Four Late Night Spots in Christchurch for Coffee, Treats & Sweets

For a touch of Parisian elegance with your evening treat, take a little stroll to the delightful Sweet Soul Patisserie. A taste of heaven for all dessert enthusiasts, this inner-city gem is a dream setting for late-night indulging. Every treat is a miniature work of art, from the delicate petit fours to the signature entremets (a dainty layered dessert encased in a delicate mousse and finished with a shiny glaze). Paired with a nice hot coffee or a glass of champagne, every intricate morsel is pure perfection.

What sets this exquisite patisserie apart is not only the delicious desserts but the warm and friendly service and attention to detail. Sister team Taina and Rua Scur radiate a genuine passion for their craft and their enthusiasm is contagious. Everything is made with the utmost care and the finest ingredients, and you can taste the difference. Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or simply looking to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Sweet Soul Patisserie really takes the cake. 

Open til 9 pm every weekday, could there be a more iconic location for an evening cuppa? A name synonymous with top-notch coffee, this Christchurch institution has been serving up the best of the bean for close to three decades now. Well-known for their exceptional coffee roasted in-house and served in essentially any way you could desire, their vast coffee menu is a testament to their dedication to the craft. With a cabinet chock full of housemade goodies, you won’t have the slightest trouble finding something sweet to accompany your brew.

The huge space with plenty of comfy, cosy nooks makes C1 a great spot for a sneaky after-office-hours work sesh or for winding down after a long day. A few quirks, like an automatic sliding bookcase door, and food being delivered straight to your table via pneumatic tubes, add to the irreplicable C1 vibe. For serious coffee lovers and sweet tooths alike, you’ll soon feel at home here and make the place your own.

Paleta Gelateria is a sweet spot for night owls craving something cool and indulgent. Open late and tucked into the city’s vibrant Little High Eatery, it serves up artisanal gelato made fresh on-site with real ingredients and plenty of flair. From classic flavours to inventive seasonal specials, every scoop is silky, rich, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re strolling post-dinner or chasing a sugar hit after dark, Paleta’s bright, welcoming space and irresistible flavours make it a go-to for dessert lovers in Christchurch.

Open til 11pm every night of the week, Rollickin Gelato is the perfect place for night owls in search of that sweet fix. With two locations in the central city, you’re guaranteed never to be more than walking distance from your next scoop. Like a playground for your tastebuds, Rollickin serves up all the classics alongside customer-inspired flavour combos with names like ‘Choc-flation’ and ‘Love Me Tinder.’ On chilly winter nights, the luscious gelato is best served on top of one of their hot fudgy brownies or sinfully good Cinny Buns. 

The atmosphere at Rollickin is as vibrant as their flavours. Rad wall art, vibrant colours and an eclectic collection of comfy chairs and couches, make for an ideal late night hangout spot. Since its inception in the early days of post-quake Christchurch, Rollickin has steadily developed a cult-like following and for good reason. So when those late night cravings hit, drop in and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. And yes, they do a great cup of joe to go with your sweet treats.