One quick scroll through our list of Christchurch restaurants and you’ll see picking somewhere to eat is no easy task.
Christchurch chefs and hospitality staff are at the forefront of a changing and growing city that has put the palates of the people at the top of its ‘must impress’ list. Gone are the days of only serving meat and threes, as now Christchurch has stepped to the plate offering dishes in a range of cuisines and diets.
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Three Donkeys
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.
Sumner Social
The arrival of Sumner Social warrants high fives all around because, at last, the coastal suburb has a top-notch bar and restaurant with ocean views.
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.
Tussock Hill Vineyard
The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.
Seven
Take the elevator to Level 7 of the Muse Art Hotel in Christchurch, and from there you’ll be ushered into the elegant restaurant, Seven.
The Mediterranean Food Company
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.
Soul Quarter
Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.
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.
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Tramway Restaurant
The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.
Otahuna Lodge
If there ever was a unique dining experience to be had, dining at Otahuna is it.
Arbour Woodfire Pizza
A standout eatery where you can expect to find perfectly charred pizzas and a plant-filled atmosphere.
Gatherings
Food is best enjoyed together, and when you’re tucked into the intimate restaurant that is Gatherings, you’ll remember why.
El Quincho
For a taste of Argentina, head to El Quincho at Riverside Market.
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Riccarton Noodle House
For a flavoursome lunch on the run, a family get together and a few hot brothy bowls that’ll leave you wanting more head to Riccarton Noodle House.
Greystone Wines
A day exploring the magic being made by Greystone Wines ibn Waipara is a day well spent.
Fire and Slice Woodfired Pizza
Most great things are built from the ground (or base) up, just like pizza. Woodfired pizza shop, Fire and Slice, located in Sumner village is no different.
Midnight Shanghai
Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.
Ramen Ria
Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.
The Welder
The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.
Riverside Market
This unique Christchurch establishment brings fresh produce, artisan bakeries, independent food stalls, rooftop bars and restaurants, high-class retail and eclectic market stalls all under one roof.
Evil Genius Bar & Eatery
Evil Genius Bar & Eatery is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, offering everything from coffee to cocktails.
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.
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Westend Stories
Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.
Miss Peppercorn
Miss Peppercorn is a modern eatery, celebrating the fragrant and mouth-numbing flavours of the owner's hometown in the Chinese province of Sichuan.
Earl
Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.
Dux Central
If bars could be left or right handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. There’s nothing this place can’t be.
Dux Dine
Dux Dine is one of those rare gems where anyone and everyone has a place at the table, all in a cosy, home-like atmosphere.
Smokey T's
Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.
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The Birdwood
Much-loved neighbourhood cafe by day, knock-out contemporary Italian eatery by night – The Birdwood might just be the dream local hospo joint.
Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch
A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.
SUPER
Lyttelton’s Asian-fusion eatery, SUPER, is nothing short of what the name suggests.
Rona's
With glistening Akaroa seaside views just around the corner, stepping into Rona’s for a gourmet brunch feels like treating yourself to a bona fide holiday.
Bessie
Dark, a little brooding and faultless in its theme, Bessie is an immaculate display of fine dining in the inner city.
The Little High Eatery
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
Sun Dog Diner
Based on traditional American diners, Sun Dog Diner aims to provide the locals of Christchurch with a place to enjoy great comfort food in an old-fashioned diner, but with a...
Boo's
Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo Radley’s draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.
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Black Estate
A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.
Chillingworth Road
Dinnertime is the hero of this Redwood destination, where degustation dining centres around classic cuisine, done well.
Twenty Seven Steps
An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is a modern and sophisticated restaurant on New Regent Street.
Tomi Japanese Restaurant
Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Tomi is most famous for their sashimi sourced from the local fish market.
Fiddlesticks
With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.
Inati
Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.
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Ōtoromiro Hotel
Founded in 1870, the hotel still stands in all it’s colonial beauty, featuring seven fully-renovated guest rooms some with sea views and balcony access.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Pomeroy’s has been the catalyst of the Christchurch craft beer scene for years, with its ever-changing blackboard showcasing over 31 beers on offer.
The Monday Room
The way this restaurant changes constantly yet simultaneously remains a longtime local favourite speaks to just how special it is.
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