Guide to Christchurch
The more you travel, the more people you meet. The more people you meet, the more you learn about different people’s home towns. I’m always intrigued by the opinion of those people that have been to Christchurch, and I can’t help but get a little bit defensive when people don’t like it. Usually, when I press them on it, they skipped round the damaged city centre and then left again. They didn’t find out enough about what the city is all about, and where are the best places to go. If my previous posts don’t give enough information on where to go and what to see, I enjoy giving recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city. The following are very much my own personal recommendations, and I encourage others to give their own favourites. I’m still discovering new places to go, and regularly there’s an opening or a re-opening going on somewhere in the city, so I’m always eager to find new gems. Discovering all the gastric delights of this city is a work in progress.
Edit: Updated Jan 2019.
CAFES (Map View):
C1 Espresso, 185 High Street, Central.
GO FOR: location; atmosphere; the biggest range of teas I’ve ever seen; food flying through pneumatic tubes; the best ice coffee in town
Vic’s Cafe, 132 Victoria Street, Central.
GO FOR: freshly baked bread for sale
Cafe Procope, 165 Victoria Street, Central.
GO FOR: cheerful staff; amazing food
Beat Street Cafe, 324 Barbadoes Street, Central.
GO FOR: quirkiness; great food
WHEN NOT TO GO: Sunday brunch/lunch when the queue for cooked food on a busy day is >1hr
Black Betty, 165 Madras Street, Central.
GO FOR: location; atmosphere; Shakshuka
WHEN NOT TO GO: Sunday brunch/lunch when the queue for cooked food on a busy day is about 1hr
Coffee Culture, Various: Addington, Beckenham, Bush Inn, Airport, Durham Street, Kaiapoi, Lincoln, Lyttelton, Merivale, The Palms, Rangiora, Redwood, Riccarton, Rolleston, Sumner – although a chain, I love these coffee shops
GO FOR: great coffee and consistency across the various branches; join their loyalty card for 20% off hot drinks
Salt on the Pier, 195-213 Marine Parade, New Brighton.
GO FOR: yummy food within reach of the beach
Ocean Cafe & Bar, Esplanade Clock Tower, Sumner.
GO FOR: great coffee by the beach
Red Rock Cafe, Gondola Summit Station, Mount Pleasant.
GO FOR: delicious food and coffee overlooking the city and Lyttleton harbour; red velvet cake
Coffee Lovers, 25 New Regent Street, Central.
GO FOR: location; the best hot chocolate in the city
Oddfellows Cafe, 5 Disraeli Street, Addington.
GO FOR: great menu; fantastic coffee and it is attached to a local coffee roasters
WHEN NOT TO GO: on a Sunday when it is closed
Underground Cafe, 359 Colombo Street, Sydenham.
GO FOR: Fantastic selection of very tasty food
Antigua Boat Shed Cafe, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Central.
GO FOR: fantastic location next to the Avon River and near the Botanical Gardens; friendly, smiling & helpful staff
Hello Sunday Cafe, 6 Elgin Street, Sydenham.
GO FOR: the choice of indoor or outdoor dining, healthy food choices
Pure Cafe Co., 31 Birmingham Drive, Middleton
GO FOR: pure and healthy (but still very tasty) food and drinks with gluten and paleo options
Coffee Therapy, 77 Hereford Street, Central
GO FOR: Central location, and next to a tram stop; great spot for people watching; tasty food
Addington Coffee Co-op, 297 Lincoln Road, Addington
GO FOR: tasty food; on-site roastery; great location
WHEN NOT TO GO: they are always closed on public holidays
Luciano Expresso Bar, 76 Moorhouse Avenue, Central
GO FOR: chocolate drinks made with real liquid chocolate; award-winning barista
Allpress Espresso, 110 Montreal Street, Sydenham
GO FOR: handy little cafe in the south side
WHEN NOT TO GO: at the weekend when it is closed
Black & White Coffee Cartel, Various: 83 Victoria Street, Central; Winston Avenue, Papanui; Litchfield Street, Central; Plymouth Lane, Central; Oxford Terrace, Central; High Street, Central; Bush Inn, Riccarton; 71 The Crossing, Central
GO FOR: tasty food options & great coffee
Lemon Tree Cafe, 234 St Asaph St, Central
GO FOR: scrumptious food, lovely coffee and a curiously mishmash but strangely interesting decor style
