Vivace Espresso

Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well. Serving up excellent long blacks and flat whites to the many office workers that pass through their doors to delivering on delicious cabinet food for those that have longer to linger and enjoy something to eat. Its central location in the heart of Ōtautahi attracts locals and visitors alike, and the energy in here is buzzing at all times of the day.

Proud to be one of the original coffee roasters in Christchurch, Vivace Espresso first opened their doors back in 1997. There have been several moves, locations and challenges faced with the roastery and their cafes having lived many lives since opening, but there are a few things that remain constant. All these years later, Vivace is still proudly New Zealand-owned and producing some of the best specially-roasted coffee you’ll find in the country.

Their Cambridge Terrace cafe opened in 2024, and the interior reflects the inner city location, with a sophisticated aesthetic applied to every design detail. Lighting is a focal point at Vivace, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting plenty of natural light through, and on a grey day, there are a number of different lighting fixtures dotted around the space, bringing warmth and cosy vibes.

The roastery itself is located in Brougham Street, but there is a mini roaster at the Cambridge Terrace cafe alongside an area where customers are able to hone their coffee skills. The team at Vivace are incredibly talented and knows a thing or two about the single-origin coffees they have available. They also make all their food on site and it’s highly recommended to visit earlier in the day, as the cabinet can be cleared out quickly, especially their slices and cheese scones, which have developed quite a reputation around town.

Vivace Espresso holds a special place in many a Christchurch local’s heart who remembers their early days on Hereford Street. They continue to go from strength to strength and roast some pretty epic specialty coffee. Whether you need a quick burst of caffeine or need something tasty to help fuel the rest of your day, a visit to Vivace Espresso on Cambridge Terrace is always a good idea.