Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva brunching scene. And that's fortunate because sometimes the most idyllic days are spent sipping away on endless cups of coffee while relishing a smashed avo.
From humming, relaxed joints and highly 'Grammable establishments, to bakeries we're convinced are using actual magic, with this list, you'll eat very well indeed.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best cafes in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Grater Goods
105 Orbell Street, Sydenham
Image credit: Grater Goods | Instagram
There’s a whole lot of plant-based goodness on offer at Grater Goods, a food production company, vegan bistro, and deli.
We’d recommend nibbling on the antipasti platter—a colourful blur including the likes of vegan pastrami, red pesto, cream cheese, carrot lox, and toasted ciabatta, among other delicious bits and pieces. If you’ve got a hungry beast to feed, dip into the hefty Moroccan roast vegetable salad, loaded fries, or a range of burgers.
Insider intel
- If you are here on a lunch date (why not), you can keep the magic alive with some more date ideas in Christchurch.
Tom’s
36 Southwark Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Tom's | Instagram
Decked out in a pleasing palette of dark blue and red, Tom’s is a sandwich shop you simply have to wrap your mouth around. From silky coffee to packed sandos, petite buns with a perfect pink whip, and all manner of other sweet and savoury treats, it’s definitely worth swinging by.
Insider intel
- On the sweet side, Cakes by Anna delivers her ginger and banana breads Monday through Tuesday, and surprise cake flavours Wednesdy through Saturday.
Bahn Mi Kitchen
185 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central
Sometimes cravings are the exact shape of a crunchy Bahn mi—a.k.a. a fresh Vietnamese baguette buttered and filled with zesty pickled vegetables, some form of nourishing protein, and a generous amount of coriander leaves.
Bahn Mi Kitchen does exactly that, along with espresso coffee, noodle salads, and the quintessential fresh spring rolls.
Insider Intel
- This place is pretty cosy, so there's not much seating—why not take a walk and have the roll to-go?
Grizzly Baked Goods
33 Buchan Street and 22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Grizzly Baked Goods | Facebook
Serious about sourdough, Grizzly is a treasure trove of baked delights. Their Welles Street haunt, The Welder, offers a sunrise window from 7am weekdays for a sneaky snack mission en route to work, and they’re a regular feature at the Christchurch Farmers’ Market every Saturday.
Treat yourself to their signature frangipane-stuffed ‘Bear Claw’ croissant, donuts, double choc rye cookies, and more.
Insider intel
- Better still, you can get all this delivered to your door. Blessed.
Belle Cafe & Micro Roastery
168 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Belle Cafe | Instagram
You’ve heard of big breakfasts, but how about a ‘bigger breakfast’? Yep, Belle Cafe & Micro Roastery isn’t messing around.
They’re holding nothing back when it comes to eggs benes either, for which you can choose bacon and chipotle spiced nuts; smoked salmon, spinach and capers; or roasted mushrooms, greens and fried shallots. Smashed avo, vegan tacos, buckwheat granola and pancakes. Get your fill.
Insider intel
- The kids will be happy as ever with a special menu, which even offers a smaller stack of pancakes for littler tummies.
Akin Cafe
235 High Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Akin Cafe | Instagram
Akin Cafe isn’t your typical cafe. It exudes elegance with a minimalist interior that’s the perfect stage for their punchy, delectable dishes. Their seasonal menu combines local produce with a rotation of culinary heroes from South East Asia, including green pandan, congee, and matcha. This is a place to linger.
Insider intel
- So much of a crowd fave is this spot, you can even buy a gift card—a great prezzie for the coffee fanatic in your life.
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Supreme Supreme
10 Welles Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Supreme Supreme | Instagram
Any fan of Coffee Supreme will have become accustomed to its pleasing red-and-white minimalist aesthetic, and Supreme Supreme delivers on this front and more.
Their egg and cheese breakfast muffin topped with a slash of their double happy sauce makes one helluva partner for a cup of the good stuff. Other niceties include hot sandos, granola, fruit, and pancakes.