Laneway Espresso, 329 Durham Street North, Central
GO FOR: great food, great coffee, and a view across to the Commons
WHEN NOT TO GO: at the weekend when they are closed
Ris’tretto Cafe, 670 Barbadoes Street, St Albans
GO FOR: Indoor/outdoor seating, own-blend coffee
Dose Diner, 295 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton
GO FOR: delicious menu options, great food, decor by Jacob ‘Yikes’ Ryan
The Stolen Bagel, 263 Lincoln Road, Addington
GO FOR: range of sweet and savoury bagel fillings with smoothies, coffees and sweet treats to complement
Emperor’s New Clothes, 95B Dyer’s Pass Road, Cashmere
GO FOR: quaint little cafe with good food and coffee, al fresco option, and a neighbourhood cat that likes to drop by
Lyttelton Coffee Company, 29 London Street, Lyttelton
GO FOR: delicious food options, great coffee, DJ playing music
Little Merchants, 18 Bernard Street, Addington
GO FOR: the best toast options in the city
Mrs Hucks, 12 Show Place, Addington
GO FOR: Business lunches, small functions, tasty food
Gentle Giant, 158 Ferry Road, Waltham
GO FOR: Good selection of food for breakfast and lunch
Vivace Espresso, 474 Tuam Street, Phillipstown
GO FOR: flavoursome coffee and delicious food, on-site coffee bean sales by the bag
Supreme Supreme, 10 Welles Street, Central
GO FOR: Great coffee, great food, great service
Town Tonic, 335 Lincoln Road, Addington
GO FOR: Cafe by day, restaurant and bar by night, this place serves delicious food around the clock
The Cup, 127 Hackthorne Road, Cashmere
GO FOR: Great coffee and food with an equally great view overlooking Christchurch
The Naked Baker, 142 Beach Road, North New Brighton
GO FOR: Good food, coffee and bakery within walking distance of the beach
Mediterranean Food Company, 322 Tuam Street, Central
GO FOR: Mediterranean food store selling European foods and wine; on-site cafe serving delicious food showcasing the produce on sale
C4 Coffee, 278 Tuam Street, Central
GO FOR: On-site roastery; brewing and coffee equipment for sale; cafe selling their own brand coffee
Unknown Chapter, 254 St Asaph Street, Central
GO FOR: industrial chic decor with plants hanging from the roof; tasty cabinet food with good coffee
Table at Monks, 282 Madras Street, Central
GO FOR: location near the popular Margaret Mahy playground; delicious food and coffee
Bunsen, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Central
GO FOR: a bit of Christchurch history – the name may have changed but this is a pre-Earthquake gem in the Arts Centre; delicious food and coffee
ten27, 1027 Ferry Road, Ferrymead
GO FOR: A handy coffee stop on route to the eastern suburbs, as well as right next door to a furniture shop
Castle Rock Cafe, 21 Mary Muller Drive, Hillsborough
GO FOR: coffee, food and drinks if you’re working in the area – hidden amongst an industrial area you wouldn’t know it was there
Kadett, 371 St Asaph Street, Central
GO FOR: An absolute gem of a cafe just a little away from the central hub of the city
Uncommon, 262 Tuam Street, Central
GO FOR: Good menu and cabinet food; good coffee; unique bottled juice options
Curious Palate, 287 Durham Street North, Central
GO FOR: Delicious food across the river
WHEN NOT TO GO: At the weekend when it’s closed
Grain Coffee & Eatery, 19 Southwark Street, Central
GO FOR: Delicious food and coffee in a small industrial-chic space within an office block
West End Stories, 93 Cambridge Terrace, Central
GO FOR: Yummy food across the river
Apartment Coffee, 77 Tuam Street, Central
GO FOR: Kiwi-Asian fusion food
Coffee Embassy Espresso, 107 Fitzgerald Avenue, Central
GO FOR: Coffee and lunch at the east end of the central city
Theobroma, Riccarton Mall, Riccarton
GO FOR: All your chocolate desires
Miro, 176 Oxford Terrace, Central
GO FOR: Business brunch or posh nosh
Fava Cafe, 236 Centaurus Road, St Martins
GO FOR: A post-Port Hills walk/bike ride stop-off for coffee/brunch
RESTAURANTS (Map View):
Tutto Bene, 192 Papanui Road, Merivale.
GO FOR: Italian restaurant run by Italians, and the owner is always full of smiles; the best Italian in town
WHEN NOT TO GO: if you haven’t booked a table in advance – it books out!
Strawberry Fare, 19 Bealey Avenue, Central.
