Dux Dine

It’s hard to deny the charm of Dux Dine. Though residing on Christchurch’s busiest road, one foot over the threshold and any sign of road rage quickly turns to peaceful tranquillity. The quaint villa, once home to the Station Master of Riccarton Railway, may look small from the outside but the deception of space is just another one of the restaurant’s greatest surprises.

Inside, the humble villa branches out into cosy and intimate dining pockets with a fireplace ready to roar away the next frost. Although this eloquent eatery does all four seasons very well, summertime is when it really comes into its prime. The back doors unfold, the conservatory is filtered in golden sunlight and umbrellas pop in the expansive courtyard – the perfect setting to enjoy a refreshing G&T or Aperol Spritz from the Garden Bar.

Dux Dine has a rich 40-year history – and there’s a reason the name has endured. From the beginning, it earned its reputation as the city’s leading pescatarian destination, celebrating seafood and vegetables across breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. While those foundations remain, the menu has evolved to include thoughtfully prepared meat dishes that showcase local Canterbury produce.

A handful of legendary plates have remained since day one, including the Pea and Halloumi Fritters (a dish that would likely spark outrage if ever removed) and the Crusted Fish. New favourites now sit comfortably alongside them, such as sirloin steak with hand-cut chips and slow-cooked beef short rib. And yes, the Dux Breakfast now comes with bacon and saussies.

Transparency is integral to the ethos of this restaurant and each full plate of food and glass of wine or beer can be traced back to its origins. Fish is sourced fresh, often just metres away at Theo’s Fisheries, and North Canterbury's Harris Farms supplies the sirloin. The drinks list, meanwhile, showcases an extensive selection of New Zealand wines.

Not only homely in appearance, Dux Dine is one of those rare gems where anyone and everyone has a place at the table.  Family brunch get-togethers, business folk who want to do their schmoozing over lunch, the after-work drinks crew or catch up cocktails with the girls, even four-legged creatures are invited along for the ride.