Must-see restaurants in Christchurch

  • Top Choice
    Riverside Market

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

  • Top Choice
    5th Street

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Earl

    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…

  • Top Choice
    Supreme Supreme

    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,…

  • Top Choice
    Inati

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

  • Top Choice
    Twenty Seven Steps

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

  • C1 Espresso

    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

    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

    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…

  • Welder

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

  • Utopia Ice

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

  • Rangoon Ruby

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

  • Little High Eatery

    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…

  • Black Betty

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

  • Fiddlesticks

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

  • Dimitris

    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

    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…

  • Unknown Chapter

    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

    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…

  • Caffeine Laboratory

    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…