Must-see restaurants in Christchurch & Canterbury

  • Riverside Market

    Christchurch

    Central Christchurch's new essential destination for travelling foodies is this superb multi-level market combining fresh produce stalls with…

  • 5th Street

    Christchurch

    Global influences punctuate the shared plates menu at this recent opening south of the city centre. The honey- and chipotle-fired chicken goes well with…

  • Earl

    Christchurch

    Mediterranean flavours are presented with flair in Earl's spacious dining room. Combine slow-cooked lamb and smoked yoghurt with a quinoa salad or mix it…

  • Fairlie Bakehouse

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Famous for miles around and the top-ranking reason to stop in Fairlie, this superb bakery turns out exceptional pies, including the legendary salmon and…

  • Supreme Supreme

    Christchurch

    With so much to love, where to start? Perhaps with a cherry and pomegranate smoothie, a chocolate-fish milkshake or maybe just an exceptional espresso,…

  • Roots

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Let chef-owner Giulio Sturla take you on a magical tasting tour with his renowned degustation menus, which champion all things local and seasonal. Dishes…

  • Inati

    Christchurch

    Shared plates enjoyed around an elegantly curved bar are divided into Earth, Land and Sea and include innovative and playful dishes harnessing ingredients…

  • Twenty Seven Steps

    Christchurch

    Overlooking the pastel-coloured New Regent St strip, this elegant restaurant showcases locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Mainstays include modern…

  • Dubliner

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This atmospheric Irish bar and restaurant is housed in Methven's lovingly restored old post office. Great food includes pizza, Irish stew and other hearty…

  • C1 Espresso

    Christchurch

    C1 sits pretty in a grand former post office that somehow escaped the cataclysm. Recycled materials fill the interior (Victorian oak panelling, bulbous…

  • Addington Coffee Co-op

    Christchurch

    You will find one of Christchurch's biggest and best cafes packed to the rafters most days. A compact shop selling fair-trade gifts jostles for attention…

  • Gatherings

    Christchurch

    Thoughtful, seasonal vegetarian dishes are the focus at this petite restaurant on the edge of the Papanui Rd dining strip. The set five-course tasting…

  • Blue Lake Eatery & Bar

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Craft beers from the Mackenzie Country's Burkes Brewing Co partner a seasonal menu including platters and pizza at this cosmopolitan spot in Lake Tekapo's…

  • Welder

    Christchurch

    This health-and-wellbeing complex – occupying the repurposed industrial warehouses of the Welder – combines a yoga studio and plenty of opportunities for…

  • Barker's Foodstore & Eatery

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Relocated in late 2019 to include an excellent cafe and boutique accommodation, Barker's is a long-standing producer of favourite fruity preserves,…

  • Shawty’s

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    The town centre's best cafe serves up big breakfasts including waffles with bacon and maple syrup, and Middle Eastern-inspired shakshuka baked eggs. For…

  • Utopia Ice

    Christchurch

    Expanding into the central city from its farmers market and Sumner Beach roots, Utopia's thoroughly modern take on icy treats includes interesting…

  • Super

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Pan-Asian flavours with a strong Japanese influence are the focus at Super, with the fun ambience further enhanced by bright and colourful anime…

  • Stronechrubie

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This motel complex offers comfortable chalets overlooking bird-filled gardens (doubles $140 to $160), but it's the up-and-coming culinary hub that's the…

  • High Country Salmon

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    The glacial waters of this floating fish farm, 3km from Twizel, produce mighty delicious fish, available to buy as fresh whole fillets and smoked portions…

  • Rangoon Ruby

    Christchurch

    Rangoon Ruby is the latest iteration of longtime Christchurch fave Bodhi Tree, which has been wowing locals with the nuanced flavours of Burmese cuisine…

  • No. 31

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Substantial servings of good-quality, albeit conservative, cuisine are on offer in this pretty wooden cottage. The upmarket ambience befits the prices,…

  • Little High Eatery

    Christchurch

    Can't decide whether you want sushi, pizza or Thai for dinner? At Little High, you won't have to choose – this stylish and energetic food hall is home to…

  • Famous Sheffield Pie Shop

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Blink and you'll miss this stellar roadside bakery, a purveyor of more than 20 varieties of pies, from traditional beef to more experimental flavour…

  • Topp Country Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    The Topp Twins are NZ entertainment legends and this cafe owned by Dame Lynda Topp and her wife Donna is a fine addition to Methven's dining scene. Check…

  • Astro Café

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This glass-walled pavilion atop Mt John has spectacular 360-degree views across the entire Mackenzie Basin – just maybe one of the planet's best locations…

  • Fiddlesticks

    Christchurch

    Sidle into Fiddlesticks for sophisticated, hearty meals from breakfast to supper. The cosy formal dining room is perfect for intimate dinners, but we like…

  • Black Betty

    Christchurch

    Black Betty's industrial-chic warehouse is a popular destination for students from the nearby college. Friendly service, great food and a laid-back…

  • Dimitris

    Christchurch

    Amid a cluster of food trucks in the Container Mall, Dimitris rules the roost with souvlaki full of tasty chicken, lamb or falafel, wrapped up with heaps…

  • Saggio di Vino

    Christchurch

    An elegant Italo-French restaurant that's up there with Christchurch's best. Expect delicious, modern takes on classics like duck a l'orange or fillet of…

  • Coriander Leaf

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Spice up your life at this brightly painted North Indian restaurant complete with bhangra-beats soundtrack. There are plenty of tasty lamb, chicken and…

  • Unknown Chapter

    Christchurch

    Polished concrete, reclaimed timber tables, hanging plants and floor-to-ceiling windows give this cafe in the upcoming St Asaph/Welles St precinct an…

  • Hello Sunday

    Christchurch

    Spread across two rooms of a restored old post office building, this popular cafe is a great spot for all-day brunches, spectacular salads and excellent…

  • Powerhouse Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Delicious cakes and good-quality coffee are on the menu at this local favourite, tucked away off the main street. Power up with a huge High Country…

  • Caffeine Laboratory

    Christchurch

    The small-scale, corner C-lab is hooked on coffee, but also cooks up delicious brunches like brioche French toast, house-smoked salmon or chipotle pulled…

  • King of Snake

    Christchurch

    Dark wood, gold tiles and purple skull-patterned wallpaper fill this hip restaurant and cocktail bar with just the right amount of sinister opulence. The…

  • Pukeko Junction

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A deservedly popular roadside stop, this bright, friendly cafe in Leithfield (south of Amberley) serves delicious bakery fare, like gourmet sausage rolls…

  • Kinji

    Christchurch

    Despite being hidden away in suburbia, this acclaimed Japanese restaurant has a loyal following, so it's wise to book. Tuck into the likes of sashimi,…

  • Waipara Springs

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Slightly north of Waipara township, one of the valley's oldest vineyards has a fine line in righteous rieslings. The casual cafe serves platters and…

  • Cafe 131

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Polished timber and leadlight windows lend atmosphere to this conservative but reliable local favourite. Highlights include good coffee, hearty all-day…