Nikkei

Home of Christchurch's only Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant, Nikkei is a unique foodie destination. Climb the stairs to the second floor of Riverside Market and enter the vibrant, cosy space this petite restaurant calls home. When entering, the two cultures at play are immediately evident – Japanese banners hang above the bar, huge sake drums balance on open shelves, and the modest wooden tables are dressed with traditional Peruvian table runners and set with forks and knives, plus chopsticks. A bunch of colourful paper lanterns add a sense of whimsy, something that hints at what to expect from the food served here.

The menu is filled with creative concoctions you won’t come across every day; embrace the experience, put aside your fears and rest assured that each dish that comes out of the kitchen will have your tastebuds dancing for joy. The plates are designed to be shared, and ordering a number of different dishes to try on the table is truly the best way to experience what Nikkei has to offer. 

If you’re after an awe-inspiring experience, go for the restaurant’s trademark Wagyu porteño sushi rolls that are torched at the table in front of diners. Or perhaps give the Arepas, cornmeal bread filled with slow-cooked brisket, a go for something South American. Pair your food of choice with a Sake Ale or indulge in a Pisco Sour, and you’ll be in for a helluva good time.

During the summer months, a sunny courtyard offers a wonderfully sheltered spot for dining and drinks, and in the cooler months, the colours and comfort of this restaurant make it the ideal destination for an evening with friends and family.