Wondering where to eat in Christchurch? The Garden City has so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let us make life a whole lot easier with this invaluable list.
From cheap eats to something a little fancier, we have you absolutely covered with all of the very best restaurants in Christchurch. Let the feasting commence!
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Jump to:
- New Openings In Christchurch
- Fine Dining Destinations Worth The Splurge
- Christchurch’s Best Family-Friendly Eateries
- Casual Eateries With Personality
- Best Breakfast And Brunch In Christchurch
- Dreamy Date Night Restaurants
- Best Restaurants For Groups
- Eat The World, In Christchurch
- Plant-Based And Dietary-Friendly Spots
- Best Cheap Eats In The Garden City
New Openings In Christchurch
Lillies
495 Saint Asaph Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch
Image credit: Lillies | Instagram
Despite being a fairly new kid on the Ōtautahi block, Lillies is already one of the best restaurants in Christchurch. Owners Liam and Will describe it as a "restaurant, winery and cidery built around a wood-fired oven," adding: "We've got a constantly changing, seasonal menu and delicious natural wine and cider that’s made on-site." Come expecting blistered-crust pizzas slathered in moreish (and at times, unconventional) toppings, and ice cream sundaes made with the boys' very own soft-serve machine.
Restaurant O.G.B
Inside Old Government Building, 28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Image credit: Restaurant O.G.B | Instagram
If the burnt orange walls at Restaurant O.G.B don't immediately make you happy, the menu will. We're talking sophisticated eats and drinks in the fashion of chicken parfait, North Canterbury beef ribeye and chocolate gateau, enjoyed within the historic surrounds of the Old Goverment Building (aka OGB). A welcome addition to the Christchurch food scene, if we do say so ourselves.
Sugarloaf At Flockhill
Inside Flochkill, Great Alpine Highway, Craigieburn Valley, Lake Pearson
Image credit: Flockhill | Facebook
Sugarloaf may be pushing the boundaries of what we mean by Christchurch (it's about an hour and a half out of the city), but trust us, the reward that awaits you is SWEET. The chefs at this alpine restaurant, located within the luxury Flockhill lodge, largely execute their meals using produce from a carefully tended onsite garden, along with ingredients foraged from the surrounding land. 'Christchurch' dining doesn't come better than this.
Fine Dining Destinations Worth The Splurge
5th Street
5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Image credit: 5th Street | Facebook
In Christchurch, fine dining can be found in peak form at 5th Street (brought to us from the chaps behind Hello Sunday). Their Chef's Table is well worth forking out for, as are their head-turning brussels sprouts (yes, you heard that correcty). A contender for the best spot for Christchurch fine dining.
Bessie
Level 1/178 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
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, this spot is perfect for when you’re feeling especially carnivorous and also offers top-tier wine-matching.
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Bloody Mary’s
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Bloody Mary's | Website
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. However they're not just about the protein, with some pretty sweet desserts also on the menu. Naturally, you'll want to order a Bloody Mary (or perhaps a sweeter Bloody Sour) to go with.
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, best experienced via their Eat Like An Earl set and Tuesday pasta specials. Bookings for this one are essential.
INATI
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: INATI | Website
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. Did we mention this one's also been hatted—twice—by Cuisine? That's best restaurant in Christchurch credentials, if ever we heard 'em.
Twenty Seven Steps
16 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Twenty Seven Steps | Facebook
An absolute classic right in the heart of the city on New Regent Street, Twenty Seven Steps boasts a menu of fancy European fare that’ll warm your cockles right through. But don’t worry, 27 actual steps are nowhere to be seen.
Christchurch’s Best Family-Friendly Eateries
Burger Burger
10 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Burger Burger | Website
Did someone say burger? Say less. Burger Burger is the place for honest burgers with great sides to accompany (we're looking at you buttery, garlicky charred broccoli) and is the perfct place for a relaxed family feed.
Fire And Slice
7 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch
Image credit: Fire And Slice | Instagram
Hand-stretched dough, Italian passata, locally sourced toppings—the woodfired pizza at Fire And Slice is amongst some of the absolute best in Christchurch. Your kids will be especially stoked to learn that they do a delish Hawaiian number.
Little High
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Paleta | Instagram
While not technically one restaurant, this is definitely one of Christchurch's best as 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.
No.4 Bar And Restaurant
4 Mansfield Avenue, St Albans, Christchurch
Image credit: No. 4 Bar And Restaurant | Facebook
The perfect place for wholesome family time (including with Fido, as they're proudly dog-friendly) is beloved local No.4 Bar and Restaurant. Their platters are legendary and they also do $15 espresso martinis for the grownups every Thursday.
Casual Eateries With Personality
Beach Sumner
25 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
Image credit: Beach Sumner | Instagram
Bask in the Sumner sun while enjoying beautiful food from the sea and land, and surely a couple of bevvies at Beach Sumner. There’s something about an Aperol Spritz in the sun that just gets us going. Head in on Sunday for live music.
