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

Lyttelton Coffee Company

Customers hanging out on the deck at Lyttelton Coffee Company cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

A quirky place humming with activity, this place is home to a coffee roastery and a cafe big on sustainability, community and authentic fare.

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.

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.

Harbour Co-Op

Nuts 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.

Similar Places

Kokomo

Exterior of Kokomo.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Vesuvio

The courtyard at Vesuvio.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Walking or driving down an ever-busy Papanui Road in Christchurch, you might be surprised that a sophisticated slice of Europe can be found only metres away at Vesuvio.

gin gin

Woman pouring a cocktail at gin gin in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

gin gin's the spot whether you’re keen for an after work bevvie, a boogie, a place to host your own party, seriously good food, a night on the town, or some combination thereof.

Earl

Nighttime exterior of Earl.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

An enduring cornerstone of Christchurch’s East Block, Earl is a locally owned and loved institution that first brought European bistro culture to the city in 2018.