Must-see restaurants in Christchurch & Canterbury

  • Running Duck

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This hip burger joint is the perfect setting to feast on tasty gourmet burgers and crispy fries, topped with chef Al's special spicy sauce. There's a…

  • Talbot Forest Cheese

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This little shop not only showcases the plethora of cheeses made on-site (including delicious Parmesan- and Gruyère-style ones), it doubles as a deli with…

  • Old Mountaineers' Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Encouraging lingering with books, memorabilia and mountain views through picture windows, the village's best eatery also supports local and organic…

  • Lyttelton Coffee Company

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Local institution Lyttelton Coffee Company has risen from the rubble and continues its role as a stalwart of the London St foodie scene, serving…

  • Burgers & Beers Inc

    Christchurch

    Quirky gourmet burgers – try the Woolly Sahara Sand Hopper (Moroccan-spiced lamb with lemon yoghurt) or the Shagged Stag (venison with plum chutney) – and…

  • Christchurch Farmers Market

    Christchurch

    Held in the pretty grounds of Riccarton House, this excellent farmers market offers a tasty array of organic fruit and veg, South Island cheeses and…

  • Verde

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Down the lane beside the old post office and set in beautiful gardens, this excellent cafe is one of Geraldine's best eateries. Drop in for coffee and…

  • Kohan

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Despite its basic decor, this is one of Tekapo's best dining options, both for its distracting lake views and its authentic Japanese food, including fresh…

  • Staveley Store & Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Call into this cute little country store for the best coffee for miles around, as well as tasty lunch rolls, delectable cakes, gourmet ice cream and…

  • Under the Red Verandah

    Christchurch

    This lucky suburban backstreet boasts a lovely sunny cafe, beloved by locals and travellers alike. Take a seat under the namesake veranda and tuck into…

  • Civil & Naval

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Steadfast staff at this compact, bijou bar serve a quality selection of cocktails, fine wines and craft beers, while the kitchen keeps patrons civil with…

  • Freemans

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Freemans consistently pleases with fresh pasta, top-notch pizzas, local wines and craft beers from Christchurch's Three Boys Brewery. Grab a spot on the…

  • Bohemian Bakery

    Christchurch

    The kitchen at this petite bakery is entirely open, so you can see the bakers at work crafting delicious yeasty treats all day long. Grab one of the famed…

  • Lyttelton Farmers Market

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Every Saturday morning food stalls take the place of cars on Lyttelton's main street. Stock up alongside locals on fresh bread, baked goods, flowers,…

  • Vic's Cafe

    Christchurch

    Pop in for a hearty breakfast at the big shared tables or linger over lunch on the front terrace. Otherwise grab baked goodies and still-warm artisanal…

  • Little Vintage Espresso

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This petite whitewashed cottage just off SH1 has the best coffee in town, with food to match. All-day breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches and delectable…

  • Farmers Market

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A good one-stop shop for stocking the larder or prepping for a picnic. Local produce, much of it organic, includes honey, berries, pickles, smoked meats…

  • Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    An outpost of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, the highest salmon farm on the planet, which operates in a hydroelectric canal system some distance away. Sashimi…

  • Aqua

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A ski-season stalwart with unpredictable hours at other times (ring ahead), this tiny restaurant sports kimono-clad waitresses and traditional Japanese…

  • Green Man at Peel Forest

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Your one-stop shop for basic groceries, hut tickets, internet access and DOC campsite bookings. The attached cafe has good espresso coffee and does a…

  • Lotus Heart

    Christchurch

    Run by students of Indian spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, this colourful vegetarian eatery serves a range of cuisines, from tasty curries and dosas to…

  • Mexicano's

    Christchurch

    Spicing up Victoria St's burgeoning dining scene, this cheap and cheeky Mexican joint dishes up inauthentic but tasty tacos, fried chicken and hand-hacked…

  • Winnie Bagoes

    Christchurch

    It's third time lucky for this Christchurch institution, which reopened in this industrial-style warehouse on the CBD outskirts in 2013, after its…

  • Poppies Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A favourite with locals, this well-run cafe serves up classic brunch faves and good coffee in the mornings, while come evening you'll find tasty curries,…

  • Himalayas

    Christchurch

    Himalayas' minimalist dining room showcases lots of North Indian and Punjabi favourites, including vegetarian options like creamy dal makhani (lentils…

  • Mosaic by Simo

    Christchurch

    This deli-cafe is popular for its takeaway bocadillos (toasted wraps filled with a huge selection of Middle Eastern– and African-inspired fillings, sauces…

  • Greedy Cow

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Classic breakfast dishes (until 2.30pm), a cabinet full of cakes, pies and sandwiches, good espresso and free wi-fi are all reasons to visit this petite…

  • Malabar

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This cheery restaurant on the main drag presents Asian cuisine from Beijing to Bangalore, although the emphasis is more on the Indian. All dishes are…

  • Wobbly Kea

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Don your big-eatin' pants for brunch, lunch or dinner at the Wobbly Kea, which offers a short menu of simple but tasty home-cooked meals, such as meaty…

  • Bamboozle

    Christchurch

    Asian fusion is the name of the game at Bamboozle, where talented chefs conjure up innovative spins on traditional dishes. Their stylish new premises is…

  • Cafe Primo

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Eclectically furnished in mismatched retro furniture – much of it for sale – this side-street cafe is a nice spot for a relaxed coffee and a cheeky slice…

  • Arthur’s Pass Store & Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    If you want to stock up on supplies, this is your best chance, with odds-on for egg sandwiches, hot chips, decent coffee, basic groceries and petrol.

  • Four Square

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    The town's only supermarket, this is the place for self-caterers and campers to stock up on essentials.

  • Hanmer Springs Bakery

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    In peak season queues stretch out the door for this humble bakery's meat pies and filled rolls.

  • Cornershop Bistro

    Christchurch

    The popular local restaurant is under new management, and the owners are still finding their culinary feet. Expect hearty bistro-style fare like slow…

  • Four Square

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    One of two supermarkets in the main square; self-caterers should stock up here before heading off into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

  • Apartment Coffee

    Christchurch

    Good coffee and counter food combine with hearty breakfast and lunch dishes at this friendly local cafe.

  • Mt Somers Tavern

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    You'll find basic pub grub here, as well as plenty of locals to share a beer with.

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