Best of 2024: New & Neat Eats in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Soulful Coffee Shop Diamond Harbour
Picture this… you’ve just disembarked from the ferry at Diamond Harbour and the need for coffee is strong, luckily after an easy 10 minute stroll you arrive in...
Restaurant O.G.B
If you’re searching for a taste of London cool meets Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Christchurch city, Restaurant O.G.B is the answer.
Jolly Deli
Jolly Deli on Christchurch’s Tuam Street sees two of the city’s food scene stars join forces to serve up some of the best sammies around the ‘03.
Vesuvio
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.
Dhi Ferrari Cakes
If a craving for something sweet strikes and you’re near The Welder in Christchurch’s city centre, you must immediately seek out Dhi Ferrari Cakes.
The Crossing
The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.
Bomba
Bomba on Lyttelton’s bustling London Street celebrates two of Italy’s greatest gifts to the culinary world… pizza and gelato.
Brewda
Looking to wow your tastebuds and discover your new favourite watering hole in Christchurch? May we present Brewda, located in The Terrace Courtyard, a bar and eatery that...
dainty
Discerning coffee drinkers and brunch lovers Dainty will quickly become your home away from home.
Oulala Wine Bar
It’s no secret the hospitality scene in Christchurch is thriving, not only in the city centre but far and wide in the suburbs you’ll find some delightful gems.
Grizzly Baked Goods Cashel Street
Christchurch locals will need no introduction to Grizzly Baked Goods; first appearing on the scene at the Christchurch Farmers Market with their epic bagels in 2013 and...
Bellbird Bakery – Riverside Market
Bellbird Bakery isn’t a new name for Ōtautahi households.
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Lillies
An ethereal green glow emanates from the windows of what looks to be another garage workshop in Christchurch's industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown.
Kong
Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.
NOKI
On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.
Two Thumb Brewing Co. – Harbourside
For years Diamond Harbour residents have been patiently waiting for a local watering hole; a venue to catch up with their neighbours and somewhere to kick back and relax...
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The Beer Library
Listen up craft beer lovers of Christchurch and beyond, if you haven’t already visited The Beer Library, you must rectify this situation immediately.
Inati
Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.
Swoon Store
Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.
Montreal Bar and Restaurant
While most hotel bars and restaurants are often only frequented by out-of-towners, we’ve found the exception – and it’s a very stylish one.
Fresh On Kendal
Weekly supermarket shops aren’t usually synonymous with peace and calm, but it’s a whole other story at Fresh On Kendal.
Tanoshi
Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.
Victoria Free House
A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Bar Yoku
The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.
Frances Nation Café
Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.
Coffee Embassy
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.
Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo
On the edge of Christchurch’s city centre, just as Colombo Street crosses into Sydenham, you’ll find Two Thumb Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom.
Two Thumb Brewing Company on Manchester
Everyone needs a good local pub in their lives, a place you can go with a relaxed atmosphere, where you are guaranteed to run into a few mates and, most importantly, enjoy a...
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Tiger Baby Bar
Tucked away off Lichfield Street in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre you’ll find one of the gems of Ōtautahi’s bar scene, Tiger Baby.
Scoundrel
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...
The Rabbit, Ashburton
The Rabbit is an exciting eatery in the heart of The Triangle in Ashburton.
Triangle Espresso, Ashburton
Triangle Espresso is a landmark of Ashburton’s up-and-coming Triangle District.
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Cleavers Corner, Ashburton
Cleavers Corner is the locals' go-to in Ashburton.
Smoke Restaurant, Ashburton
Ashburton's Smoke restaurant is a carnivore's haven specialising in American low and slow barbeque.
The Cakelady, Ashburton
Tharina Nel is the Cakelady of Ashburton. A self-taught baker of incredible creations, she can whip up just about anything you can imagine.
Little River Inn
Surrounded by 360-degree views of rolling tussock hills, Little River Inn is a place for locals to gather, clink glasses and look out the window to remind themselves how...
Dune Café
On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.
Kokomo
Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Central Deli Sandwiches
Central Deli Sandwiches is a permanent daytime pop-up within Christchurch's New Regent Street restaurant Story.
The Lil Brew Espresso Bar
Located within an iconic heritage building in the heart of Redcliffs, The Lil Brew Espresso Bar is quite possibly the cutest cafe in town.
Rascal
Located in the heart of the CBD on Christchurch’s High Street, Rascal is a modern bistro offering innovative food and exceptional cocktails.
The Church Pub
The Church on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets in the heart of the city is a cornerstone of Christchurch hospitality.
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LONDO
Good things come in small packages, and Londo is a prime example of that age old proverb.
Moon Under Water
Moon Under Water features all the best aspects of a classic pub that's up with the times when it comes to great brews, food and service.
Estelle
A sophisticated sibling to Tom’s sandwich bar on Christchurch's Southwark Street, Estelle sits neatly just a few strides and a diagonal road crossing away in a space...
