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 St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
Inati
Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.
The Little High Eatery
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
Stencil
Variety is the spice of life, and you’ll certainly find something to spice up your wardrobe at Stencil.
Ramen Ria
Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.
Similar Places
Two Thumb Brewing Co. - Redcliffs
Redcliffs locals and anyone who regularly visits Christchurch’s seaside suburbs were overjoyed when Two Thumb Brewing Co. opened their Main Road brew bar in April 2025.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Pomeroy’s has been the catalyst of the Christchurch craft beer scene for years, with its ever-changing blackboard showcasing over 31 beers.
Ciao
Ciao is the kind of place that makes you want to linger, over a perfectly made negroni, a bowl of fresh pasta, or simply the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a...
Smokey T's
Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.
Featured in
Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants
Featured in
Christchurch's Sweetest Treats: Where to Find the City's Best Desserts