Civil & Naval
16 London Street, Lyttelton, Christchurch
Image credit: Civil & Naval | Facebook
Over the hill but not so far away, Lyttelton's Civil & Naval is a craft beer and tapas bar you don’t want to miss. Menu must-try's include their nostalgic Fruju Sour laced with gin, and fried chick with big mac sauce and dill pickles. Plus, they're dog-friendly.
Evil Genius
Unit 2/1091 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Image credit: Evil Genius | Facebook
Fill your table and your tummy with Asian-inspired bites at Evil Genius—bao buns on bao buns, Gojira dumplings, beef rendang, edamame, and gluten-free fried chicken and cauliflower. Occasional live music and happy hour Saturdays make this spot most definitely genius, perhaps a little less evil.
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Pomeroys Old Brewery Inn | Instagram
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. We also love how there’s a Bookety Book Books book club here, every second Tuesday of the month.
Retropolitan Social
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Retropolitan Social | Website
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.
The Old Vicarage
335 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch
Image credit: The Old Vicarage | Facebook
Previously home to the local Vicar, now home to a dining experience of spiritual proportions. Expect a heavenly feed at The Old Vicarage including the fan-fave venison (and venison scotch eggs), plus some divine dietary options (sorry not sorry).
Best Breakfast And Brunch In Christchurch
Barefoot Eatery
Inside The Welder, 20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Welder | Website
Local, organic, plant-based, authentic, and of course absolutely deliciously nutritious, you can find all this and more at Barefoot Eatery. Tuck into their excelllent waffles (gluten-free, though you wouldn’t know it) washed down with a glass of something hydrating from their in-house juicery. When it comes to Christchurch brunch spots, this one's pretty hard to beat.
Rambler
Inside Drifter, 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Rambler | Instagram
Open 7 days a week from 7am 'til the (very) early hours of the a.m., Rambler is a solid call whether you're after brunch in the form of an elevated bacon and egg muffin, are keen to kick back with a smash burger and a spritz, or have a late night hankering for a glorious triple cheese toastie. And did we mention the menu is by Maximus Perry of 5th Street fame? No wonder it's one of the best restaurants in Christchurch.
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Miro | Facebook
Classy Miro is situated within one of the few heritage buildings still standing in Ōtautahi (just oen reason why it's one of the best Christchurch brunch spots). This stunning, elevated breakfast and brunch offering will hit all the right spots. Snag a table with a river view for ultimate relaxed vibes.
Strawberry Fare
15 Bealey Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch
Image credit: Strawberry Fare | Facebook
You might already know Strawberry Fare for their giant silver gnome, so why not get to know their sterling food too? We hear particularly good things about the cinnamon roll French toast, and can confirm that their cheesecake is all kinds of dreamy. Consider this the perfect spot for when your sweet tooth flares up (even if you’re diabetic).
Dreamy Date Night Restaurants
Gatherings
5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Image credit: Gatherings | Instagram
Gatherings is a tiny restaurant with an exquisitely curated menu focusing on the best seasonal and local produce and ideal for, well, gathering. If you really wanna make someone feel spesh, bring them here for the 'let us feed you' menu, where you'll be treated to, in their words, a banquet of pretty much the whole menu. Bookings for this, one of the best restaurants in Christchurch, is essential.
Mexicano's
131 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Mexicano's | Facebook
As the name Mexicano's suggests, you’ll find nothing but authentic Mexican fare at this iconic Christchurch joint. A particularly cute spot for couples (read: one of the best Christchurch date night restaurants we know), it also has dietaries well and truly on lock. We'll raise a marg to that.
Soul Quarter
219 High Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Soul Quarter | Facebook
Soul food at its absolute finest, is what you'll find at Soul Quarter. Not only that, it's a cute 'n' cosy date spot with generous portion sizes (read: perfect for sharing). Again, this one is also a great spot if you have dietary conditions.
Super
5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Christchurch
Image credit: @christchurchfoodguide | Instagram
Super is the cutest spot for contemporary Japanese-Māori cuisine (and is, in fact, one of the best restaurants in Christchurch). Think all the goods, including bao, kimchi, donburi, and of course ramen with pork belly, shiitake, and tamari egg (plus a lush miso caramel espresso martini). “Super is a place where food holds memory—a little love letter to kai, community and connection,” says owner, Sahni Bennett. “You feel it as soon as you walk through the door.” And we couldn't agree more.
Best Restaurants For Groups
Aikmans
154 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Image credit: Aikmans | Facebook
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? Secure fave-friend status by ordering one of their epic espresso martini trees (though they do great no-alcohol options for the sober curious, too).
Bar Franco
The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Bar Franco | Instagram
Miro's stylish younger sibling, Bar Franco showcases an array of Mediterranean hot and cold small plates designed to be shared—kinda like a build-your-own banquet and we're here for it. Order the dill and lemon-spiked fries immediately.
Dux Central
144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Dux Central | Facebook
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. Factor in an epic happy hour every day from 4-6pm, the option of gluten-free pizzas with vegan cheese AND treats for doggos on the last Sunday of every month, and you have yourself one of the best restaurants in Christchurch.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant And Bar
Corner of Worcester Boulevard & Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Fiddlesticks Restaurant And Bar | Facebook
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 (particularly if it's a Saturday, when they have espresso martinis on special). They also have a solid brunch offering and a dog-friendly courtyard complete with Cocomutt Dog Ice Cream treats.