The Lane
Tucked next door to the Sudima Christchurch city hotel on Salisbury Street, The Lane is so much more than a hotel restaurant.
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BUTTER Pastry
At the Phillipstown end of Tuam Street in Christchurch stands a small kitchen where award winning pastry chef Corentin Esquenet works his magic.
Bohemian Bakery St Martins
Bohemian Bakery’s St Martins shop provides the south of the city with all of the carby goodness familiar from the bakery’s other locations.
The Little High Eatery
A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.
Muy Muy
Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.
Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch
A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.
Westend Stories Café & Eatery
Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.
La Luna
A café by day, an a la carte restaurant by night, La Luna Eatery & Bar located in the heart of Rangiora, carries out each of its roles effortlessly.
Mapu
Hidden down a small lane on Lyttelton's main drag, you'll find one of Christchurch's best-kept dining secrets. There is no signage, no walk-ins, no hours and no menu.
Sweet Soul Patisserie
Step in through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of Sweet Soul Patisserie, and you will immediately be greeted with an air of amicable sophistication.
Gatherings
Living in harmony with the seasons has many benefits, and dining at Gatherings is undoubtedly one of them.
Odeon
Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.
C4 Coffee
If you’re in Christchurch and seeking an exceptional coffee experience, C4 Coffee should be your primary destination.
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Kinji
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with Irasshaimase, a traditional Japanese welcome, and immediately feel transported to another continent. If you’re after an authentic Japanese dining experience with truly exceptional cuisine then you need to book a table at Kinji and do it soon.
Doubles
Game, set, match! In a sunny spot on Worcester Boulevard, this tennis-themed café with a gram-worthy brunch menu is the new King of...
Lux Espresso
Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.
Mind Your Temper
If you’re feeling grumpy or a little blue, a visit to Mind Your Temper is sure to lighten your mood.
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Zeek's
Everyone deserves a good lunch, and you’ll get a great one at Zeek’s. Fresh, fast and super tasty is the name of the game.
Downstairs Bar
What do you get when you marry the cosy vibes of an intimate pub with the sophistication of an inner city wine bar? You end up with the best of both worlds and the result is Downstairs on New Regent Street.
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.
Three Donkeys
Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine.
Child Sister
Seeking a calm environment with aesthetically-pleasing interior decor, complete with incredible coffee and delicious food to match? Then look no further, Child Sister has...
Tom's
If you are a sando aficionado and find yourself in the South Town area of Christchurch city centre, keep an eye out for the striking cobalt blue hue of Tom’s.
Pilgrim
A tenacious stand alone espresso bar and café, Pilgrim has become a central city favourite amongst its regulars and central city workers that come and go for the...
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.
General Post
You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them.
Tussock Hill Vineyard
The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.
Truffle Café
You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but.
Paddy McNaughton's
Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.
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The Mediterranean Food Company
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.
Bellbird Bakery
Bellbird is everything you want in a local bakery — filled with classic pastries and delicious loaves of fresh-baked bread.
Addington Coffee Co-op
Addington Coffee Co-op is, simply put, a true Christchurch institution with laid-back vibes and house-roasted coffee.
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Austin Club
If you like your bars secret, check out Austin Club tucked in a basement, down an alleyway. Oh, and you'll need the password, too.
Six Ounces
There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood haunt and six ounces is exactly that.
Kung Fu Dumplings
Christchurch may be a long jaunt from Kathmandu, but you won't have to go nearly as far for momo dumplings.
Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry
Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry in Christchurch creates an idyllic setting for a beautifully appointed restaurant, perched along the Avon River.
Soul Quarter
Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.
Niche Coffee + Eatery
Niche Coffee + Eatery, the latest addition to the hospitality scene of Sumner, fits like a glove to the seaside village.
Pizza Trap
Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
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.
Arbour Woodfire Pizza
A standout eatery where you can expect to find perfectly charred pizzas and a plant-filled atmosphere.
Saturdays
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.
The Spirits Workshop
Head to The Spirits Workshop in Sydenham for a uniquely New Zealand spirit experience. Here you can sample gins and whiskies that reflect Aotearoa, meet the people that make it and see the whole process, too.
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Grizzly Baked Goods CBD
Grizzly's shop at The Welder offers classic sourdough breads as well as cookies, donuts, sammies, bear claws and croissants.
El Quincho
For a taste of Argentina, head to El Quincho at Riverside Market.
Riccarton Noodle House
For a flavoursome lunch on the run, a family get together and a few hot brothy bowls that’ll leave you wanting more head to Riccarton Noodle House.
The Last Word
Prepare to be charmed by The Last Word’s relaxed, friendly environment and impressive drinks offering
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Greystone Wines
A day exploring the magic being made by Greystone Wines in Waipara is a day well spent.
Midnight Shanghai
Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.
Posh Porridge
Posh Porridge offers boutique flavours and lashings of luxury toppings for its porridge bowls. Just pop into its Montreal St location and find out for yourself.
