Gatherings

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

Wednesday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday5:00 pm – 12:30 am.

Saturday12:30 – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 12:30 am.

SundayClosed.

5/2 Papanui Rd, 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 Rd, Merivale, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Posh Porridge

A bowl of porridge on a table against a white background.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

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.

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.

Truffle Café

Exterior of Truffle café, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but.

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.

Similar Places

Kung Fu Dumplings

Alok laughing with customers at his food truck.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch may be a long jaunt from Kathmandu, but you won't have to go nearly as far for momo dumplings.

Restaurant O.G.B

View of Restaurant O.G.B
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

If you’re searching for a taste of London cool meets Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Christchurch city, Restaurant O.G.B is the answer.

Tanoshi

Hands holding chopsticks reaching for food on a plate.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.

Black Estate

View out of window at Black Estate, North Canterbury towards vines.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.