So you're looking for somewhere to eat in Ōtautahi Christchurch? The Garden City is enough lucky to have so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let Urban List show you where it's at with our handy alphabetical list.
From cheap eats to something a little fancier, we have you absolutely covered with 50 of the best restaurants in Christchurch, so let's dive in.
The Best Christchurch Restaurants At A Glance
- Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurant: Grater Goods
- Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Bar Franco
- Best Italian Restaurant: Fire And Slice
- Best New Restaurant: Rambler
- Best Bar: Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Earl
- Best Japanese Restaurant: Koji Japanese Buffet Christchurch
- Best Asian Fusion Restaurant: Evil Genius
- Best Seafood Restaurant: Fush
- Best Indigenous Fusion Restaurant: Super
- Best Mexican Restaurant: Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar
5th Street
5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Dine and drink right into the evening at 5th Street with the fine chaps that brought you Hello Sunday. Brunch there, dinner here, we think they’re onto something good…
INSIDER INTEL
- Fork out for the Chef’s Table
- Dig into head-turning brussel sprouts
- Does dietaries well
Aikmans
154 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch
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, anyone?
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for punters with carnivorous palettes
- Don’t miss their espresso martini cocktail trees
- Great no alcohol options for the sober curious
Barefoot Eatery
20 Welles Street, Christchurch CBD
Local, organic, plant-based, authentic, and of course absolutely deliciously nutritious, you can find all this and more at Barefoot Eatery.
INSIDER INTEL
- Pretty good on the dietaries front
- Their waffles are gluten-free but you wouldn’t know it
- In-house juicery will keep you hydrated
Bar Franco
The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Great for a Lady & The Tramp moment
- Order the dill and lemon-spiked fries immediately
- Next-level grazing at its finest
Beach Sumner
25 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Frozen cocktails on Thursdays for that endless summer vibe
- Generous portions
- Live music every Sunday
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Bessie
Level 1/178 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for when you’re feeling especially carnivorous
- Top-tier wine-matching
- Do order vege on the side
Bloody Mary’s
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Worthy breakfast buffet
- Head here for steak your way
- Surrender to the urge to order a Bloody Mary (or a sweeter Bloody Sour)
Boo's (Nee Boo Radley’s)
Level 1/98 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
Boo's is the home of Southern America’s greatest comfort foods. Think mac ’n’ cheese croquettes, sliders, southern-fried tenderloins, Louisiana jambalaya, and the greatest sweet treat on this earth—s’mores.
INSIDER INTEL
- Live music makes for some stellar vibes
- Perfect for cocktails and fried chicken
- Share pretzel sliders and live the dream
Burger Burger
10 Welles Street, Christchurch CBD
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).
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for a relaxed family feed
- Dependable burgers
- Don’t miss the charred broccoli (trust us)
Casa Publica
180 Armagh Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for pirates—this spot’s got over 100 types of rum
- Book into a rum or cocktail masterclass for a night out to remember (or not)
- Soundbathe in live music every Friday and Saturday
Castro's Tapas And Bar
100 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Image credit: Castro's Tapas And Bar | Instagram
In the mood for Spanish food? Escape to this Spanish paradise at Castro's Tapas and Bar and feast on an authentic experience.
INSIDER INTEL
- It’s a trip to Spain without the splurge on flights
- Solid lot of vegetarian options
- Don’t skip the sangria
Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar
136 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- There’s a myriad of options and no wrong choices
- Don’t leave without sinking a frozen marg (or four)
- Exotic cheesecake with pineapple and rum? Yas.
Civil & Naval
16 London Street, Lyttelton
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their Fruju Sour is a nostalgic tipple laced with gin
- Down a plate of their fried chick with big mac sauce and dill pickles
- Dog-friendly
Commi
145 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Dine the street eats of Asia at the food market-inspired restaurant Commi.
INSIDER INTEL
- Summer rolls hit the spot every damn time
- Get some lemongrass in your grill
- Crushed rice-covered crispy prawns? Say less
Dux Central
144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Gluten-free bases, vegan cheese, and half and half ‘za
- Epic happy hour every day from 4-6pm
- Treats for doggos on the last Sunday of every month
Dux Dine
28 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
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?
INSIDER INTEL
- Gluten-free crumble—this is not a drill
- Say hell yes to the bubbly brunch
- Live music on Fridays
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bookings essential
- Treat yourself to their Eat Like An Earl set
- Tuesdays are all about pasta
Evil Genius
Unit 2/1091 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Fill your table and your tummy with Asian-inspired bites at Evil Genius—bao buns on bao buns, Gojira dumplings, beef rendang, edamame. Most definitely genius, perhaps a little less evil.
