Bar Franco

Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Monday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Tuesday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday4:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday4:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday4:00 – 10:00 pm.

Sunday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Upstairs at The Crossing Bar - Level 1 & Restaurant Level 2/166 Cashel St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 925 9208

If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita in the centre of Christchurch city, walk into Bar Franco and you’ll know instantly you’ve found it. This two-level Italian bar and restaurant concept in the heart of The Crossing is full of personality, big energy and incredible hospitality. Whether you are popping into the Spritz & Negroni Bar on the first level for an after-work drink or heading to the second level for a long leisurely meal as the Italians do best, Bar Franco is ready to welcome you and say ‘Ciao’.

Founder Ana-Maria describes how Bar Franco came out of a lot of years in hospitality, a love for Italy, and the kind of upbringing where hosting was second nature. Growing up in Eastern Europe, where she remembers always welcoming people with food, drink, noise, and warmth, she has brought this same spirit to the way Bar Franco operates.

The word ‘Franco’ in Italian means frank or honest, and this is reflected in everything they do at Bar Franco; there is not a gimmick in sight, it's authenticity all the way. This begins with the interiors of both spaces and a clear definition between bar and restaurant. The Spritz & Negroni Bar is punchy and vibrant with a little bit of retro in the mix. The luxe booths, Campari prints and buzzing vibes make for the perfect start to your evening (or middle and end too!) Head upstairs to the restaurant where dim lighting, soft drapes, velvet seating and a view of the open kitchen make you feel like you’re at the best kind of dinner party.

When it comes to making your menu selections, rest assured, you cannot go wrong! Every dish is generous, flavourful and made to be shared. From the Risotto Milanese that’s rich and comforting to the Miele Pizetta, hitting the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, and don’t even get us started on the Tiramisu. On the drinks front, Aperol and Campari, two iconic Italian liquors, are the backbone of the Bar Franco ba,r and there’s an impressive lineup of Italian wines on offer.

Bar Franco is suitable for such a variety of occasions, whether you’re searching for a venue for an engagement party or work celebration, birthday dinner with friends or an intimate date night. Italian dining done the Bar Franco way must be experienced, and thanks to the people behind the curtain running the show, you’ll be back time and time again.

Words by Julia Rutherford & Photography by Jerome Warburton

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Upstairs at The Crossing Bar - Level 1 & Restaurant Level 2/166 Cashel St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Black Betty

Front counter with table in the foreground at Black Betty.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Black Betty on Christchurch’s Madras Street first opened in February 2011, and since those early days, it has cemented itself as a firm favourite on the Ōtautahi...

Soul Quarter

Chef preparing dish.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Frances Nation Café

Cafe counter and shelves lined with pantry goods inside Frances Nation Café.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.

Tūranga

Harry Potter stairs at Turanga.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Services key icon.

It’s not often that grand designs are plucked from the mind’s eye and brought to life. At Tūranga they are, every day.

Similar Places

Barrys Bay Cheese

Wheels of cheese on shelves in the storeroom at Barrys Bay
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

Barrys Bay Cheese has been creating delicious, memorable cheeses in its namesake bay since 1895.

Vivace Espresso

Corner site of Vivace Espresso on Cambridge Terrace in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well.

Tīni

Woman sitting next to window at Tini bar with food and cocktails looking out on to waterfront views
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Akaroa
Bars key icon.

Every small town needs a decent watering hole, and perched right on the waterfront is Akaroa’s answer for this, Tīni.

The Cakelady, Ashburton

The black and glass exterior of The Cakelady in Ashburton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Ashburton
Cafes key icon.

Tharina Nel is the Cakelady of Ashburton. A self-taught baker of incredible creations, she can whip up just about anything you can imagine.