Need a bite to eat and a drink to wash it down? Check out our favourite spots in Christchurch!
The Garden City of Ōtautahi, Christchurch is the perfect place to visit for a foodie adventure. Whether you’re escaping for a weekend, or passing through on your South Island road trip, there are plenty of culinary delights to enjoy!
The city center is the place to go for everything you could desire. But with all the options available, it can be overwhelming – so don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are 10 of the best places to get a drink and food in Christchurch.
Riverside Markets
Riverside Markets is a unique shopping experience in the heart of the city. Enjoy dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, and retail shops to explore in one spot. Indulge on sushi at the Hikari Sushi Train. Check out the Instagram-famous Moustache Cookie. Have a drink at Curiosity Gin, or explore an impressive array of crystals at Hettie’s Rock & Crystal Shop. And that’s not even half of it! You could easily spend half a day checking out these epic shops.
Located right by the Avon River, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river after dinner.
Where:
Corner of Lichfield Street and Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Open 7 days a week.
Mexico
For a taste of delicious Mexican food, Mexico is the place to visit. With twelve restaurants around New Zealand, Mexico is well known for its incredible food and margaritas. Complete with fun décor, this is a great spot for dinner and drinks in central Christchurch.
Mexico also offers $20 lunch deals, kids eat free Sundays, and Taco Tuesdays. Want to get behind the bar and test your skills? Check out their Margarita Masterclass so you can be an expert yourself. This is great for birthdays, hens parties, and work functions.
Where:
203 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Open 7 days, 12pm ‘til late.
Little High
Perfect for fussy eaters or large groups, Little High is a brand new dining experience in Christchurch. Choose from nine local and family-run businesses in one modern setting. Seating is shared, so everyone in your group can order whatever they please. Forget about arguing where you will go for dinner tonight!
At Little High, you can experience a variety of cuisines. Italian, Thai, Latin American, Japanese, Chinese – there is something for everyone. Or if you can’t decide, why not start off with a margarita from Caribe Latin Kitchen, and head over to Bacon Brothers for a burger? The choice is all yours!
Where:
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City
Open 7 days a week, 11am-10pm.
Dux Central
Dux Central is a versatile venue on Lichfield Street, consisting of four separate bars and restaurants. For the beer enthusiasts, Brew Bar stocks over 220 craft beers, or if you prefer a gin, head next door to The Emerald Room gin bar. The Poplar Social Club is the establishments 1920’s speakeasy cocktail lounge. Tucked away upstairs, you will find Upper Dux, the perfect event space or spot to enjoy the sun.
Whether it’s after work drinks, date night, or catching up with friends, Dux Central is a trendy place to go, with plenty of outdoor seating for those warmer nights, or cozy indoor seating options.
Where:
144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am ‘til late.
Rollickin Ice Cream
This one is for the ice cream lovers! Rollickin Gelato is an iconic gelato shop that started as a small ice cream cart. They now have two locations in Christchurch on New Regent Street and Cashel Street. With plenty of classic flavours to love, and seasonal flavours to try, Rollickin also offer a range of baked desserts.
Come here with an empty stomach and leave full of gelato goodness!
If you want to try something new in the city, Rollickin also offer gelato classes so you can learn how the magic is made! Hear the Rollickin story while you sample products, then get to work creating your very own gelato. You’ll also get a chance to sample all of the great flavours and take your gelato home to share with friends and family (or not!). There are classes suited to adults or kids, and they make a great gift for the dessert lover in your life.
Where?
35 New Regent Street and 98 Cashel Street.
Open 7 days a week, 11am-10pm and 11am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Smokey T’s BBQ
If you love BBQ meat, you can’t miss out on trying Smokey T’s BBQ! Choose from 10 hour smoked brisket, 6 hour smoked pork belly, and 2 hour smoked jerk chicken, available in tacos, burgers, and platters. Or try their famous ribs and delicious sides. Wsh it down with a beer or cider. You can’t go wrong with any of the options!
Smokey T’s have won several awards since starting out in 2018, and continue to cook up great food that won’t disappoint. Their restaurant is a large airy space, great for groups and located on the fringe of the city.
Where?
314 Cashel Street, Christchurch.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30am-9:00pm, and Sunday 11:30am-3pm.
Koji Table Buffet
Love Japanese food? Got a bit appetite? Koji Table Buffet is the choice for you! Offering an incredible array Japanese food, you can order as much as you want, as many times as you want during your visit. The food will be cooked fresh for you and delivered to your table, offering a more formal dining experience compared to traditional grab-and-go buffets.
Choose between three options – the premium buffet, taste buffet, or lunch buffet. The menu includes sushi, teppanyaki, and fried options, with everything from avocado inari to karaage chicken. You certainly won’t go hungry here! Koji also offer special prices for kids dining.
Where?
257 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30am-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm, and Friday & Saturday,11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm.
Tramway Restaurant
For a unique dining experience and to enjoy a piece of Christchurch history, the Tramway Restaurant is a fun experience for couples or small groups of friends. This is New Zealand’s only tramcar restaurant, making it a great experience for those who like to do something a little different. Get a close up view of the inner city of Christchurch while enjoying a four course meal and drinks! The menu is made from New Zealand ingredients and produce, and changes seasonally.
The journey is two and half hour’s all up, providing plenty of time to relax, unwind, and indulge in great food.
Where?
Departs from Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction. Bookings essential.
Pink Lady Rooftop Bar
Pink Lady Rooftop Bar is an intimate spot with 360-degree views over Christchurch city, offering a trendy spot for drinks and light nibbles. Sip a cocktail in the sunshine and enjoy the breeze, or cosy up inside and watch the sunset. Pink Lady is located at the top of the heritage listed 1960’s Peter Beavan designed building, and is decorated thoughtfully – perfect for those who appreciate great design or want an Instagram-worthy snap!
Their menu offers an extensive range of cocktails, and selection of wines, spirits, and beers. If you’re feeling hungry, the food menu is small but tasty, with several snack options to pair with your drinks.
As this is a popular venue, bookings are essential, and often book out a week or two in advance.
Where?
Level 7/159 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City.
Burger Burger
Sometimes, you just need a good burger. While Christchurch has plenty of delicious burger joints to choose from, Burger Burger is one spot you need to check out. Serving up a range of burgers, shakes, and beers, they also offer several vegetarian and vegan options to cater to everyone. If you have a large group or are planning an event, Burger Burger are very accommodating and can help you plan your next event or gathering!
Try out the poutine burger loaded with shoestring fries, or enjoy an impossible burger, made with a plant-powered patty. Looking for something healthier? They also have a range of salads for something fresh!
Located in central Christchurch, this trendy spot is a great option for food and drinks in the city.
Where?
10 Welles Street, Christchurch Central.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30am-9pm, and Friday to Saturday, 11:30am-10pm.
If these options are not what you are looking for, there is lots more to enjoy in Christchurch. Check out The Terrace for more bars, restaurants, and clubs in the city, or explore one of the many boutique cocktail bars. A short walk around the city is also a great way to find a spot to eat and drink!
Where to stay in Christchurch?
If you want to be amongst the action, Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch is a great spot to stay and only 15 minutes from the Christchurch CBD. Perfect for families, large groups, or solo travelers, there are accommodation options for everyone. Keep it budget with a tent or motorhome site, or stay in a modern motel room.
With a games room, pool, and clean facilities, a stay at Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch will be a holiday to remember.
