Akin Café

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Tuesday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Wednesday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Thursday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Saturday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Sunday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

235 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Akin is as clean-cut as a café can be. Situated in the heart of the Christchurch CBD at the high end of High Street, this is a café created by designers and architects, and it shows. The minimalist interiors breathe a sense of sophistication in the space where nothing unnecessary exists. The walls are bare with purposeful paint brush marks as the only touch of texture, the floor is concrete and wooden tables are paired with black chairs. A touch of muted colour is introduced in the form of natural tiles along the counter, as well as with a few deep green Arnold Circus Stools dotted inside and out.

Complimenting the Japanese-Scandi-influenced pared-backness of the interiors, the menu is also sparse in the most positive meaning of the word. It offers a select few exquisitely executed options complemented by grab-and-go ready cabinet food. There are the favourites people are so often attached to, such as Eggs Benedict with a bit of a twist, but also items of Asian origin, such as the Shiitake Mushroom Congee, that allow for the exploration of new experiences. Seasons naturally influence the menu, and it changes along with the availability of goods. 

Coffee is undoubtedly at the forefront of it all at Akin. Allpress espresso and filter coffee are crafted to perfection to keep the humans of inner city Ōtautahi ticking along during the week. Weekends see a vibe that is a touch more relaxed with leisurely brunches and slow coffee stops amongst shopping to be had. Akin is no doubt a destination café whether you are visiting the city or call it home.  

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

235 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Inati

A hand spoons a garnish onto a dish on a wooden board.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.

Kokomo

A whole plate of cooked fish.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Midnight Shanghai

Interior of Midnight Shanghai, a modern Chinese restaurant on Oxford Terrace.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Telling Tales

Books and toys on shelves and a couch with big soft toys at Telling Tales children's bookshop, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Igniting the love of reading in children is a magical gift and one that Telling Tales know plenty about.

Similar Places

Story

The kitchen at Story beside the wooden staircase up to the dining room.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The dining experience at Story is anything but ordinary.

Empire Chicken

Table of fried chicken and sides from Empire Chicken in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A fried chicken establishment to rival the big dogs.

Fiddlesticks

Close up of food being served Fiddlesticks in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.

Gelato Lab

Customer holding her Gelato Lab ice cream.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Gelato Lab churns out traditional gelato in a number of delicious and ever-changing flavours, all made on-site by two passionate ladies.