Must-see restaurants in Christchurch & Canterbury

  • 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…

  • Running Duck

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This hip burger joint is the perfect setting to feast on tasty gourmet burgers and crispy fries, topped with chef Al's special spicy sauce. There's a…

  • Talbot Forest Cheese

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This little shop not only showcases the plethora of cheeses made on-site (including delicious Parmesan- and Gruyère-style ones), it doubles as a deli with…

  • Old Mountaineers' Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Encouraging lingering with books, memorabilia and mountain views through picture windows, the village's best eatery also supports local and organic…

  • Lyttelton Coffee Company

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Local institution Lyttelton Coffee Company has risen from the rubble and continues its role as a stalwart of the London St foodie scene, serving…

  • Burgers & Beers Inc

    Christchurch

    Quirky gourmet burgers – try the Woolly Sahara Sand Hopper (Moroccan-spiced lamb with lemon yoghurt) or the Shagged Stag (venison with plum chutney) – and…

  • Christchurch Farmers Market

    Christchurch

    Held in the pretty grounds of Riccarton House, this excellent farmers market offers a tasty array of organic fruit and veg, South Island cheeses and…

  • Verde

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Down the lane beside the old post office and set in beautiful gardens, this excellent cafe is one of Geraldine's best eateries. Drop in for coffee and…

  • Kohan

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Despite its basic decor, this is one of Tekapo's best dining options, both for its distracting lake views and its authentic Japanese food, including fresh…

  • Staveley Store & Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Call into this cute little country store for the best coffee for miles around, as well as tasty lunch rolls, delectable cakes, gourmet ice cream and…

  • Under the Red Verandah

    Christchurch

    This lucky suburban backstreet boasts a lovely sunny cafe, beloved by locals and travellers alike. Take a seat under the namesake veranda and tuck into…

  • Hilltop Tavern

    Banks Peninsula

    Craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, a pool table and occasional live bands seal the deal for locals and visitors alike at this historic pub. Enjoy stunning…

  • Civil & Naval

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Steadfast staff at this compact, bijou bar serve a quality selection of cocktails, fine wines and craft beers, while the kitchen keeps patrons civil with…

  • Freemans

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Freemans consistently pleases with fresh pasta, top-notch pizzas, local wines and craft beers from Christchurch's Three Boys Brewery. Grab a spot on the…

  • Akaroa Boucherie & Deli

    Banks Peninsula

    A dream scenario for picnickers and self-caterers, this sharp butcher's shop and deli peddles all manner of local produce from bread, salmon, cheese and…

  • Bohemian Bakery

    Christchurch

    The kitchen at this petite bakery is entirely open, so you can see the bakers at work crafting delicious yeasty treats all day long. Grab one of the famed…

  • Lyttelton Farmers Market

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Every Saturday morning food stalls take the place of cars on Lyttelton's main street. Stock up alongside locals on fresh bread, baked goods, flowers,…

  • Vic's Cafe

    Christchurch

    Pop in for a hearty breakfast at the big shared tables or linger over lunch on the front terrace. Otherwise grab baked goodies and still-warm artisanal…

  • Little Vintage Espresso

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This petite whitewashed cottage just off SH1 has the best coffee in town, with food to match. All-day breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches and delectable…

  • Farmers Market

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A good one-stop shop for stocking the larder or prepping for a picnic. Local produce, much of it organic, includes honey, berries, pickles, smoked meats…

  • Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    An outpost of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, the highest salmon farm on the planet, which operates in a hydroelectric canal system some distance away. Sashimi…

  • Aqua

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A ski-season stalwart with unpredictable hours at other times (ring ahead), this tiny restaurant sports kimono-clad waitresses and traditional Japanese…

  • Green Man at Peel Forest

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Your one-stop shop for basic groceries, hut tickets, internet access and DOC campsite bookings. The attached cafe has good espresso coffee and does a…

  • Lotus Heart

    Christchurch

    Run by students of Indian spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, this colourful vegetarian eatery serves a range of cuisines, from tasty curries and dosas to…

  • Mexicano's

    Christchurch

    Spicing up Victoria St's burgeoning dining scene, this cheap and cheeky Mexican joint dishes up inauthentic but tasty tacos, fried chicken and hand-hacked…

  • Winnie Bagoes

    Christchurch

    It's third time lucky for this Christchurch institution, which reopened in this industrial-style warehouse on the CBD outskirts in 2013, after its…

  • Poppies Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A favourite with locals, this well-run cafe serves up classic brunch faves and good coffee in the mornings, while come evening you'll find tasty curries,…

  • Himalayas

    Christchurch

    Himalayas' minimalist dining room showcases lots of North Indian and Punjabi favourites, including vegetarian options like creamy dal makhani (lentils…

  • Zest

    Timaru

    Neapolitans will have a minor freak out, but the bready, nontraditional pizzas served in this converted church hall have plenty of fans. The menu is…

  • Mosaic by Simo

    Christchurch

    This deli-cafe is popular for its takeaway bocadillos (toasted wraps filled with a huge selection of Middle Eastern– and African-inspired fillings, sauces…

  • Bully Hayes

    Banks Peninsula

    Named after a well-travelled American buccaneer, Bully Hayes is a bustling restaurant serving hearty if basic meals all day long, from breakfast to dinner…

  • Trading Rooms

    Banks Peninsula

    Decked out in francophile dark timbers and burgundy, this is an atmospheric spot to linger over a refined meal. French cuisine such as snails and…

  • Greedy Cow

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Classic breakfast dishes (until 2.30pm), a cabinet full of cakes, pies and sandwiches, good espresso and free wi-fi are all reasons to visit this petite…