Insider intel
- They're always running an event of some kind, from social meets to live music sessions—keep an eye on socials for the next announcement.
Table At Monk’s
282 Madras Street, Christchurch Central
With lovely, cosy interiors coupled with an equally relaxed atmosphere and great service, Table At Monks is undoubtedly one of the best in Christchurch.
Let's be real, you need a lemon ricotta and blueberry waffle in your life. What's more, the shakshuka is a mainstay that'll set you up for the finest of days, and the Monk's veggie breakfast is just as euphoric.
Insider intel
- This spot is dog-friendly, so don't be afraid to bring along your pooch.
Bellbird Bakery @ Riverside Market
Multiple Locations
Image credit: Bellbird Bakery | Facebook
‘Batard’ might be French for ‘bastard’, but you won’t want to kick this loaf out on the curb. In fact, you’ll want to hit it on the regular, along with all the other breaded indulgences at Bellbird Bakery.
Got a hankering for a cheese and chilli scroll? Done. In the mood for chocolate chip shortbread? They’ve got ‘em by the jar full. Don’t even get us started on their vegan croissants. Yep, this is not a drill.
Insider intel
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Keep an eye out for some of the best markets in Christchurch, where they still do pop-ups selling these unreal treats.
Suburban Rascal
53 Caulfield Avenue, Halswell
Image credit: Suburban Rascal | Instagram
Suburban Rascal is the perfect wee brunch spot next time you’re in the 'burbs of beautiful Halswell. The homely atmosphere allows for the perfect place to kick back and while away some hours over a long, indulgent brunch.
Whether you're in the mood for French toast, chilli scrambled eggs, or crusty sourdough bruschetta with an ample spread of harissa hummus, you'll be well cared for. Raid their cabinet before hitting the road.
Insider intel
- With a great view of the bustling street, this spot is great for people-watching.
Child Sister
277 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Child Sister | Instagram
If the 'shroomed masterpiece above hasn't already seen you making a beeline for Child Sister, this next part absolutely will. Securing its spot among Christchurch's best cafes when it opened its door in 2019, the sleek, light-filled, aesthetic restaurant serves classics with a distinctly (and deliciously) Korean flavour.
Stand-out dishes include the kimchi rice omelette, Gochujang shakshuka and famed honey butter waffle fries. Excuse us while we wipe the drool off our keyboard.
Insider intel
- Don't miss their house-made sodas—choose from plumade, cherryade, or grapefruitade.
Saturdays Cafe
195 Marine Parade, New Brighton
Image credit: Saturdays | Instagram
You know those 'Gram feeds that you flick onto and melt a little bit? Saturdays Cafe is that, IRL. The stunning waterfront cafe is best enjoyed after a quick dip down at the pier on a warm summer's day before tucking into their kickass fried chicken burger, banoffee pie waffles, or smashed avo bagel. Best post-swim treat? Hell to the yes.
Insider intel
- They also offer event spaces and catering for corporate functions, parties, weddings and more.
Doubles
62 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Doubles | Facebook
Another of the best cafes in Christchurch is Doubles House Of Refreshments. After taking a stroll down the Arts Centre, pop into this cafe for some hearty favourites.
We're drawn to their Black Forest Rice where macerated cherries and coyo meets chocolate porridge although it'll be hard to go past their Club Champ—a unique Doubles spin on eggs bene. The future looks tasty with this one slingin’ the good eats.
Insider intel
- Unlike most cafes, their weekday hours are actually longer than on weekends—so don't get caught out.
The Origin
95 Westminster Street, St Albans
Image credit: The Origin | Instagram
Vegetarians flock to The Origin. The St. Albans cafe serves some of the city’s most beautifully presented and delicious dishes—with New Zealand-grown organic tea and speciality coffee, to boot.
The small yet perfectly formed menu promises sweet and savoury options, from dumplings to pancakes and everything in between.
Insider intel
- They also run a range of events, from leadership seminars to zen stories and koan reflections—check out the roster and RSVP online.