Midnight Shanghai
101/96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Midnight Shanghai | Facebook
Have yourself an authentic experience at modern yum cha at Midnight Shanghai that aims to bring you the best of Chinese cuisine. Round up your crew and have your eats (don't miss the eggplant fries) with a side of karaoke and happy hour drinks, whoop whoop. For truly unique dining, Christchurch punters need to visit this one, stat.
Eat The World, In Christchurch
Boo's (Nee Boo Radley’s)
Level 1/98 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City
Image: Boo's | Facebook
Boo's is the home of Southern America’s greatest comfort foods. Think mac ’n’ cheese croquettes, pretzel sliders, southern-fried tenderloins, Louisiana jambalaya, and the greatest sweet treat on this earth—pecan pie. Live music adds to the New Orleans vibes (and only confirms this spot's status as one of the best restaurants in Christchurch).
Casa Publica
180 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Casa Publica | Facebook
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, and a healthy helping of jalapeños. Modern-day pirates will be pleased to know this spot’s also got over 100 types of rum, about which you can soak up more knowledge at one of their masterclasses.
Castro's Tapas And Bar
100 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Castro's Tapas And Bar | Instagram
In the mood for Spanish food? Escape to Castro's Tapas and Bar and feast on an authentic experience, including plenty of sangria and a solid line-up of vegetarian options. Consider it a trip to Spain, without splurging on flights.
Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar
136 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Image credit: Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar | Website
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 needing to pack your bag. Don’t leave without sinking a frozen marg (or four) and a slice of their exotic cheesecake with pineapple and rum. Christchurch CBD eateries don't come more lush than this.
King Of Snake
Level 1/79 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: King Of Snake | Facebook
King Of Snake? King of Southeast Asian cuisine, king of cocktails, and king of our tummies, more like. Arrive early for a refresher at the in-house cocktail bar Monarch, then take a regal romp through their signature dishes (including a supreme broth that can be made vegan, if that's a bit of you).
Koji Table Buffet
257 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
mage credit: Koji Table Buffet | Instagram
You'll find all-you-can-eat Japanese tapas, from sushi to karaage, at Koji. Snag a pew at the teppanyaki bar to be especially dazzled. If you wanna talk top Christchurch restaurants, certainly in terms of buffets, this is defo one.
Plant-Based And Dietary-Friendly Spots
Dux Dine
28 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Image credit: Dux Dine | Facebook
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? Like something you'd enjoy at one of the best restaurants in Christchurch, that's what. They also do a mean bubbly brunch and live music on Fridays #winning.
Grater Goods
105 Orbell Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Image credit: Grater Goods | Facebook
Grater Goods is the place for the scrummiest vegan meats, eats, and cheeses aka plant-based goodness at its finest. They even do non-meat charcuterie (that doesn't suck). Dine in at this refurbed former glass factory or take some of their delicatessen delicacies home.
Mumbaiwala
BNZ Centre 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Mumbaiwala | Facebook
Indian street food aficionado Mumbaiwala (sister to Mumbaiwala in Auckland) is guaranteed to get the party started. Serving a delicious selection of snacks and sharing plates, everything is packed with vibrant, punchy flavour but most delicious of all is the fact there's a full vegan menu available.
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. And to further sate your appetite, a full gluten-free menu is up for grabs. This will certainly answer that craving for Japanese.
The Monday Room
161 High Street, Christchurch Central City
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. This spot slays on the dietary and dessert fronts (two things you don't usually hear in the same sentence); while their private dining room, Little Monday, is the perfect spot for you and your squad to enjoy your treats in peace.
Best Cheap Eats In The Garden City
Fush
104 The Runway, Wigram & 563 Springs Road, Prebbleton, Christchurch
Image credit: Fush | Instagram
For affordable eats, Christchurch local—the whānau-owned and operated Fush—is a firm fave, serving classic fare with chic flair. With a second takeaway-only eatery in Prebbleton, it's a legit option when the cravings hit. They do gluten-free hectically well and get even more brownie points for their compostable packaging.
Ramen Ria
3/112 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: Ramen Ria | Instagam
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 (carefully nutured for over eight hours) and whatever toppings are your go-to. The duck and tofu ramen are particular standouts, and help solidify this spot as one of the best restaurants in Christchurch.
Table Of Munchies (TOM)
189 Papanui Road, 38b Merivale Mall, Merivale, Christchurch
Image: Table Of Munchies (TOM) | Facebook
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. If you only try one thing, isn't it obvious? Dumplings. The answer is dumplings.
You Hanoi Me
123 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: You Hanoi Me | Facebook
If you’ve never tried a true Vietnamese pho, here’s your chance (especially as it's one of the best affordable eats Christchurch-wide). 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. Don’t leave without trying the disco eggs.
Want more Christchurch intel? Check out:
- Cheap Eats, The Christchurch Edit
- What's On In Christchurch For The Rest Of 2025
- Christchurch's Best Bars
Main image credit: Table Of Munchies (TOM) | Supplied
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
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Main image credit: Table Of Munchies
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.