Cellar Door
The Cellar Door focus is on approachable wine drinking, seasonal fare and free flowing conversation. It feels like your ‘local’ but has a distinctive, exciting element, sans pretentiousness.
Foundation Café
Foundation is fully licensed, serving up flavoursome fare seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library, Tūranga.
Gelato & Tea
Gelato & Tea offers homemade gelato and a range of tea drinks, alongside a selection of delicious sweet treats.
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.
Bohemian Bakery Central City
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 Welder
The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.
Gelato Lab
Gelato Lab churns out traditional gelato in a number of delicious and ever-changing flavours, all made on-site by two passionate ladies.
Evil Genius
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.
J'aime les Macarons
Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’aime les macarons kitchen each day.
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gin gin
gin gin's the spot whether you’re keen for an after work bevvie, a boogie, a place to host your own party, seriously good food, a night on the town, or some combination thereof.
Grater Goods
Found in an old glass factory in Sydenham’s industrial blocks, you'll find everything from sausages to bacon and steak - just the more humane and sustainable kind.
The Burger Joint
The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.
Miss Peppercorn
Miss Peppercorn is a modern eatery, celebrating the fragrant and mouth-numbing flavours of the owner's hometown in the Chinese province of Sichuan.
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Switch New Brighton
Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.
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.
Earl
Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.
Dux Central
If bars could be left or right handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. There’s nothing this place can’t be.
Dux Dine
Dux Dine is one of those rare gems where anyone and everyone has a place at the table, in a cosy, home-like atmosphere.
Untouched World
The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.
Grizzly Baked Goods
Effortlessly cool with a friendly and inviting vibe, Grizzly Baked Goods will have you feeling like you’ve woken up in another city.
50 Bistro
50 Bistro at The George offers quality local produce, views of Hagley Park and the perfect pre-theatre dining spot.
Smokey T's
Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.
Little Pom's
Located in the same building as the ever-popular Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, Little Pom's is a charming neighbourhood café all about good food made by Christchurch’s talented producers and artisans.
The Birdwood
Much-loved neighbourhood cafe by day, knock-out contemporary Italian eatery by night – The Birdwood might just be the dream local hospo joint.
The Arts Centre
A much-loved heritage hub for all things creative and cultural, Christchurch’s Arts Centre is a real jewel in the city’s crown.
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BOXed Quarter
A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese has been creating delicious, memorable cheeses in its namesake bay since 1895.
The Craft Embassy
Great beer, great food, great views. Craft Embassy is the whole package and more.
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Miro
A stylish and cosy spot for breakfast, lunch or brunch, any day of the week.
Little Vintage Espresso
A jewel in the Amberley crown, Little Vintage Espresso offers delicious homemade food and good coffee.
Pegasus Bay
Pegasus Bay will blow you away with its beautiful setting and world-class wine.
SUPER
Lyttelton’s Asian-fusion eatery, SUPER, is nothing short of what the name suggests.
OGB
A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.
Bessie
Dark, a little brooding and faultless in its theme, Bessie is an immaculate display of fine dining in the inner city.
Allpress Espresso
The coffee here is just what you'd expect from the experienced Allpress roasters.
Punky Brewster
Housed in what is, quite literally, a garage in the back streets of Riccarton, Punky Brewster is an unexpected find in an otherwise nondescript part of town.
The Laboratory
Offering an excellent range of craft beer, wood fired pizzas and tapas-style plates that are designed to be shared, this pub is a Lincoln local’s favourite.
Black Estate
A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.
Boo's
Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo's draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.
Twenty Seven Steps
An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is a modern and sophisticated restaurant on New Regent Street.
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Fiddlesticks
With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.
Dose Diner
Adding a much needed touch of ‘cool’ to Blenheim Road, Dose Diner takes a page from the book of the quirky Melbourne café scene.
Dispense Espresso
Dispense Espresso’s owner, Hamish Bell, knows a thing or two about what makes a café great.
Bohemian Bakery Sumner
Located in sunny Sumner, Bohemian Bakery is an Eastern European-inspired neighbourhood bakery.
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Harbour Co-Op
No longer the domain of hippies and survivalists; organic, free-range, bulk and sustainable foods are now the norm.
Tomi Japanese Restaurant
Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Tomi is most famous for their sashimi sourced from the local fish market.
Civil and Naval
This Lyttelton spot offers a well thought-out sharing menu dotted with memorable plates along with excellent wine, beer and cocktails.
Unknown Chapter
A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.
Park Ranger
A café that hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to the details, and one of the best to have opened its doors in the city.
Herba Gourmet
If you thought fast food was served greasy treats, think again. Herba Gourmet has rethought street food to bring fresh, healthy, fine food to diners on the go.
Lyttelton Coffee Company
A quirky place humming with activity, this place is home to a coffee roastery and a cafe big on sustainability, community and authentic fare.
The Tannery
Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.
Ōtoromiro Hotel
Perched at its grand position on a hillside at the end of Te Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the historical Ōtoromiro Hotel offers hard-to-beat views, friendly service and...
Smash Palace
For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.
