie machines or TV's - not even a pool table - we're just not that sort of place.
The Mussel Inn is open from 11am, seven days a week. Evening meals from 5 till 9. We close for Christmas and new years day only.
From boxing day till the middle of January is traditionally our busiest time. Wait times are to be expected over this period but hey ~ what a great place to wait. (Fresh steamed mussels usually unavailable from Christmas to about the second week of January due to fish processors holidays)
Bookings not generally taken
