Fast and Flavourful: Our Must-Try Takeaways In Christchurch

A flatlay of salads and hot chips on a table at Zeek's.

Discover some of Christchurch’s best food and eateries without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Words by: Julia Rutherford

Photos by: Nancy Zhou

As much fun as it is meeting up with a group of friends for dinner at a nice restaurant, sometimes all you feel like doing is cosying up on the couch and having your meal come to you. Or perhaps you’re stuck at work and just need a quick and delicious lunch option to keep you going for the rest of the day.

With some of the best restaurants and cafés in the country, it’s no surprise that the Garden City knows a thing or two about takeaways. Whether you’re craving authentic wood-fired pizza, burgers that will knock your socks off or delicious dumplings, they’re all just a phone call or your favourite delivery app order away. Our research has been extensive and these recommendations come to you having been well-tested and tasted. 

Hands holding a takeaway box of Greek salads.

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Inspired by the back-alley takeaway bars found all over Greece, Zeek’s in The Crossing has taken this concept and created some of the most flavour-filled souvlakis and salads in town. Using the freshest ingredients and ensuring their menu has something for everyone, including the vegetarians and vegans among you. This is a lunchtime takeaway you can feel virtuous about… well almost, it’s hard to resist an order of halloumi fries!

Empire Chicken

100-96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Some days all that will hit the hunger spot is finger-licking-good fried chicken and when those days occur you 100% need to order from the masters at Empire Chicken. Free-range, crispy, juicy and downright om nom nom worthy, you can choose to be a purist and get an order of fried chicken on its own. Or mix it up and have one of their epic burgers, towering with all kinds of fillings and leaving you all kinds of full, yet already dreaming of the next time you order from Empire.

The Burger Joint

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78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

New Brighton locals have been enjoying the spoils of The Burger Joint for a few years now, from their early days as a food caravan to their now permanent home down Carnaby Lane. Their burgers travel well and make for a great Friday night feast (or any night of the week for that matter). They source the very best local ingredients and you can taste the difference. When you’re finalising your order, as well as their mouth-watering burgers, make sure to try one of their loaded fries options, you won’t regret it.

Miss Peppercorn

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32 Nayland Street, Sumner, Christchurch

Celebrating the cuisine from the Chinese province of Sichuan, Miss Peppercorn in Sumner certainly packs a flavourful punch. The food on the menu heavily features ​​Szechuan peppercorns, a hallmark of this region and it gives dishes a heat like no other. Be prepared to venture outside your comfort zone and once you have, you’ll be so pleased you did. These warming dishes are just what you need for a cozy night at home!

Black Burger

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96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Calling all lovers of a classic LA-style cheeseburger… Black Burger in Riverside Market is your match made in heaven. Keeping things simple, paired back and focused on the best ingredients such as Canterbury-reared Black Origin wagyu for the patties and Grizzly Brioche buns. This is where you need to order from when you just feel like a darn good cheeseburger done well with a side of fries or onion rings and a milkshake thrown in for good measure.

Herba Gourmet

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96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Looking for a fast food option that’s fresh and healthy - Herba Gourmet needs to be your new go-to. Located in Riverside Market, the kai coming out of Herba’s kitchen is top-notch, tasty and nourishing. The whole menu is gluten-free, so anyone with this dietary requirement can rest assured that everything is safe for them to eat. Build your salad with your choice of base, protein and toppings, and take it away knowing you're holding a box of pure deliciousness.

Pizza Trap

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371 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

The pizzas from Pizza Trap are legendary, with their hand-thrown sourdough bases and toppings that can be as paired back and classic as you want, to some inventive creations that might just become a new favourite for you. There’s also a whole host of vegan options, which isn’t always the case when it comes to pizza! Celebrating local suppliers, the Pizza Trap team are big supporters of the food scene in Christchurch and this results in some tasty, tasty slices. Top tip, when you’re picking up your pizzas head in a bit early and sneak in a pint at Space Academy (at the same location).

A flatlay of wonton noodle soup and a small bowl of chilli oil.

Eightgrains

Little High, 255 Saint Asaph Street

If you have dumplings, bao buns or noodles on your mind, then look no further than Eightgrains. Made from scratch and with a whole lot of love, these authentic dishes will certainly satisfy your cravings. One of the best things about Eightgrains is its location inside Little High Eatery, surrounded by a number of other incredible food outlets. So if you’re picking up your Eightgrains order to go, why not peruse and add to your takeaway feast.

A flat of pretend fried chicken on a yellow and white table.

Welcome Vegetarian Café and Takeaways

2 Wharenui Road, Riccarton

Welcome Vegetarian Café and Takeaways is a Christchurch institution and has been at its same location in Riccarton for many many years. Priding themselves on producing high-quality vegetarian dishes, Welcome draws inspiration from different regions around China and other nearby countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Their menu is extensive and even the most die-hard carnivore will find plenty to please their palate here. So next time you have a craving for some kind of Asian cuisine, give Welcome a call. 

A tinfoil tray of cooked lamb and potatoes.

Pedro's House of Lamb

17b Papanui Road, Merivale & 290 Colombo Street, Sydenham

Pedro’s House of Lamb represents how Christchurch businesses evolved and pivoted following the Christchurch earthquakes. What once was a restaurant in the CBD became a small container in a carpark on the edge of the city centre and yet in the years following this ‘downsized’ operation has gone from strength to strength. The concept at Pedro’s is simple, you place an order for a whole lamb shoulder with a side of potatoes (and the option to add more sides if you want). The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat and a takeaway meal that feels like it’s homecooked in the best way possible.

Neat Christchurch & Canterbury Places

Lillies

The long green serving counter at Lillies Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

An ethereal green glow emanates from the windows of what looks to be another garage workshop in Christchurch's industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown.

Montreal Bar and Restaurant

Outdoor seating at Hotel Montreal on a sunny day.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

Pegasus Bay

A flatlay of cheese and spreads in a basket.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Pegasus Bay will blow you away with its beautiful setting and world-class wine.

Ramen Ria

Bowl of fresh ramen with sides.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.