So you're looking for somewhere to eat in Ōtautahi Christchurch? The Garden City is enough lucky to have so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let Urban Listshow you where it's at with our handy alphabetical list.
From cheap eats to something a little fancier, we have you absolutely covered with 50 ofthe best restaurants in Christchurch, so let's dive in.
5th Street
5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Dine and drink right into the evening at 5th Street with the fine chaps that brought you Hello Sunday. Brunch there, dinner here, we think they’re onto something good…
Aikmans
154 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Aikmans is a local favourite and the perfect possie for an after-work drink or three. Or how about a 450-gram rib-eye steak, anyone?
Barefoot Eatery
20 Welles Street, Christchurch CBD
Local, organic, plant-based, authentic, and of course absolutely deliciously nutritious, you can find all this and more at Barefoot Eatery.
Bar Franco
The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch CBD
Miro's stylish younger sibling, Bar Franco showcases an arrayof Mediterranean hot and cold small plates designed to be shared—kinda like a build-your-own banquet and we're here for it.
Beach SumnerAKA Beach Bar
25 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
Bask in the Sumner sun while enjoying beautiful food from the sea and land, and surely a couple of bevvies at Beach Bar. There’s something about an Aperol Spritz in the sun that just gets us going.
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Bessie
Level 1/178 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
Image credit: Bessie | Instagram
Peruse the in-house dry-aged meats on full display behind a glass cabinet, which houses the cuts in carefully curated conditions at fine dining restaurant Bessie. Truly sophisticated, a little eccentric, and absolutely delectable.
Bloody Mary’s
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch CBD
For all you meat aficionados out there, take a seat at the table at Bloody Mary's and be prepared to spend some time with the menu. Here’s a taster—slow-cooked prime rib, cold-smoked venison carpaccio, whisky BBQ half chicken, and of course, the grill.
Boo's (Nee Boo Radley’s)
Level 1/98 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
Boo's is the home of Southern America’s greatest comfort foods. Think mac ’n’ cheese croquettes, sliders, southern-fried tenderloins, Louisiana jambalaya, and the greatest sweet treat on this earth—s’mores.
Burger Burger
10 Welles Street, Christchurch CBD
Did someone say burger? Say less. Burger Burgeris THE place for honest and hearty burgers with mouthwatering sides to accompany (we're looking at youbuttery, garlicky charred broccoli).
Café Valentino
168 Saint Asaph Street,Christchurch CBD
For Italian cuisine full of gustoso and such a buzzing vibe to match, at Café Valentino you’ll be saying che bello between mouthfuls.
Casa Publica
180 Armagh Street, Christchurch CBD
You'll find only the best of South America’s iconic dishes at Christchurch's Casa Publica, from soft shell crab and ceviche to fajitas, tacos, espetinho, anda healthy helping of jalapeños.
Castro's Tapas And Bar
100 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Image credit:Castro's Tapas And Bar | Instagram
In the mood for Spanish food? Escape to this Spanish paradise at Castro's Tapas and Bar and feast on an authentic experience.
Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar
136 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
If Mexican cuisine tickles your tastebuds, Chiwahwah is where it’s at. It’s the closest you’ll get to that hot Mexican summer without the need for MIQ.
Civil & Naval
16 London Street, Lyttelton
Over the hill but not so far away, Lyttelton'sCivil & Naval is acraft beer and tapas bar you don’t want to miss.
Commi
145 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Dine the street eats of Asia at the food market-inspired restaurant Commi.
Dux Central
144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch CBD
With a menu to suit every palate, and over 200 international and craft beers to wash it down, Dux Central is the place to be.
Dux Dine
28 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Those of us peckish for pescatarian will find a very lavish meat-free menu at Dux Dine. How does buttermilk fried calamari, pea and halloumi fritters, or salmon and sour orange curry sound?
Earl
128 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit:Earl | Instagram
Earl is where the classic European bistro meets opulence. Expect fine dining with a laidback air.
Evil Genius
Unit 2/1091 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Fill your table and your tummy with Asian-inspired bites at Evil Genius—bao buns on bao buns, Gojira dumplings, beef rendang, edamame. Most definitely genius, perhaps a little less evil.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant And Bar
Corner of Worcester Boulevard &, Montreal Street, Christchurch CBD
Walking in, the warm atmosphere at Fiddlesticks will invite you to take a seat, but it’s the menu that’ll invite you to stay. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
Fire And Slice
7 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch
Hand-stretched dough, Italian passata, locally sourced toppings—the woodfired pizza at Fire And Slice is amongst some of the absolute best in Christchurch.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
A hop, skip and a jump away in charming Lyttelton, a visit to Fisherman's Wharf is a must. Serving up beautiful, sustainable seafood with a sea view.
Fush
104 The Runway, Wigram and563 Springs Road,Prebbleton, Christchurch
Whānau-owned and operated,Fush serves classic farebut makes it chic. With a second takeaway-onlyeatery in Prebbleton, it's a legit option when the cravings hit.
Gatherings
5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Gatherings is a tiny restaurant with an exquisitely curated menu focusing on the best seasonal and local produce and ideal for, well, gathering.
Grater Goods
105 Orbell Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Image credit:Grater Goods | Facebook
For complete vegan goodness, Grater Goodsis the place for the scrummiest vegan meats, eats, and cheeses. Dine in or take some of their delicatessen delicacies home—or both.
