Civil and Naval

Bars key icon.
Bars key icon.

Monday3:00 – 11:00 pm.

Tuesday3:00 – 11:00 pm.

Wednesday3:00 – 11:00 pm.

Thursday3:00 – 11:00 pm.

Friday12:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Saturday10:00 am – 12:00 am.

Sunday12:00 – 11:00 pm.

16 London Street, 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 Street, Lyttelton

Nearby Places

Henry Trading

Anglepoise lamp with candles stocked on the shelves at Henry Trading, Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick

A must-visit spot brimming with homewares and more made by good people.

Eruption Brewing

The two storey exterior of Eruption Brewing.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Located on the main drag of the harbourside township of Lyttelton, Eruption Brewing is a destination for good beer, good food and good vibes.

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.

SUPER

Inside the SUPER restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Lyttelton’s Asian-fusion eatery, SUPER, is nothing short of what the name suggests.

Similar Places

Black Estate

View out of window at Black Estate, North Canterbury towards vines.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.

Saturdays

Eating oats with poached pear.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink.

Scoundrel

Customers standing around at a counter inside a green decorated cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

A destination on the east side of town, just a stone's throw away from Te Kaha Christchurch stadium, Scoundrel is one of those spots you wander into once and know instantly...

Supreme Supreme

The red and brown interior of Supreme Supreme cafe in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Supreme Supreme doesn't do anything by halves.