Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch
Monday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Tuesday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Wednesday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Thursday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Friday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Saturday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Sunday12:00 – 2:30 pm, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Pizza, pasta, tiramisu – all staples of a cuisine we know and love: cucina Italiana. But considering Aotearoa lies a cool 18,527 kilometres away from Italy, it can be hard to know if we really do know what authentic Italian food is. Enter Francesca’s Kitchen with a third generation Head Chef from Italy. Serving a big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine and hospitality in the heart of the garden city.
Speaking of big ol’ slices – perhaps one of the most exciting features of this beautiful venue positioned next to Christchurch’s beautiful Isaac Theatre Royal is the woodfired pizza oven which sits at centre stage and pumps out chewy, crusty, perfectly charred pizzas for diners to enjoy.
Alongside these glorious disks of dough, Francesca’s menu offers a full Italian feast starting with antipasti, primi and insalata (first and salad), pasta and mains and ending on a sweet note with their dolci selection. Each of these menu sections is brimming with memorable dishes such as polenta fries with truffle aioli, housemade potato gnocchi with braised beef cheek and tiramisu with housemade mascarpone and fresh seafood served with housemade squid ink pasta – just to name a few.
On the drinks front, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen strikes the perfect balance of Italian and local wine and beer, an extensive range of spirits and cocktails and Allpress coffee for those perfect post-meal espressos – in true Italian fashion.
Whether you’re after a perfect woodfired pizza and prosecco before a visit to the theatre, a light lunch or a feast with friends, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen will not disappoint. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, this authentic spot is bound to have you saying “si,si!” to another visit. Just make sure you book ahead.
Words by Jane Lyons & Photography by Ashleigh Vermaak
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
149 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
The Little High Eatery
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
Infinite Definite
Cool kicks, clothing and lifestyle goods find themselves a home here, and with over 60 different designers in stock, there is something for everyone.
Black Burger
Found in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Christchurch's Riverside Market, is the small but perfectly primed kitchen that Black Burger calls home.
Gap Filler Dance-O-Mat
If it’s a good enough dance floor for old Prince Charles and Camilla then it’s good enough for you too.
Similar Places
Unknown Chapter
A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.
Tramway Restaurant
The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.
Kong
Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.
Prima Roastery
Whether you’re after a caffeine kick, a cool spot for a catch up, a resupply of beans or a new espresso machine, Prima is the place - they’ve got parking out the back, too.
Featured in
Where You'd Rather Be: The Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Christchurch
Pizza and paella, souvlakis and sangria, cannoli and croissants… There’s a reason we’re always pining over the Mediterranean way of life.
Featured in
Dine Out on the Neat Places’ Team's Restaurant Picks
