Civil and Naval

Bars key icon.
Bars key icon.

Monday3:00 – 11:00 pm.

Tuesday1:00 – 11:00 pm.

Wednesday1:00 – 11:00 pm.

Thursday1:00 – 11:00 pm.

Friday12:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Saturday10:00 am – 12:00 am.

Sunday12:00 – 11:00 pm.

16 London St, Lyttelton

03 328 7206

Somehow, in just a small space Civil and Naval manages to embody all that is Lyttelton: it's cosy, achingly cool but equally approachable and gives you a burning desire to return as soon as you’ve left.

Tucked in on Lyttelton's London street, Civil and Naval is housed in a beautiful brick building which was historically home to DH Ludlow Civil & Naval tailors. The fit out is simple and elegant and the open plan design lends itself perfectly to beers on balmy nights or snuggling up by the fire – always raging on cooler days and always making the space extremely cosy – in the more chilly months.

Beneath the C&N imprinted leather menu cover you’ll discover a whole lot more reasons to fall in love with Civil and Naval. The team here know a thing or ten about good food, beer, wine and cocktails – or in Civil and Naval speak: grub, ale, plonk and hootch.

Offering a very well thought-out sharing menu dotted with memorable plates such as miso butter coated edamame beans, hand cut chips and bottomless aioli (genius) and delectable deep fried cauliflower with maple and chipotle, it’s well worth visiting this spot just for the food.

For those less keen on the sharing thing or more into the hoarding thing, there are larger options for grub like braised beef cheek, cauliflower cheese (!) and ginger beer battered fish with 'pickle pickle' and preserved lemon.

And on the ale, plonk and hootch front – it will come as no surprise that Civil and Naval has this nailed too, focusing on boutique and family owned producers and small scale international distillers.

The only downside to Civil and Naval is the persistent hankering you’ll have to keep going back the moment you have left. That, and the recurring dream you might have about that maple drenched fried cauliflower.

Words by Jane Lyons & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

16 London St, Lyttelton

Nearby Places

Dead Video

Dead Video sign.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Theatre and performance key icon.

If you’re wondering — did streaming kill the video star? — the answer is not quite, thanks to neat people like Evan at Dead Video.

Arbour Woodfire Pizza

Close up of slicing fresh pizza at Arbour in Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A standout eatery where you can expect to find perfectly charred pizzas and a plant-filled atmosphere.

Harbour Co-Op

Fruit and vegetables on display outside at Harbour Co-op in Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

No longer the domain of hippies and survivalists; organic, free-range, bulk and sustainable foods are now the norm.

Mapu

Giulio carrying a box of black boy peaches in his orchard.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Hidden down a small lane on Lyttelton's main drag, you'll find one of Christchurch's best-kept dining secrets. There is no signage, no walk-ins, no hours and no menu.

Similar Places

Lux Espresso

The bench seating next to the counter inside Lux Espresso Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.

Vivace Espresso

Corner site of Vivace Espresso on Cambridge Terrace in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well.

BOXed Quarter

Laneways and an overhead walkway within BOXed Quarter in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.

Dune Café

Customers waiting near the counter as a barista pours coffee at Dune Cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.