church street, nelson

authentic Mexican
Street Food

Tasty Tacos and
epic Margarita’s

Cantina Nicola is a modern Mexican cantina in the heart of Nelson, serving bold, authentic flavours inspired by taqueria culture. Expect house-made tortillas, vibrant shared plates, legendary margaritas and a relaxed, lively atmosphere from afternoon till late.

Two tacos on a plate with cilantro, onions, and lime wedge, alongside two glasses of red wine.

we love Tacos

Antojitos - small cravings 

Oysters natural, aguachile rojo, lime, tajin $6ea

Chips & guac, tio pablo corn chips, guacamole, salsa molcajete $16

Market fish Aguachile, kiwi fruit, cucumber, onion, coriander, jalepeno $24

Tuna tostada, citrus, tajin, pickled jalapeno, lime, onion $26

Tamale con Queso steamed tamale, tajin, queso, mayonnaise $18

Chicken wings ‘al pastor’ pineapple, tamarind salt $22

Pork Belly ‘chicharrones’ fried pork, lime, salsa molcajete $24

Esquites, corn, mayo, lime, chili, onion, coriander, parmesan $18

Calabaza asada, sour cream, pickled onion, parmesan, tajin $16

Papas Bravas, crispy potatoes, chipotle crema, queso, coriander $16

Taqueria 2pcs 

Fresh tortillas made daily in house 

Fried prawn taquitos ‘gobernador’ prawn and cheese cooked in salsa roja, sour crema, lettuce $22

‘Nopales’ Cactus and queso quesadilla onion, pepper, salsa verde $20 

Cauliflower frittas fried cauliflower, salsa macha, peanuts, cabbage $18 

Pork ‘cochinita pibil’ Yucatan style pork slow cooked in banana leaf, pineapple salsa $20 

Baja fish taco battered fresh fish, guac, mayo, pickled jalapeno, lettuce $20 

Beef birria slow cooked beef, cheese, onion, consomme $20 

Chicken tinga pulled chicken, guacamole, salsa molcajete $20 

Mexican chorizo fried potato, green peppers, queso crema $20 

 Principales 

Carne asada grilled peppers, spring onion, chipotle butter $32

Lamb barbacoa pickled onion, salsa verde $32 

Market fish ‘parrillada’ Adobo marinada, charred spring onion, pickled onions, coriander, lime $32 

A black-and-white hand holding a tequila shot.

We are gluten free and love cooking with garlic, onion, nuts and dairy

If you have dietary restrictions the dishes that we can offer may be adjusted or limited to suit

Please advise at time of booking or with your server on arrival

A hand drawn image of a cactus