Neighbourhood
SALT District
Not just code for its geographical positioning in Christchurch’s CBD (Saint Asaph, Lichfield and Tuam), SALT District is dubbed the city’s most alternative neighbourhood. And for good reason. It’s here you’ll meet a mishmash of interesting characters making heritage buildings, multi-purposed containers and mural-splashed laneways their home.
Things are done differently on this turf, from the way the coffee is brewed (damn fine that is) and how menus are designed (100% local yo’) to the creative possibilities offered by tattoo parlours, thrift shops and art studios. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood to unashamedly express yourself in, this is it.
01 Not Without You
5/181 High Street, Christchurch
The sophisticated Not Without You boasts an extensive wine list filled with the best New Zealand has to offer - by the glass for all budgets, with incredible platters to boot.
02 Earl
128 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Earl is the new local for inner city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.
03 BOXed Quarter
Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.
04 Engine Coffee Brewers
270 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Just like an engine, every tiny detail here is considered and the coffee, food, space and people work together to create a perfectly smooth and simple coffee experience.
05 Smash Palace
172 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.
06 Unknown Chapter
254 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.
07 Sari Sari
5/177 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Sari Sari brings a taste of the Philippines to the good people of the garden city.
08 Sushi Soldier
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Offering all the best parts of Japanese cuisine from Tonkotsu Ramen to Chicken Katsu Don.
09 Utopia Ice Central City
153 High Street, CBD, Christchurch
Head down to southern High Street to experience all of the delicious, classic, exotic and mindfully made ice cream flavours from Utopia Ice.
10 Cookai Japanese Restaurant
Level 1, The Crossing, 71 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Head to Cookai for a sushi train, top seafood and fresh Japanese food at The Crossing.
11 The Little High Eatery
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
12 Bacon Brothers
181 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Bacon Brothers are on a mission to create the best damn burgers around.
13 Eightgrains
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nestled within the flurry of Little High Eatery, Eightgrains offer a range of Chinese-inspired cuisine.
14 Recycle Boutique CBD
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch
Recycle Boutique challenges the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option.
15 The Monday Room
161 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
The way this restaurant changes constantly yet simultaneously remains a longtime local favourite speaks to just how special it is.
16 New City Barbers
NG Building 212 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
New City Barbers provides gents with quality, consistent and long lasting cuts - all in a space they can feel comfortable and relaxed.
17 Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar
144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
There are a select few dumpling destinations serving up the full experience – and Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar is one of those topping the charts.
