Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand

If you’re fresh off “the ice” after working in Antarctica or just passing through Canterbury, a visit to some of the top restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand is a must.

From quick scrumptious bites at the Riverside Market to a romantic fine dining experience on a tram, you never have to wonder where to eat in Christchurch with this handy food guide!

Christchurch holds a special place in my heart as I’ve spent several weeks here over the last few years while en route to and back from working at the South Pole Station as well as McMurdo Station, and these restaurants continue to be some of my favorites.

So without further ado, here are the best Christchurch restaurants that I hope you can enjoy during your visit.

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Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand

Best Brunch in Christchurch, New Zealand

This one’s a tie between the most popular brunch restaurants in Christchurch: Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters and C1 Espresso.

Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a great brunch in Christchurch Central and amazing coffee, look no further than Unknown Chapter.

Their specialty coffee options vary throughout the year due to different harvest times of the beans sourced from around the world.

Now let’s talk about their brunch menu.

It has something for everyone. 

Smoothies? Check. 

Classic, no-fuss breakfast staples? Check. 

Bougie hippie brunch items? Check.

I highly recommend their Avocado Bruschetta: avo with edamame, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, pesto, greens, and a poached egg on a tasty toast.

And if that’s not enough, their homemade cabinet food and baked goods are to die for.

Do yourself a favor and get yourself a warm hug in the form of freshly brewed coffee and the best Eggs Benedict Christchurch has to offer here at Unknown Chapter.

Side note: because Christchurch is the gateway city for personnel transiting to and from Antarctica, those fresh off the ice will undoubtedly enjoy the fresh and light ambiance of the cafe thanks to all of the indoor greenery.

There’s really nothing better than indulging in a glorious avocado toast and chai tea latte whilst surrounded by plants after spending 4-8+ months in an isolated, frozen tundra void of fresh produce.

To other ice folks rolling their eyes: I know how basic I sound.

But tell me I’m wrong.

Address: 254 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 27 201 5996
Price Range: $$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

C1 Espresso

Another top Christchurch restaurant is C1 Espresso, a quirky little cafe located in the old Post Office Building.

Stepping into C1 comes with more than a meal, it also includes whimsical entertainment.

With fries delivered via pneumatic tubes and glasses of water being poured through an old timey pump, C1 Espresso is a brunch restaurant that seems subtly inspired from the Wonka Factory.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or brunch in Christchurch, C1 Espresso’s menu covers all the bases:

• Breakfast bowls
• Benedicts
• Traditional breakfast items: eggs on toast, bacon and eggs, omelettes, french toast
• Simple lunch eats: fries, burgers, nachos, fish and chips

C1 is also great for the whole family.

This kid-friendly restaurant has small activity books and crayons available on the tables so your little ones stay entertained while you dine.

Address: 185 High Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3-379 1917
Price Range: $$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Where to stay in Christchurch: The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, OGB Suites, Christchurch City Hotel, BreakFree on Cashel

Best Lunch Restaurants in Christchurch

Riverside Market

For those unsure of what you want for lunch or if you’re traveling with a group that all has different preferences, Riverside Market has everything.

The indoor marketplace and shopping boutique is lined with a variety of eateries for every type of hunger: sweet or savory to light bites or hearty meals.

If you can’t decide where you want to eat, why choose?

At the Riverside Market, you can indulge in some of the best lunch restaurants Christchurch has to offer, all in one chic location.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find at this top Christchurch lunch gem:

• Adelphi Fine Chocolate
• Aha Wildlife Bakery
• Badass Brownies
• Black Burger
• Charing Cross Cheesery
• Dimitri’s Greek Food
• Dosa Kitchen
• El Quincho
• El Rancho
• Empire Chicken
• Empire Coffee
• Fritz’s Wieners
• Gelato and Tea
• Ramen Ria
• Seoul Tiger
• Shaka Bros
• The Butcher’s Pie Shop
• The Creperie

Address: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 27 770 5599
Price Range: $-$$$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Kathmandu MO:MO House: Best Dumplings

Nestled inside the Riverside Market is not only one of the best places for lunch in Christchurch, but also the best dumplings as well.

