Miro

Look up 176 Oxford Terrace on Google Maps and what you’ll see is a bit depressing. A beautiful old building covered in graffiti, with more smashed windows than not and a big wire fence around it. A building battered by earthquakes.

Fast forward to 2018 and thing are a little different. 176 Oxford is in its prime – damages repaired, terracotta exterior popping against the blue Christchurch sky and a range of exciting local businesses housed in its strong walls – one being Miro. Your new favourite cafe.

Open for breakfast, lunch and brunch seven days a week, Miro is a welcome addition to the landscape of Christchurch eateries and is a refreshing fusion of cafe and restaurant – there’s no cabinet here and no order-at-the-counter service but instead a friendly and attentive restaurant-style approach to service and a menu that will make another visit compulsory.

Starting with breakfast cocktails (!) such as the Cereal Killer made with bourbon, cereal infused milk, vanilla syrup and bitters, the menu moves through to smoothies and bowls, favourites such as the Miro full breakfast, eggs benedict and Croque Madame and then onto an enticing range of options “from the charcoal grill” with sides and desserts that may induce severe food envy.

Much like everything at Miro – the charcoal grill has been selected with love and the utmost attention to detail and was custom made in Christchurch. As have the ingredients and drinks which are sourced as locally as possible.

This passion for the little things is again reflected in Miro’s stylish and cosy fit out. With two open fires (a rarity in the CBD), gorgeous original dark wood floors and panelling from when the much-loved Caffe Roma inhabited the venue pre ‘quake and big windows letting light and sunshine shine in, it’s easy to imagine passing a few hours in this lovely space.