INATI
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD
It’s dinner and a show as you dine at the chef’s table at INATI to truly experience the wonder that goes on in the kitchen. And what a wonder it is, with dishes such as duck trumpets with rhubarb jam, charred octopus, and hay-smoked venison with pumpkin and pithivier gracing plates.
King of Snake
Level 1/79 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City
King Of Snake?King of Southeast Asian cuisine, king of co*cktails, and king of our tummies, more like.
Koji Japanese Buffet Christchurch
257 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
You'll find all-you-can-eat Japanese tapas at Koji. Enough said.
Little High
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
Image credit: Paleta | Instagram
While not technically one restaurant, this is definitely one of Christchurch's bestas Little High houses eight of Ōtautahi’s yummiest foodies. Wander around the vendors and eye up what’s on other people’s plates before making the tough decision on what’ll be on yours. Believe us when we say you’ll be back—food envy is real.
Ma Maison
6 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa
Image credit: Ma Maison | Facebook
While not in Christchurch, take a road trip toperch on Akaroa’s spectacular waterfront to indulge in some equally stellar culinary delights at Ma Maison. That summer sea breeze pairs beautifully with a table full of locally caught, grown, and fed ingredients—and of course a glass of something quaffable and cold.
Mandala
40F Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
While you’re over that way, why not stay for seconds? Mandala's menu boasts a cohesive collaboration of Pacific, Indian, and Asian cuisines to create impeccable flavours.
Mexicanos
131 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
As the name Mexicanos suggests, you’ll find nothing but authentic Mexican fare at this iconic Christchurchjoint.
Midnight Shanghai
101/96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Have yourself an authentic experience at modern yum cha bar Midnight Shanghai that aims to bring you the best of Chinese cuisine.
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Classy Miro is situated within one of the few heritage buildings still standing in Christchurch. This stunning breakfast and brunch spot will hit all the right spots.
Mumbaiwala
BNZ Centre 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD
Indian street food aficionadosMumbaiwala is guaranteed to get the party started. Serving a delicious selection of snacks and sharing plates, everything is packed with vibrant, punchy flavour.
No.4 Bar and Restaurant
4 Mansfield Avenue, St Albans, Christchurch
The perfect place for wholesome family time at the local neighbourhood rendezvous No.4 Bar and Restaurant. Also, their platters are legendary.
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch CBD
Expect good old pub vibes with good old pub grub, and plenty of craft beers on tap to quench any thirst at Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn.
Ramen Ria
3/112 Oxford Terrace, ChristchurchCBD
Calling all ramen enthusiasts, the noodle soup doesn’t get much better than street-style ramen bar Ramen Ria. While their beer may be imported from Japan, their noodles are made in-house to pair perfectly with rich bone broth and whatever toppings are your go-to.
Retropolitan Social
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
One word—fondue. And if that’s not enough to sell you, perhaps the retro-style atmosphere will get you going, or maybe you’re in the mood for a ½ metre pizza. Whatever it is, Retropolitan Social is made for those social, casual nights filled with good vibes.
Sakura
Church Corner Mall, 4/380 Riccarton Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Image credit: Sakura | Instagram
Japanese cuisine is just as it should be at Sakura—traditional, authentic, and full of umami.
Soul Quarter
219 High Street, Christchurch CBD
Soul food at its absolute finest, hidden gem Soul Quarter is worth the hunt.
Spice Paragon
76 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
Forget all you know about Thai cuisine, and experience traditional Thai with a modern twist at Spice Paragon. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better!
Strawberry Fare
15 Bealey Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch
You might already know Strawberry Farefor their giant silver gnome, so why not get to know their sterling food too? Just keep enough room for dessert, cause they’re not lying when they say that their creamy cheesecake is dreamy.
Super
5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
Super is the cutest spot for contemporary Japanese-Māori cuisine. Think all the goods, like bao, kimchi, donburi, and of course ramen with pork belly, shiitake, and tamari egg.
Table Of Munchies(TOM)
189 Papanui Road, 38b Merivale Mall, Merivale, Christchurch
Little sister to Eightgrains and Sushi Soldier, it’s safe to say that TOM brings together the best of both. Bao, stir fry, donburi, ramen, and even a high tea, spoilt for choice is an understatement.
The Craft Embassy
The Terrace Level One/126 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Beers on beers, as well as a menu best suited to accompany those beers is lying in wait for you at the aptly-named Craft Embassy. What’s better than a hoisin pulled pork burger paired with your favourite NZ independent craft beer? Not a lot.
The Monday Room
161 High Street, Christchurch CBD
Image credit: The Monday Room | Facebook
Simply beautiful food and the best way to enjoy it is to sit back and trust the chef to please your palate at The Monday Room.
The Old Vicarage
335 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch
Previously home to the local Vicar, now home to a dining experience of spiritual proportions. Expect a heavenly feed at The Old Vicarage.
Twenty Seven Steps
16 New Regent Street, Christchurch CBD
An absolute classic right in the heart of the city on New Regent Street, Twenty Seven Steps boasts a menu that’ll warm your co*ckles right through. But don’t worry, 27 actual steps are nowhere to be seen.
You Hanoi Me
123 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
If you’ve never tried a true Vietnamese pho, here’s your chance. Slow-cooked beef cheek and rare fillet with sprouts and lime, all in a beautiful broth with rice noodles are yours for the taking at You Hanoi Me—perfect for those cold Cantabrian nights.
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Main image credit: Table Of Munchies
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