Gatherings

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

Wednesday6:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday6:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday6:00 pm – 12:30 am.

Saturday12:30 – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 12:30 am.

SundayClosed.

5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

0210 293 5641

Living in harmony with the seasons has many benefits, and dining at Gatherings is undoubtedly one of them. Long known for its innovative but grounded approach to culinary excellence, this local Canterbury institution keeps evolving in ways that continue to delight our senses. 

In keeping with a philosophy that is mindful of what we take from the earth and when, Gatherings’ menu is rooted in local, accessible, and seasonal ingredients. You can expect to enjoy an abundance of sustainably caught New Zealand seafood alongside locally grown organic produce. Founding chef, Alex Davies, believes good food reflects the season and location in which it is being prepared. With that principle at the forefront, he passionately supports local producers and thoughtfully considers how he can best continue serving his community.

Dining at Gatherings feels like home — if home meant being served deliciously fresh, seasonal dishes from some of Christchurch’s top chefs, and not having to do the dishes afterwards. The cosy space is full of recycled wooden furniture (made by a local carpenter) and creative art pieces. Tables are adorned simply with vases of tussock and local natives while, as it should be, the informal, friendly service and excellent food take centre stage.

Enjoying more intimate family dinners at home during lockdowns inspired Alex to take Gatherings in a new direction. Influenced by the Chinese style of dining where many dishes are shared between family and friends, Gatherings’ menu was restructured to reflect this casual but thoughtful way of enjoying food.

As the first New Zealand restaurant to exclusively serve natural wines, Gatherings has been a pioneer since its inception. It’s no wonder chefs and hospitality professionals from all over New Zealand (and abroad) travel to see what the team at Gatherings are getting up to.

Words by Nicola Amy Hinman & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

5/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

Nearby Places

NOKI

Interior of NOKI in Christchurch with wooden furnishings, green leather chairs, white-tiled countertop and framed art prints including someone sticking their finger in a fried egg
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.

The Mayfair

A dark grey and white bedroom inside The Mayfair Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon.

For the discerning modern traveller, The Mayfair is a rare and precious find in the typically heritage-focused city of Christchurch.

Montreal Bar and Restaurant

Outdoor seating at Hotel Montreal on a sunny day.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

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.

LONDO

A man placing a plate of food on the counter at Londo in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Good things come in small packages, and Londo is a prime example of that age old proverb.

Similar Places

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.

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.

Gelato & Tea

Waffle with scoop of gelato on top.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Gelato & Tea offers homemade gelato and a range of tea drinks, alongside a selection of delicious sweet treats.

Park Ranger

Park Ranger cafe space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

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.