Purple Weka Cafe & Bar
48 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Purple Weka Cafe & Bar | Instagram
Insider intel
- You can even enjoy a drink at this spot—it's licensed.
In Situ
Unit 2/239, Opawa Road, Hillsborough
Next time you’re heading out to Lyttleton, make a stop at In Situ Cafe. Our hot take is the creamy mushrooms, or the mince on toast, happily caffeinated, of course. Although tempting to grab a bite to eat and run, sit yourself down and indulge in the simple pleasures of good food and nowhere to be.
Insider intel
- Nestled on busy Opawa Road, this is a top coffee spot for commuters—and shines a spotlight on local brand Lyttleton Coffee.
Addington Coffee Co-Op
5 Disraeli Street, Addington
Image: Addington Coffee Co-Op | Instagram
One of the best cafes in Christchurch for an enlivening cuppa is Addington Coffee Co-Op. Serving up all the usual brunch staples plus some stunning vegan takes on pancakes and bao buns—uh, yes, please. Hit up this spot to be dazzled with classic brunch fare and, of course, a legit coffee.
Insider intel
- Beans here are roasted in house, under the label Common Good, so they are sure to impress. Bonus—$5 from each kg of coffee sold supports the work of Joyya, sparking good in places of extreme poverty and modern slavery.
Strange Bandit By Luciano
175 Roydvale Avenue, Burnside
Image credit: Coffee Embassy NZ | Instagram
Luciano Marcolino is an award-winning barista and his love for coffee is taken to new heights at Burnside's Strange Bandit. While their coffee is definitely one of the best in the city, their menu is equally as enticing.
A firm highlight is the Korean-style beef short rib on rice, a nourishing and comforting meal showcasing the wonders of Korean fried chicken. Another standout is the chef's choice Mystery Burger... if you're daring enough.
Insider intel
- Strange Bandit actually boasts not one, but two award-winning baristas—so you know the sipping experience here will be next level.
Hello Sunday
6 Elgin Street, Sydenham
Image credit: Hello Sunday | Facebook
Hello Sunday has been one of the best cafes in Christchurch since it opened back in 2015. From lighter options like peach and nectarine bircher to the more indulgent beef cheek hash and Mexican fried chicken burger, the menu is constantly changing but always top-notch.
Formerly a post office, then a church, this beautiful Sydenham cafe is the kind of place you’ll want to take your mum, your grandma, your best friend and all your out-of-town visitors—it’s that good.
Insider intel
- If you do have out-of-town visitors coming along, shoot them this list for the best hotels in Christchurch.
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Miro | Instagram
Yet another of the best cafes in Christchurch, Miro, in the pink Midland Building, is the go-to for its extensive menu.
Think colourful smoothie bowls, eggs benedict served on hash and AllPress coffee to wash it all down. Formerly known as Cafe Roma, there's ample outdoor seating overlooking the Avon River. People-watch to your heart's content, over your poached eggs for good measure.
Insider intel
- There's always something going on at this buzzy spot: recent events include a ramen night, and a gin tasting. Watch their socials for announcements.
Little Pom's
294 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Little Pom's | Instagram
A true Christchurch institution, Little Pom's is a cosy spot for brunch. Serving up all your favourite brunch staples that evolve with the seasons, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Insider intel
- Sharing a building with their older brother, Pomeroy’s, if you like your brunch lush (who doesn't?) you'll be tickled pink to learn there's a whole lot of cocktails to get amongst too.
Oddfellows Cafe
5 Disraeli Street, Addington
Image credit: Oddfellows | Website
Oddfellows Cafe is doing breakfast the right way, with a full cafe menu Monday through Friday featuring the likes of breakfast butties, rosemary potato hash, and brioche cinnamon French toast. Add to that superb service and house-roasted coffee, and it’s easy to see why this spot is one of the best cafes in Christchurch.
Insider intel
- Saturdays are for scones at this joint—their scone-only menu runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, and it's worth an early wakeup.
Main image credit: Tom's | Instagram
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