Savour the flavours of Aotearoa in Ōtautahi Christchurch – one of the country’s finest food regions.
Fine dining in Christchurch tends to be a relaxed affair, except when it comes to the quality of the food. Two standouts are Gatherings and Inati. Gatherings(opens in new window)’ menu changes with the seasons but organic vegetables, complemented by wild meats and sustainably sourced kaimoana (seafood), are always the star of the show. Named after the Māori word for ‘to share,’ Inati(opens in new window) is built around that very philosophy. Diners are seated around an open kitchen, where they can watch dishes come to life and chat with the chefs. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring everything from tasting plates to generous-sized mains – like Middlehurst Station lamb with tahini, nettle, and malt vinegar, or a bold dessert of tamarillo, bacon, dark chocolate, sheep curd, and olive oil cake.
For quality dining without the price tag, this selection of restaurants delivers. Located in the historic Arts Centre, Cellar Door(opens in new window) is a standout wine bar that lives up to the grandeur of its setting. Twenty Seven Steps(opens in new window) (yes, there really are 27 of them!) is up there in both location and approach, offering exceptional European-style fare. Just off the main drag, you’ll find Lillies(opens in new window) – an exciting restaurant that takes a playful approach to dining, with a menu simply divided into ‘Pizza’ and ‘Not Pizza.’ Under pizza, you’ll find inspired creations like the carrot-base pizza topped with crème fraiche, smoked sofrito, and pickled carrots – arguably the best thing ever to happen to this humble root vegetable. For Asian cuisine, visit Bar Yoku(opens in new window) – a cozy urban izakaya serving Japanese food with a few twists, which has included sushi tacos, and spicy lamb with miso eggplant, and cashew nut dukkha. Or check out King of Snake(opens in new window) for award-winning Euro-Asian cuisine.
Eating local allows you to explore parts of the city you might not otherwise go to. Located in the smart suburb of Merivale, Londo(opens in new window) ($$) is small wine bar that makes a big impression. Owner and Head Chef Robert Fairs worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens but set out to create the kind of restaurant he and his friends want to visit – relaxed but uncompromising when it comes to food. During the day, The Birdwood(opens in new window) ($$) offers exquisite coffee, cabinet food, and a small menu. Come four o’clock, with the oven stoked, the pizzeria serves beautifully presented Italian fare that tastes even better than it looks. Kinji(opens in new window) Japanese restaurant ($$) showcases the freshest seafood in the city. The restaurant’s location can be a little challenging to locate, but once you find it, you’ll always find your way back – given the chance.
Beyond the city limits are some absolute gems worth travelling for. Set in an organic vineyard, Black Estate(opens in new window) ($$$) offers sophisticated local food expertly matched with excellent wines – many from its own cellar. Located just 20 minutes from central Christchurch is Mapu(opens in new window) ($$$), six-seat restaurant with no signage, no opening hours, and no menus. Prepared in front of you, acclaimed chef Giulio Sturla will serve you what he has either foraged or been inspired by that day.
Part roastery and part café, C4(opens in new window) is something of a Christchurch institution. It has an excellent la carte menu and, on two-week rotation, seven different blends or single origins ready to pour. Visit Miro(opens in new window) for an extensive brunch menu and breakfast cocktails (!!) or Unknown Chapter(opens in new window) for specialty-grade coffee that’s roasted onsite, then prepared by expert baristas. Located in an old mechanic’s workshop, Coffee Embassy(opens in new window) is a roastery with a tiny cafe onsite. Embassy specialises in highest quality coffee, creating its own blends as well as unique single origins.
Riverside Market(opens in new window) is an amazing inner-city market that champions local produce. Open seven days and indoors. Christchurch Farmers’ Market(opens in new window) and Lyttelton Farmers’ Market(opens in new window) are also great options.
Visit Waipara Valley, an exciting, fast-growing subregion about an hour's drive north of Christchurch. Popular choices include Pegasus Bay Winery(opens in new window), Black Estate(opens in new window), Greystone Wines(opens in new window), Waipara Springs Winery(opens in new window), and Terrace Edge Wines(opens in new window).
Christchurch is a vibrant hub for craft beer lovers. Highlights include the tiny but mighty Canterbury Brewers Collective(opens in new window), which champions local up-and-comers; Cassels Brewing(opens in new window), a family-run brewery with multiple World Beer Awards; and Three Boys Brewery(opens in new window), known for its inventive brews like Oyster Stout. For a full immersion, the Great Kiwi Beer Festival(opens in new window) is a must – featuring 300 beers on tap, live music, and educational workshops, all in one energetic day each January.
