Earl

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Wednesday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 3:00 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday12:00 – 3:00 pm, 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

128 Lichfield St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 365 1147

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. Perfectly perched across the road from Rauora Park, this once quiet pocket has evolved into a lively area now buzzing with urban residents, weekend wanderers, and soon-to-be stadium spectators.

Earl’s menus are crafted from the best ingredients available, guided by an ethos that celebrates simple food done well. Lunch is served every Friday and Saturday, inviting diners to enjoy a light and bright à la carte selection or slow things right down with the set menu, designed for lingering over plates of handmade linguine and a glass of Sangiovese.

In-the-know locals will be all too familiar with Tuesday Pasta Nights at Earl, a beloved ritual that has persisted for more than five years. Each week, a new menu comes into play, featuring two exciting pasta dishes, with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options too. A bowl of pasta and a (large) glass of wine is $26.50 – a happy deal that makes for fun date nights and dinners with friends. These pasta nights have a cult following, so make sure you book in advance.

Whether you’re in for lunch or dinner, Earl’s open plan kitchen gives diners a front-row seat to the action, blurring the line between kitchen and dining room.. Chances are you’ll spot owner Tom Newfield darting around the dining room floor, putting a smiling face to the business and building a genuine sense of community between both sides of the pass.

The atmosphere at Earl is casual, warm and friendly with an effortless elegance that still makes you feel at home. The food, hospitality and setting are consistently excellent – it’s no wonder this institution continues to thrive through every era of Ōtautahi.

FYI: There’s currently free parking right next door, making your pasta affairs all the more convenient.

Words by Maggie Worthington & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

128 Lichfield St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

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...

Lo-Fi Burgers

Burger in a basket on the table at Lo-Fi Burgers.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

It seems that somewhere along the line, humans started to overcomplicate the burger.

Coffee Embassy

The cafe space at Coffee Embassy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Pay attention next time you are driving down Fitzgerald Ave because here you will find a cafe and roastery home to some of the best brews and beans in the city.

Smash Palace

Lots of customers seating outside on tables.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.

Similar Places

Unknown Chapter

Seating area at Unknown Chapter.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.

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.

J’AIME

Blue shop exterior and glass cabinet of J’aime les macarons in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’AIME kitchen each day.

Evil Genius

Live DJs playing at Evil Genius.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Evil Genius Bar, Restaurant & Lair is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, it has everything from coffee to cocktails.