LONDO

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Wednesday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Thursday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Friday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Saturday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

027 340 8385

Good things come in small packages, and Londo is a prime example of that age old proverb. Located at the city end of Papanui Road, in what could hardly be more than a thirty square metre space, this teeny restaurant, with an even teenier kitchen, has a heart bigger than most.

Intimate, yet by no means intimidating, the space is warm, welcoming and comfortable. The interior consists of natural materials and tones – the fit out is after all the handiwork of locals Michael Gilling of Xylo woodcraft and Alex Bowater of Master Studio. Guests are seated along the bar with full view of all the action in the kitchen, or at one of the three tables that allow for a more conventional way of dining. Yet, nothing much is conventional at Londo, and wherever you find a seat, guest interaction is an essential part of dining here.

The man behind this restaurant and wine bar, Chef Robert Fairs, has a long history and plenty of experience in some of the finest kitchens around the world, but over the years, he found himself falling out of love with the fine dining experience. When it came to starting his own restaurant, Robert knew he wanted to create the kind of space that he himself, along with his friends, would like to frequent. That comprises equal amounts of the down to earth vibe of the establishment, the ingredient-focused dishes and brilliant local drops.

Everything comes down to the goods used in the kitchen and the relationships with both producers and guests. Robert is acutely aware of the hard work that goes into working the land and providing chefs like him with prime produce; as an acknowledgement, he presents even the humblest produce in the best possible way. What that means is the menu changes often in accordance with the produce available at any given time of the year, but guests can always rely on an exceptional culinary experience.

Good food would be without if it wasn’t accompanied by good beverage, and at Londo, both are important. Host and beverage master Harry Findlay serves a selection of local natural wines and shakes up a mean cocktail or two. The team of two pour all their love and passion into what they do, which is evident to anyone who finds themselves dining at this petite gem of a restaurant in Ōtautahi.

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Ashleigh Vermaak

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

Nearby Places

50 Bistro

Bistro bar at the 50 Bistro restaurant in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

50 Bistro at The George offers quality local produce, views of Hagley Park and the perfect pre-theatre dining spot.

The Tack Rooms

Inside the Tack Rooms.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Accommodation key icon.

The Tack Rooms by Hotel Montreal is one of Christchurch's most innovative and unique accommodation options that doubles as an equally spectacular event space.

Posh Porridge

Eating a piece of loaded toast from Posh Porridge.
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.

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.

Similar Places

Gelato Lab

Customer holding her Gelato Lab ice cream.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Gelato Lab churns out traditional gelato in a number of delicious and ever-changing flavours, all made on-site by two passionate ladies.

La Luna

Customers sitting at green and green booths inside a high ceilinged cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A café by day, an a la carte restaurant by night, La Luna Eatery & Bar located in the heart of Rangiora, carries out each of its roles effortlessly.

Kinji

The Chef of Kinji Japanese restaurant standing in the middle of the restaurant smiling.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with Irasshaimase, a traditional Japanese welcome, and immediately feel transported to another continent. If you’re after an authentic Japanese dining experience with truly exceptional cuisine then you need to book a table at Kinji and do it soon.

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.