GO FOR: divine and delicious foods and a huge dessert menu
WHEN NOT TO GO: if you haven’t booked a table – it’s very popular; or if you’re looking for a cheap eat as it’s far from the cheapest place in town
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, 292 Kilmore Street, Central.
GO FOR: delicious food (my favourite is the pulled pork) in a cozy, welcoming pub-style restaurant; extensive and changing range of craft beers
WHEN NOT TO GO: on a Monday when it’s closed!
Himalayas, 830a Colombo Street, Central.
GO FOR: delicious and extensive range of Indian fare
Spagalimis, Various: 32 Salisbury Street, Central; Church Corner, Riccarton; New Brighton
GO FOR: a wide selection of pizzas which are also available to takeaway
Speight’s Alehouse Ferrymead, 2a Waterman Place, Woolston.
GO FOR: sharing platters; pub grub
Curator’s House, 7 Rolleston Avenue, Central.
GO FOR: location – snuggled at the corner of the Botanical Gardens next to the Avon river; private dining rooms available for bookings and functions
Passengers & Co, 92 Russley Road, Russley.
GO FOR: delicious food and coffee, friendly staff
Venuti, 791 Colombo Street, Central.
GO FOR: scrumptious Italian fare; friendly & helpful staff
WHEN NOT TO GO: on Sundays when it is closed
Tramway Restaurant, Cathedral Junction, Central.
GO FOR: a unique experience of dining on a tram as it trundles through the city; scrumptious food; eating with a view
Madame Kwong’s, 155 Blenheim Road, Riccarton.
GO FOR: huge range of Chinese food to suit all tastes
Mama Hooch, 817 Colombo Street, Central.
GO FOR: the ‘dirty’ burger is the best cajun chicken burger outside of Fergburger
WHEN NOT TO GO: closed on Sundays
City Social, 151 Cambridge Terrace, Central
GO FOR: Delicious pizza, and large selection of bagels – perfect for lunch or dinner
Mumbaiwala, 120 Hereford Street, Central
GO FOR: Street food style Indian food – a delicious alternative to the staple curry house
Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar, 144 Lichfield Street (Poplar Lane), Central
GO FOR: Awesome dumplings and Asian inspired food within the popular Poplar Lane eateries
Buddha Stix, 74 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
GO FOR: Delicious and generous servings of Asian fusion food
The Bicycle Thief, 136 Old Tai Tapu Road, Kennedy’s Bush
GO FOR: Lovely setting just outside the city, extensive home-style pizza menu
Madam Woo, 255 St Asaph Street, Central
GO FOR: One of many delicious food options in this area; Malaysian dining
The Brickworks, 69 Centaurus Road, Cashmere
GO FOR: Delicious pub-style food; great dining option away from the city
Little High Eatery, 181 High Street, Central
GO FOR: A breath of fresh air on the Christchurch food scene: multiple food options under one roof – pizza, dumplings, grill, burgers, thai, sushi and Caribbean; a great brunch, lunch or dinner spot
WHEN NOT TO GO: If you are claustrophobic – it can get very cramped at busy times; If you are in a rush – at peak times the queues are long and the wait for food is equally so.
EntX, Colombo Street, Central
GO FOR: Food court style eating in the central city, downstairs from the Hoyts Cinema
DRINKING HOLES (Map View):
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, 292 Kilmore Street, Central.
GO FOR: an extensive, and ever-changing, range of craft beers
Curator’s House, 7 Rolleston Avenue, Central.
GO FOR: a few drinks in the beautiful Hagley Park
WHEN NOT TO GO: when the wasps are out!
No. 4 Bar & Restaurant, 4 Mansfield Avenue, Merivale.
GO FOR: a great location for a few drinks after work
WHEN NOT TO GO: it can get quite packed on Friday nights once the offices have shut
Protocol, 2 Colombo Street, Cashmere.
GO FOR: great place for holding functions; a nice place to go that’s away from the CBD
The Bog Irish Bar, 50 Victoria Street, Central.
GO FOR: All your Irish desires – Irish staff, Irish music, Irish-style fare, Guinness; scrumptious bar snack menu; live music venue; the decor is fantastic
Sugarhorse Bar & Eatery, 100 Moorhouse Avenue, Addington.
GO FOR: After work drinks and food, large drinks selection
Valley Inn Tavern, 2 Flavell Street, Heathcote Valley.
