Discover the Legacy of Nero Restaurant, Palmerston North
Built in 1918, Nero Restaurant encompasses a stunning Victorian character home, offering a dining experience steeped in history and charm right here in Palmerston North. Our establishment stands proudly on a 1/4 acre of gracefully landscaped grounds, providing a unique and tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
We warmly welcome you to experience Nero, where every detail is curated for your enjoyment.
The Passion Behind the Plate: Scott & Yvette Kennedy
At the heart of the Nero experience is the unwavering dedication of our Head Chef & Owners, Scott & Yvette Kennedy. Renowned throughout Palmerston North for their culinary vision, Scott personally leads the kitchen with a profound commitment to exceptional produce. He meticulously shops daily for the finest available ingredients, fostering strong relationships with local markets, food purveyors, and private growers across New Zealand. Scott's preference is always for local produce, ensuring freshness and quality in every dish.
This dedication to sourcing is evident in our chosen prime meats: our Lamb of choice is Coastal Spring Lamb, naturally seasoned by the sea for unparalleled flavour. Our Beef of choice is Taupo Beef & Charolais x Angus, which Scott proudly declares as "one of the best steaks he has ever eaten." It is this personal passion and commitment to the very best that elevates every meal at Nero.
Your Unforgettable Dining Experience
We warmly welcome you to experience Nero, where the atmosphere is as carefully curated as the cuisine. Enjoy our warm and cosy surroundings during the chilly winter months, perfect for intimate dinners and relaxed gatherings. When the weather is fine, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of our outdoor alfresco dining area, surrounded by established trees and gardens, or wander through our many French doors to discover the expansive decking – an ideal spot to savour our divine selection of wine.
Our team is dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience, ensuring every dish on our award-winning menu is prepared with care and served with impeccable, personalised attention.
A Legacy of Awards & Recognition
Nero Restaurant is consistently recognised as a leader in New Zealand's culinary landscape. Our relentless pursuit of excellence has garnered numerous prestigious awards, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of food, service, and hospitality.
We are proud recipients of:
- Manawatu Restaurant of the Year: Awarded in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
- Manawatu Restaurant of the Year Runner-up: In 2013 and 2014.
- Beef Dish of the Year: Consistently recognised from 2009 to 2017.
- Beef and Lamb Hall of Excellence: Maintained from 2010 to 2017, and Scott Kennedy holds the distinguished title of Beef and Lamb Ambassador NZ (2016, 2017) and Platinum Ambassador.
- Awarded for Achieving The Highest Culinary Standard in Beef & Lamb 2011.
- Maitre’D Host of the Year: In 2009 and 2012, with runner-up positions in 2008 and 2010.
- Apprentice Chef of the Year: In 2013 and 2014, highlighting our commitment to fostering new talent.
Furthermore, Nero Restaurant is proud to be an ‘A’ Graded restaurant, signifying our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.
