Twenty Seven Steps

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

Monday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Tuesday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Wednesday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 366 2727

Twenty Seven Steps is run by Emma and Paul, the good folk who used to own Akaroa’s favourite restaurant, The Little Bistro. As the restaurant’s name suggests, there is a short climb up the steps (no, there aren't 27) to the restaurant, which occupies a large upstairs space: it is essentially four upstairs shops combined into one. An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is modern and sophisticated. The respect for this building’s heritage in a city where heritage has somewhat crumbled away is special, and the beautiful and quintessentially New Regent Street, arched windows are the heroes of the space.

Emma scoured op shops far and wide (as far as Temuka, in fact) to inject plenty of character into the restaurant. There are retro-style mismatched amber glass light shades, kitsch paintings adorned with coat hooks for your jacket and vintage style tea-cups to hold olives, together with souvenir teaspoons to assist with scooping.

Drink offerings are excellent – there’s plenty of good wine, with a focus on the tipple of local producers, together with a good selection of craft beer too. The venue’s blend of the classic with the new extends through to the cocktail options and hearty European-style fare. There is a distinctly modern take on the menu which features ingredients that are seasonal and, as far as possible, locally sourced. For once it’s a menu featuring dishes that aren’t necessarily designed to be shared, and that’s a refreshing change. Expect big pieces of meat or fish topped with locally grown veggies and deliciously rich jus.

The kind of place that Christchurch feels to have been void of for some time, Twenty Seven Steps is just the place the city needs: a sophisticated and modern bistro, where service, food and drink are up to a fine dining standard without all of the associated pomp and fluff.

Words by Grace Hall & Photography by Naomi Haussmann and Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Lux Espresso

The bench seating next to the counter inside Lux Espresso Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.

Westend Stories Café & Eatery

Pale wood wall and cafe seating with industrial lights at Westend Stories..
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.

Bohemian Bakery Central City

Brick facade of the Bohemian Bakery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.

The Little High Eatery

A brightly decorated food station inside Little High.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.

Similar Places

Earl

Couple enjoying plates of clam pasta, salad and steak alongside a glass of red wine
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.

Ozone Coffee Walker Street

Exterior of Ozone Coffee Walker Street.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

The ultimate coffee hosts, Ozone Coffee, has a reputation around New Zealand and beyond for producing superior specialty coffee.

Mind Your Temper

A close up of colourful chocolates on display at Mind Your Temper Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

If you’re feeling grumpy or a little blue, a visit to Mind Your Temper is sure to lighten your mood.

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.