GO FOR: Compact but welcoming bar away from the CBD. Also do pub food
The Cuban, 236 St. Asaph Street, Central
GO FOR: Cuban-inspired drinking venue with plenty of drink choices and plenty of space. Food also served.
Dux Central (Dux Brew Bar, The Emerald Room, The Upper Dux, The Courtyard, The Poplar Social Club), 10 Poplar Street, Central
GO FOR: Options! With 5 zones to chose from, each with a slightly different vibe, there is plenty of choice depending on your mood. An impressive drinks menu is available. Food Available. Indoor & outdoor seating options.
The Twisted Hop Pub, 616A Ferry Road, Woolston
GO FOR: Craft beer and pub food. Live music on some nights and drinking events throughout the year
The Brickworks, 69 Centaurus Road, Cashmere
GO FOR: Great drinking option away from the city. Large screens for sports
TAKEAWAYS (Map View):
Himalayas, 830a Colombo Street, Central.
Food: Indian
Order in the restaurant, online or over the phone, but be aware that online orders are slower to process
Spagalimis, Various: Riccarton, New Brighton, Central.
Food: Pizza
Beats the likes of Pizza Hut and Hell’s hands down, but it comes at a price
Dimitris Greek Food, Cashel Street Re:Start Mall, Central; 86 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
Food: Greek souvlaki
The best, and one of the most popular, souvlakis in the city. Sold out of a food truck in the Re:Start mall there is always a queue, so be prepared to wait
Burger Wisconsin, Various: Cashmere, Papanui.
Food: Burgers
It’s no Fergburger, but although I know some people that would disagree with me, this is my favourite burger joint in the city
Fritz’s Wieners, Check website for locations
Food: Wieners
Quick and tasty sausage fare. They often have a mobile unit at lots of events.
Muffin Break, Various: Spitfire Square, Airport; Northlands Mall, Papanui; The Palms, Shirley; Hornby; The Landing, Wigram; Bush Inn, Riccarton; Westfield Mall, Riccarton; Bus Interchange, Central; South City Mall, Central; Eastgate Mall, Linwood; Barrington Mall, Spreydon
Food: Muffins, Toasties, Hot & Cold drinks
A chain of food-court style coffee shops, the coffee is good, and if you sign up to their loyalty card, every 5th one is free
Mrs Higgin’s Cookies, 10 New Regent Street, Central.
Food: Fresh baked cookies
Very more-ish and yummy cookies baked fresh
The Sausage Sisters, Unit 5, 456 Colombo Street, Sydenham.
Food: sausage rolls
Listed as a courtyard cafe, it’s little more than a kiosk with a table and chairs outside but the sausage rolls are delicious, especially the moroccan lamb. Only open till lunchtime.
New York Deli, Various: Addington, BNZ Centre & Bush Inn.
Food: New York Deli-style sandwiches
Made to order sandwiches. Choose the bread, the meat filling and the salad, and enjoy. Not as cheap as Subway but worth the extra dollars.
Friday Food Trucks, Cathedral Square, Central. Fridays from 11am – 9pm
Food: Various
During summer months on Friday evenings, Cathedral Square becomes an open air eatery with various offerings from local food trucks. From Nepalese to American, Hungarian to Mexican with some regulars and some changing faces, there is plenty of choice.
Pot Sticker Dumplings, 363 Colombo Street (Colombo Mall), Sydenham
Food: Dumplings
Changing fillings of delicious dumplings made authentically. You can watch your dumplings being steamed whilst you wait.
Base Woodfired Pizza, 181 High Street (Little High), Central
Food: Pizza
Handy central location for some delicious pizza and some incredible milkshakes. Often found at events too. There’s a bit of a wait for food, but it’s always worth it.
Sal’s Pizzeria, 146 Lichfield Street, Central; The Terrace, Central; 111 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
Food: American-style pizza
Order by the slice or go big and order one of their massive sharing pizzas. Slice flavours vary by the day, and meal deals are available. Probably one of the best pizza joints in the city. Dine in or takeaway.
MARKETS (Map View):
Riccarton Market, Riccarton Racecourse. Sundays 9am – 2pm
Stalls: fresh produce, bric-a-brac, private sellers, crafts, and a myriad of food carts
The market is on every week of the year regardless of the weather. As an ex-pat Scot, this is my go-to place to get some much loved British foods
Christchurch Farmers Market, Riccarton House (16 Kahu Road), Riccarton. Saturdays 9am – 1pm
Stalls: fresh produce and ready-to-eat produce
A great place to visit for foodies
MistyNites 