Visitors and locals in Canterbury will be pleased to hear their eating and drinking needs will be well met thanks to the high number of quality cafes Christchurch has to offer.
Many hospitality owners and operators have taken the opportunity to build new businesses at the same time as the city repairs itself post-earthquake, meaning there is a fresh and upbeat side to the cafes in town these days. From Sumner to Lyttelton and over the hill to the centre city, Christchurch hosts an outstanding collection of roasteries, bakeries, cafes and restaurants that could rival even some of the finest overseas dining options.
Big coffee lovers, Cantabrians also understand the importance of a good cup of espresso, meaning you are unlikely to find anything sub-par around these parts. Instead Christchurch cafes pride themselves on doing coffee, and doing coffee well, even going so far as to mix it up for the customers with cold brews, drip coffee or latte alternatives. A handful of roasters in the area means you can try out a local brew in every sense of the word, and often available as wholesale, you can try perfecting it at home yourself too.
A new wave of supporting local means most menus at cafes in Christchurch will likely feature plenty of Cantabrian ingredients also. A solid sense of community and desire to keep growing this young, fresh hospitality scene sees collaborations and businesses combining in a way that wasn’t seen before, and for those lucky enough to dine at these places, means tastier food on your plate.
For a hearty brunch to start the day, a coffee on the run, or a place to hold mid-afternoon meetings, Christchurch cafes have all your needs covered. From bustling bright spots popular with inner city workers, to those with a more laid-back and slow paced atmosphere, the café scene here caters to even the most hard-to-impress customers.
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Airstream Icecream
Nestled on Christchurch’s Rolleston Ave, just across from the Botanical Gardens, Airstream Café is a charming little gem operating from a lovingly restored...
Peaches
On a sunny, north-facing corner in Linwood Village, Peaches is a welcome new addition to the neighbourhood.
Poca Poca Cafe
Neighbourhood cafes bring charm, sustenance and perhaps most importantly, a place to gather — Poca Poca Cafe off Christchurch’s Cashmere Road fits this criteria...
Sala Coffee
This might come as a surprise to you, but one of Christchurch’s greatest specialty coffee shops is tucked away in an industrial warehouse space in Wigram.
Woods Cafe
Tucked away on the corner of Normans and Strowan Road, Woods Cafe is a warm and inviting neighbourhood spot serving first-class coffee using Allpress Espresso and delicious,...
Odds Coffee
Finding a top-notch cafe in an industrial area can sometimes be a tall order.
Olympia
Olympia Espresso on Christchurch’s Papanui Road is the definition of ‘good things come in small packages’.
Fluffy Bake Shop
Christchurch-dwellers or visitors to the garden city with a penchant for pastries, Fluffy Bake Shop needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.
Ozone Coffee Walker Street
The ultimate coffee hosts, Ozone Coffee, has a reputation around New Zealand and beyond for producing superior specialty coffee.
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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...
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.
The Crossing
The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.
dainty
Discerning coffee drinkers and brunch lovers Dainty will quickly become your home away from home.
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
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NOKI
On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.
Swoon Store
Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.
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.
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...
Triangle Espresso, Ashburton
Triangle Espresso is a landmark of Ashburton’s up-and-coming Triangle District.
The Rabbit, Ashburton
The Rabbit is an exciting eatery in the heart of The Triangle in Ashburton.
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.
Dune Café
On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.
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Central Deli Sandwiches
Central Deli Sandwiches is a permanent daytime pop-up within Christchurch's New Regent Street restaurant Story.
Kokomo
Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
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.
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...
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.
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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.
Westend Stories Café & Eatery
Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.
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.
C4 Coffee
If you’re in Christchurch and seeking an exceptional coffee experience, C4 Coffee should be your primary destination.
Lux Espresso
Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.
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...
Mind Your Temper
If you’re feeling grumpy or a little blue, a visit to Mind Your Temper is sure to lighten your mood.
Child Sister
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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.
General Post
You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them. This small neighbourhood cafe has tonnes of practicality and style.
Truffle Café
You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but.
Mediterranean Foods
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.
Addington Coffee Co-op
Addington Coffee Co-op is, simply put, a true Christchurch institution with laid-back vibes and house-roasted coffee.
Six Ounces
There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood haunt and six ounces is exactly that.
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Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry
Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry in Christchurch creates an idyllic setting for a beautifully appointed restaurant, perched along the Avon River.
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.
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.
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.
The Welder
The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.
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
Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’AIME kitchen each day.
Switch New Brighton
Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
BOXed Quarter
A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.
Little Vintage Espresso
A jewel in the Amberley crown, Little Vintage Espresso offers delicious homemade food and good coffee.
Christchurch Adventure Park
Christchurch’s unique Adventure Park is a tranquil escape for those seeking more than just thrills.
Allpress Espresso
The coffee here is just what you'd expect from the experienced Allpress roasters.
Dispense Espresso
Dispense Espresso’s owner, Hamish Bell, knows a thing or two about what makes a café great.
The Tannery
Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.
Unknown Chapter
A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.
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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.
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.
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.
