Three Donkeys
MondayClosed.
TuesdayClosed.
WednesdayClosed.
Thursday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Friday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Saturday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine. The menu embodies a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes offering meat, poultry and seafood plus vegetarian and vegan options. Their mission is to provide vibrant food and beautifully constructed dishes that surprise and intrigue. The team can also create tailor-made menus to your taste on request.
Chef Samson Samikannu started his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen in Pondichery, India, and is trained by some of the best chefs in France. In 2021, he opened The Three Donkeys restaurant, a place to share the flavours and cuisines he grew to love over the years. Samson loves to explore how food can promote energy and engagement amongst diners. Upon visiting, you might also recall Samson and his familiar smile from his food cart, The Rolling Om, in The Arts Centre.
The restaurant's interior was renovated by local artist Chris Reddington using as many recycled materials as possible, creating a sociable and relaxed dining atmosphere. Sharing Carnaby Lane with some quality neighbours such as The Burger Joint and Switch New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a much welcomed addition to the small but popular New Brighton food scene.
Words by Johnny Gibson & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
Nearby Places
New Brighton Community Gardens
Around Christchurch Ōtautahi there are so many unique suburbs and within these, there are amazing communities and initiatives that deserve the spotlight.
He Puna Taimoana
Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping...
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.
Switch New Brighton
Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.
Similar Places
The Church Pub
The Church on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets in the heart of the city is a cornerstone of Christchurch hospitality.
Tussock Hill Vineyard
The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Pomeroy’s has been the catalyst of the Christchurch craft beer scene for years, with its ever-changing blackboard showcasing over 31 beers on offer.
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese has been creating delicious, memorable cheeses in its namesake bay since 1895.
Featured in
New Brighton
Bygone days of seaside prosperity linger in the eastern suburb of New Brighton, but don’t be surprised if you fall for its current bohemian charm. With newly emerging hospitality, He Puna Taimoana hot pools and 18 kilometres of sandy coastline, New Brighton has a distinctive appeal.
Having famously gained popularity in the 1960s - when New Brighton was the only shopping centre open on a Saturday in Christchurch - crowds would routinely flock to the shops where they could pick up their wares, an ice cream and stroll along the pier. Nowadays, locals and visitors alike can still be seen meandering down the longest pier in Australasia and breathing in some of that salty sea air.
Sharing is caring. The best places for shared plates
