Three Donkeys

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

WednesdayClosed.

Thursday5:00 – 9:30 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday5:00 – 9:30 pm.

SundayClosed.

78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

022 199 5097

Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine. The menu embodies a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes offering meat, poultry and seafood plus vegetarian and vegan options. Their mission is to provide vibrant food and beautifully constructed dishes that surprise and intrigue. The team can also create tailor-made menus to your taste on request.

Chef Samson Samikannu started his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen in Pondichery, India, and is trained by some of the best chefs in France. In 2021, he opened The Three Donkeys restaurant, a place to share the flavours and cuisines he grew to love over the years. Samson loves to explore how food can promote energy and engagement amongst diners. Upon visiting, you might also recall Samson and his familiar smile from his food cart, The Rolling Om, in The Arts Centre. 

The restaurant's interior was renovated by local artist Chris Reddington using as many recycled materials as possible, creating a sociable and relaxed dining atmosphere. Sharing Carnaby Lane with some quality neighbours such as The Burger Joint and Switch New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a much welcomed addition to the small but popular New Brighton food scene. 

Words by Johnny Gibson & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Switch New Brighton

View of seating area inside Switch with customers..
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.

He Puna Taimoana

Two friends in the sauna at He Puna Taimoana.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Wellbeing key icon.

Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping...

The Burger Joint

The red and white interior of The Burger Joint.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.

Saturdays

Eating oats with poached pear.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink.

Similar Places

Ilex Café

People walking into Ilex Café in Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Right in the heart of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Ilex Café is a must visit for beautiful food and good vibes.

Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch

A chef working the kitchen at the back of a large restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.

Child Sister

Costumer at the wooden counter ordering.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Seeking a calm environment with aesthetically-pleasing interior decor, complete with incredible coffee and delicious food to match? Then look no further, Child Sister has...

The Lane

A customer sitting at a table inside a brightly coloured restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked next door to the Sudima Christchurch city hotel on Salisbury Street, The Lane is so much more than a hotel restaurant.