Head over to Kathmandu MO:MO House for delicious Nepalese dumplings.

Mix and match to your heart’s content with their signature chicken, pork, and vegan dumplings served either steamed or deep fried along with Kathmandu’s special house dipping sauce.

The eatery offers orders for every hunger level, from 4 pieces to 12 pieces so you can enjoy these delicious little pockets of goodness even if you’ve just eaten.

Address: Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 925 9736
Price Range: $
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Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Christchurch for Dinner

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

There is an amazing selection of fine dining restaurants in Christchurch, but one you absolutely won’t find anywhere else is the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

In fact, you won’t find it in any building.

As its name suggests, the restaurant is on wheels inside a working tram car that tours the city while you dine.

It’s the ultimate Christchurch sightseeing experience, offering you the opportunity to see the city in a new way alongside an exceptional four-course meal.

The seasonal menu includes a welcome drink, starter, entree, main, and dessert.

The duration of the experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours and should be booked in advance.

Address: Tram Stop 1, Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 366 7830
Price Range: $$$$
Website | TripAdvisor

Best Romantic Restaurant in Christchurch

Twenty Seven Steps

Twenty Seven Steps is the best romantic restaurant in Christchurch that comes with a cozy atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes.

Named after the number of steps it takes to climb up to the second-floor bistro overlooking chic New Regent Street, this top Christchurch restaurant offers mouth-watering menu items expertly created and artistically crafted.

An evening at Twenty Seven Steps is perfect for anniversaries, date nights, and celebrations all alike.

You can find their full menu here, or take a quick peek at some of their main offerings:

• Canterbury beef fillet: Aged Canterbury beef fillet, blue cheese mousse, Yorkshire pudding with porcini, duck fat fondant potato, autumn vegetables, red win and shallot jus
• Fish of the Night: Pan-fried fish, white bean, clam, fennel and chorizo cassoulet, confit tomato, salsa verde aioli, chicken skin crumb
• Field Mushroom Kiev: Garlic bechamel, pickled radish, chargrilled witloof, mashed potato, autumn vegetables, Marmite gravy

Address: 16 New Regent Street, Christchurch
Phone: +64 3 366 2727
Price Range: $$$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Best Late Night Cocktail Bar in Christchurch

OGB Bar & Cocktail Bar

Rated the number one bar in Christchurch on TripAdvisor, OGB deserves a visit at least once during your stay— if not more.

The speakeasy-styled bar is located right in the heart of Christchurch in Cathedral Square in the Old Government Building (where it gets its name) and offers both indoor seating for a more intimate experience as well as al fresco dining, which is perfect for enjoying evenings with live music.

Stepping into OGB is like going back to the early 1900s.

The bar’s interior is classically designed with dim lighting and dark walls and tables.

The friendly staff are also dressed to match the time period, wearing suspenders and newsboy caps.

In addition to elevated drinks and cocktails, OGB offers tasty bites and stays open until 1 am.

So if you ever need a late-night food option in Christchurch long after the other restaurants have finished service for the day, simply head over to OGB.

Address: 3/28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 377 4336
Price Range: $$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook

Best Boba in Christchurch

BobaLab Handcraft Bubble Tea

I know a boba (bubble tea) shop isn’t a restaurant, but I can’t not include BobaLab in this roundup of the best places to eat in Christchurch (or in this case, drink!).

The city has a few decent boba options, but BobaLab is by far my favorite and the only one I’ll ever pay double for to have it delivered to me during quarantine.

Here are 3 simple reasons why they’re the best boba in Christchurch in my book:

1. Unique Drinks

Sure, we all love brown sugar or taro milk tea— but you can get that anywhere. 

BobaLab offers a rotation of amazing seasonal creations you’ll be hard-pressed to find not just in Christchurch but really anywhere else.

2. Aesthetic Colors

I know most people just care about how their bubble teas taste, but when you really want to treat yourself, an aesthetically-pleasing drink is all it takes.