INSIDER INTEL
- Gluten-free fried chicken and fried cauliflower that should be top of your eats list
- Catch live music on the last Sunday of each month through winter and every Sunday during the warmer months
- Does an epic Happy Hour on Saturdays with discounted cocktails
Fiddlesticks Restaurant And Bar
Corner of Worcester Boulevard &, Montreal Street, Christchurch CBD
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. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
INSIDER INTEL
- Espresso martini specials every Saturday
- Dog-friendly courtyard with Cocomutt Dog Ice Cream treats
- Brunch it up
Fire And Slice
7 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch
Hand-stretched dough, Italian passata, locally sourced toppings—the woodfired pizza at Fire And Slice is amongst some of the absolute best in Christchurch.
INSIDER INTEL
- Pizza done well
- Simple toppings, exactly the way we like it
- Skip if you’re vegan
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Fisherman’s Wharf
Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
A hop, skip and a jump away in charming Lyttelton, a visit to Fisherman's Wharf is a must. Serving up beautiful, sustainable seafood with a sea view.
INSIDER INTEL
- Catch up with four besties over beer and a seafood platter
- Fish caught on the restaurant’s own trawler
- The seafood sizzle plate is a local favourite for a reason
Fush
104 The Runway, Wigram and 563 Springs Road, Prebbleton, Christchurch
Whānau-owned and operated, Fush serves classic fare but makes it chic. With a second takeaway-only eatery in Prebbleton, it's a legit option when the cravings hit.
INSIDER INTEL
- Home-compostable packaging
- Does gluten-free hectically well
- Māori-owned
Gatherings
5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Gatherings is a tiny restaurant with an exquisitely curated menu focusing on the best seasonal and local produce and ideal for, well, gathering.
INSIDER INTEL
- Organic, sustainable, seasonal, healthy, delish—ticks all the boxes and some
- Ever-changing menu
- Bookings essential
Grater Goods
105 Orbell Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Image credit: Grater Goods | Facebook
For complete vegan goodness, Grater Goods is the place for the scrummiest vegan meats, eats, and cheeses. Dine in or take some of their delicatessen delicacies home—or both.
INSIDER INTEL
- It’s a refurbed former glass factory
- ‘Ethical hedonism’ may be a bit of a mouthful, but it’s a delectable one
- Non-meat charcuterie that doesn’t suck
INATI
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD
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 gracing plates.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for curious eaters
- Do sip on an INATI creation cocktail
- Hatted—twice—by Cuisine
King of Snake
Level 1/79 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City
King Of Snake? King of Southeast Asian cuisine, king of cocktails, and king of our tummies, more like.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their supreme broth can be vegan if that’s a bit of you
- Trust the King for a regal romp through all their signature dishes
- Arrive early for a refresher at the in-house Cocktail Bar Monarch
Koji Japanese Buffet Christchurch
257 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
You'll find all-you-can-eat Japanese tapas at Koji. Enough said.
INSIDER INTEL
- Snag a pew at the teppanyaki bar to be dazzled
- From sushi to karaage, it’s all here
- Buzzin’, skip if you’re sensitive to sensory overload
Little High
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for when you’re in that grown-up picnic vibe
- Take a group and divide and conquer
- Slake your thirst with 200 beers and wines
Ma Maison
6 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa
Image credit: Ma Maison | Facebook
While not in Christchurch, take a road trip to perch on Akaroa’s spectacular waterfront to indulge in some equally stellar culinary delights at Ma Maison. That summer sea breeze pairs beautifully with a table full of locally caught, grown, and fed ingredients—and of course a glass of something quaffable and cold.
INSIDER INTEL
- Not actually French
- Perfect for if you’re craving surf and turf
- If you’re fry-forward, hit their chilli salt-spiked house fries
Mandala
40F Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
While you’re over that way, why not stay for seconds? Mandala's menu boasts a cohesive collaboration of Pacific, Indian, and Asian cuisines to create impeccable flavours.
INSIDER INTEL
- We can’t go past the pani puri (which are gluten-free by the way)
- Perfect for families
- Good for dietaries
Mexicano's
131 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
As the name Mexicano's suggests, you’ll find nothing but authentic Mexican fare at this iconic Christchurch joint.
INSIDER INTEL
- Cute date spot
- Vibrant surrounds
- Good for dietaries
Midnight Shanghai
101/96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Have yourself an authentic experience at modern yum cha bar Midnight Shanghai that aims to bring you the best of Chinese cuisine.
