Three Donkeys









MondayClosed.
TuesdayClosed.
WednesdayClosed.
Thursday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Friday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Saturday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
SundayClosed.
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
The Burger Joint

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.
Switch New Brighton

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

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.
He Puna Taimoana

Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping ocean views, a plunge pool, steam...
Similar Places
The Old Vicarage

The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.
Austin Club

If you like your bars secret, check out Austin Club tucked in a basement, down an alleyway. Oh, and you'll need the password, too.
Pizza Trap

Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
Kung Fu Dumplings

Christchurch may be a long jaunt from Kathmandu, but you won't have to go nearly as far for momo dumplings.