Plate to Play: Where to Dine Near Christchurch's New Court Theatre

A charming slice of old Christchurch in the heart of the city, and mere metres from The Court Theatre, O.G.B is a local institution, located in a heritage building constructed in the early 1900s. The staff here are dressed as if they live in the era, wearing crisp white shirts, suspenders and newsboy caps – a fun, dramatic addition to your night out at the theatre. Choose from one of many sophisticated cocktails, local wine and beer, perfectly paired with small sharing plates and cheeseboards. Down the hall, you’ll find Restaurant O.G.B, a recent addition to the family which offers a $55 pre-show dinner menu, with the option to add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne (oh, go on).

A great place to start or end your night, The Last Word is a warm and welcoming whisky and cocktail lounge on New Regent Street. Offering a relaxed, intimate setting with friendly table service, the bar is renowned for its impressive selection of over 300 whiskies and a cocktail menu featuring all the classics and a few creative twists. There’s plenty of choice for craft beer and wine lovers, and the famous grilled cheese sandwiches will cure any late-night cravings.

Another New Regent Street favourite, Downstairs blends the warmth of a cosy pub with the elegance of a city wine bar. With a rotating food and wine menu, stylish interior, and welcoming vibe, it’s an ideal spot to warm you up for Act I. Sister to acclaimed restaurant Twenty Seven Steps (also a fantastic pre-show dinner idea), Downstairs shares the same focus on quality, service, and old-world charm. The blackboard wine list is a standout, offering around 40 local and international wines by the glass (selected based on what the team love to sip). Come for just drinks or pair your pour with tasty local fare, from light bites to hearty dishes.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more casual – but still lively, fun and flavour-packed – to eat before a show, Mashawe Mediterranean BBQ won’t disappoint. Opened by Ahmed Igneam early last year, the menu is fresh, delicious and full of options – from generous sharing plates of smoky grilled meats, seafood, falafel and dips to crowd favourites like souvlakis, wraps and shawarma. With a relaxed atmosphere and fast service, it’s become a local favourite for those after big flavours without the fuss.

No points for guessing what’s good on the drinks list here. This pretty-in-pink cocktail lounge has serious gin game – over 100 varieties, in fact. It’s stylish, laid-back and welcoming, with a reputation for creative and expertly crafted gin-based cocktails that play with different mixers and botanicals. Add in tasty, seasonal bites like pizzettas and small plates, live music, and two bars to choose from, and you’ve got a place that’s hard to leave after “just one” – unless you’ve got a show to catch, that is!

Bringing the classic British pub experience to the heart of Christchurch, Victoria Free House envelops you in its warm and friendly setting. Set in a 1920s heritage building overlooking Victoria Square, the space is relaxed yet refined with lots of character. Beer is the star here, with 20 taps pouring everything from local brews to hand-pulled ales and Guinness, plus a solid wine and gin list. The menu, co-created with renowned local chef Shafeeq Ismail, features British favourites – from smoked fish pie, wagyu steak and a standout Sunday roast.

A scoop and a show? Who could resist? Especially when it’s from the tub of Christchurch’s cult classic, Rollickin Gelato. Long lines often spill from their ice cream shop on New Regent Street, and for very good reason. They’re known for creating fun, nostalgic and indulgent flavour combinations, with each fresh batch of gelato and sorbet made from scratch in-house. Whether you’re craving a chocolate or vanilla classic, refreshing fruity sorbets, or the crowd-favourite Yogi Bear (yogurt gelato with thick ripples of caramel), you’ll be glad you joined the queue.

This long-standing restaurant puts on a show of authentic, rustic Italian fare just steps from both the Isaac Theatre Royal and The Court Theatre – making it a perfect pre-show dinner spot. With a third-generation Italian chef at the helm, the menu ranges from woodfired pizzas straight from the oven and housemade gnocchi to those famous polenta fries, and rich tiramisu. Whether you're after a quick pizza and prosecco or a full Italian feast, Francesca’s delivers warm hospitality and bold flavours in a stylish, welcoming setting. 

On the corner of New Regent Street, Odeon brings bold flavour and effortless style to the city’s dining scene. Chef Shafeeq Ismail serves up Andalusian-inspired dishes made to share, using seasonal local ingredients and plenty of flair. Heading to the theatre? Keep things easy (and exciting) with the “Just Feed Me” option and pair your dishes with something organic and biodynamic from the handpicked wine list. The space strikes a perfect balance between opulence and comfort, with plush booths, bar seating, and a semi-private dining area – ideal for everything from a quick drink with friends to extra special occasions.

Another standout venture from Shafeeq Ismail, Story is a small restaurant with a big heart. With space for just 20 guests, it offers an intimate setting to enjoy a unique selection of seasonal dishes. Inspired by Shafeeq’s global culinary journey – and the experiences of guest chefs – expect clever, unexpected flavour combinations that delight and surprise. The drinks menu is just as considered, featuring organic wines from across Aotearoa and cocktails crafted with foraged ingredients. Story is a must-visit, but with limited seating, be sure to book ahead.