INSIDER INTEL
- Kick off the night with a bangin’ happy hour
- Don’t miss the eggplant fries
- Round up your crew and have your eats with a side of karaoke
Miro
176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Classy Miro is situated within one of the few heritage buildings still standing in Christchurch. This stunning breakfast and brunch spot will hit all the right spots.
INSIDER INTEL
- Snag a table with a river view for ultimate relaxed vibes
- They’re not joking when they say this is brunch, elevated.
- No wheelchair access
Mumbaiwala
BNZ Centre 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD
Indian street food aficionados Mumbaiwala is guaranteed to get the party started. Serving a delicious selection of snacks and sharing plates, everything is packed with vibrant, punchy flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- Sister to the Mumbaiwala in Auckland
- Full vegan menu available
- Save yourself the agony and hit the Dawat Banquet
No.4 Bar and Restaurant
4 Mansfield Avenue, St Albans, Christchurch
The perfect place for wholesome family time at the local neighbourhood rendezvous No.4 Bar and Restaurant. Also, their platters are legendary.
INSIDER INTEL
- $15 espresso martinis every Thursday
- Pretty plates to inspire immediate food envy
- Dog-friendly
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- In a word: hearty
- Opt for a bevvies and snacks situation
- There’s a Bookety Book Books book club here every second Tuesday of the month
Rambler
Within Drifter, 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Check into Drifter for a staycay and make a day of it, popping in and out of Rambler every time you're in need of a feed
- Menu by Maximus Perry (5th Street Restaurant)
- Live music
Ramen Ria
3/112 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
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 and whatever toppings are your go-to.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for deep chats over a bowl of noods
- Their bone broth is carefully nurtured for over eight hours
- Duck or tofu ramen are the standouts here
Retropolitan Social
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- What happens when a sports bar meets a retro, neon wonderland
- Perfect for watching the game
- Live music
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Tucked away in a mall
- Exactly what will answer that craving for Japanese
- Full gluten-free menu available
Soul Quarter
219 High Street, Christchurch CBD
Soul food at its absolute finest, hidden gem Soul Quarter is worth the hunt.
INSIDER INTEL
- Would make a cute, cosy date spot
- Generous portion sizes
- Good for dietaries
Strawberry Fare
15 Bealey Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch
You might already know Strawberry Fare for their giant silver gnome, so why not get to know their sterling food too? Just keep enough room for dessert, cause they’re not lying when they say that their creamy cheesecake is dreamy.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for when your sweet tooth flares up (even if you’re diabetic)
- We hear good things about the cinnamon roll French toast
- Parking can be a little tricky
Super
5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
Super is the cutest spot for contemporary Japanese-Māori cuisine. Think all the goods, like bao, kimchi, donburi, and of course ramen with pork belly, shiitake, and tamari egg.
INSIDER INTEL
- Aptly named
- Vibey—come for the atmosphere, stay for the eats.
- Miso caramel espresso martini, anyone?
Table Of Munchies (TOM)
189 Papanui Road, 38b Merivale Mall, Merivale, Christchurch
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Go all-in on the ramen
- Provide frozen dumpling packs for fundraisers
- Good for dietaries
The Craft Embassy
The Terrace Level One/126 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch CBD
Beers on beers, as well as a menu best suited to accompany those beers is lying in wait for you at the aptly-named Craft Embassy. What’s better than a hoisin pulled pork burger paired with your favourite NZ independent craft beer? Not a lot.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for a long lazy lunch
- Does the classic beer and fries situation well, plus black garlic aioli
- Good for dietaries
The Monday Room
161 High Street, Christchurch CBD
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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don’t skip the dessert—sweetness is their specialty
- Hire Little Monday for a private dining room for you and your squad
- Good for dietaries
The Old Vicarage
335 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch
Previously home to the local Vicar, now home to a dining experience of spiritual proportions. Expect a heavenly feed at The Old Vicarage.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for when you’re feeling baller
- The venison’s a local favourite
- Good for dietaries
Twenty Seven Steps
16 New Regent Street, Christchurch CBD
An absolute classic right in the heart of the city on New Regent Street, Twenty Seven Steps boasts a menu that’ll warm your cockles right through. But don’t worry, 27 actual steps are nowhere to be seen.
INSIDER INTEL
- Fancy European fare that’s worth it
- Perfect for a special occasion
- There are no wrong options here
You Hanoi Me
123 Victoria Street, Christchurch CBD
If you’ve never tried a true Vietnamese pho, here’s your chance. 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.
INSIDER INTEL
- Great for cheap eats
- Don’t leave without trying the disco eggs
- Good for dietaries
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Main image credit: Table Of Munchies
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