Odeon

Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.

Whilst not technically on New Regent Street, this restaurant is just around the corner on Gloucester Street. It is a welcome addition and very much vibes with the renowned hospitality scene in this part of the city. Head chef and owner Shafeeq Ismail is no stranger to these parts either, with his other venue, the popular and petite Story, a mere 50 metres away on New Regent Street. 

Stepping inside Odeon, what first captures your attention is its unique layout and interior design, with different pockets and spaces around the restaurant creating a range of seating choices. From the extended bar to cosy booths to a semi-private larger table for bigger groups, there are plenty of options, whether you are stopping by for a quick drink and a snack or planning a longer feast and celebration. There is a richness that envelops you at Odeon in large part thanks to the textured golden tones of the decor peppered with mauve and lilac accents all around. Designer Matt Smith has stuck that perfect balance of luxury with a warm welcome. 

Dining at Odeon transports you to another world not only because of this visual element but, most importantly, because of the cuisine. It is a reflection of all the different experiences Shafeeq has had in his career as a chef thus far; even the name pays homage to the first food stall he worked at in Kerala, India. The food menu is designed to be shared, with dishes pulling heavily on influences from the Mediterranean and, more specifically, the Andalusia region of Spain. Seasonal produce is the star on the plate, and it is so important to Shafeeq to work with local suppliers to ensure the very best quality. If you don’t know where to start with ordering, why not opt for the ‘Feed Me’ option? The chefs will pick a range of dishes for you - some might even be off-menu, specialities of the day.

The Odeon dining experience would not be complete without delving into their thoughtfully-curated wine list. General Manager Loren brings her wealth of experience (she was part of the opening team at Cellar Door) to sourcing the wines, working with small boutique importers and focusing on organic and biodynamic labels. There’s a good chance you might not recognise a lot of the wines on the list, so be bold and venture out of your comfort zone. After all, everything that has been selected has been done intentionally and with purpose. You might just discover a new favourite.   

Odeon is one of those magical places where it suits all occasions, from a quick drink after work right through to the most special of celebrations. With a regularly changing menu, expert team and friendly environment, you will want to keep going back again and again.