BobaLab’s creations are basically edible lava lamps.

They have their drinks down to a science so that they’re able to layer the various ingredients for a beautiful and colorful gradient result.

3. Reusable Cups

I won’t lie, I nearly took my plastic cup down to Antarctica with me when I visited BobaLab before my deployment.

I’m so used to the typical plastic film tops that are vacuum sealed and require you to stab your straw in so BobaLab’s cups were a refreshing sight!

The cup is made out of a more durable plastic than those intended for single use and it also has a rounded design which makes it easy to hold.

Next, the best part: the top has a plug for the drink spout that’s attached to the side so you’ll never lose it while still having the ability to close and open the drink spout.

Simple, yet genius.

Address: 270 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 365 1833
Price Range: $
TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Best Asian Restaurants in Christchurch

If you’re Asian like myself or just an Asian-food enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know there’s no limit to the comforting Asian food options you’ll find in the area.

And the great thing is that the choices are not all a majority from one type of cuisine, which can be hard to find in smaller cities.

So when you’re looking for the best Asian food in Christchurch, you’ll be able to choose from Japanese, Korean, Indian, and more.

Bar Yoku: Best Japanese Fusion

This recommendation list wouldn’t be complete without Bar Yoku, which is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Christchurch.

The traditional and fusion menu items bring together the best of both the izakaya world and western cuisine.

I’d highly suggest giving Bar Yoku’s sushi taco a try.

I know what you’re probably thinking, but trust me on this!

As someone who’s lived in Japan and knows how bad sushi and sushi-inspired fusion dishes can be, the sushi taco was an unexpected yet delicious surprise.

Address: 20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 365 1055
Price Range: $$-$$$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Gogi Korean BBQ & Karaoke Bar: Best Korean BBQ

Who doesn’t love Korean BBQ?

And guess what— you can find it in Christchurch!

Gogi Korean BBQ offers a varied menu fit for any hunger level as well as any group size.

If you’ve never been to a Korean BBQ restaurant before, don’t feel intimidated!

This is the perfect place to give it a go as the staff are super friendly and can explain the menu and how everything works.

And for those who are just not the best grill masters *raises hand*, have no fear— again, the staff keeps a watchful eye and will assist if needed.

The menu offers all the traditional favorites as well as multiple set options, and of course, amazing side dishes.

Also while you’re at it, if you’re feeling up for some karaoke after some bomb Korean BBQ, Gogi has you covered too!

Address: 150 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City
Phone: +64 3 353 0761
Price Range: $$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Mumbaiwala Indian Street Kitchen: Best Indian Food

Mumbaiwala is THE place to go for the best Indian food in Christchurch.

Here you’ll find authentic street food just as you would find in in Mumbai.

It’s such a favorite among locals that even my partner’s Uber driver, who’s originally from India, recommended it.

It’s really that good.

The interior design and decor of the restaurant instantly transport you to Mumbai.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited about your meal, the smell of spices coming from the kitchen certainly will.

You can’t go wrong with anything from their menu, but if you feel like you can’t choose just one thing to try, my suggestion is the Dabbawala Special.

This set menu comes in three tiffin tin sections, a container typically used in India and other parts of Asia as a lunch box.

The meal includes Murgh Makhani (also known as Butter Chicken), Kadai Veg, basmati rice, and naan bread.

Other winners I highly recommend: the Sev Puri (a sort of Indian version of nachos) and the Cauliflower Manchurian.

Address: BNZ Centre, 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Phone: +64 3 943 9536
Price Range: $$-$$$
Website | TripAdvisor | Facebook | Instagram

Final Thoughts on the Top Restaurants in Christchurch

There are so many amazing places to eat in Christchurch, New Zealand with no shortage of variety.

Whatever type of food you’re feeling, you’ll be sure to find your fix here.

If you’ve found a Christchurch restaurant you recommend that’s not on this list, let me know! 

I’m always looking for new eateries to add to my rotation when I’m transiting through the area :)

Happy and tasty travels!

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