You’ve just landed in Christchurch and dropped your bags at your hostel or hotel. It’s been a long travel, you’re hungry. But you only have a few days in Christchurch, so you don’t want to waste a meal on McDonalds in a city full of awesome restaurants.
When it comes to exploring the culinary delights of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch stands out as a food lover’s paradise. We absolutely love it. This vibrant city is known for its diverse and eclectic dining scene, featuring a wide range of restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences.
In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic tour, showcasing some of the best restaurants in Christchurch that we have tried and tested (such a tough job). These dining experiences promise to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From 1920’s themed restaurants to vegan eats, we have got you covered.
Don’t miss our bonus section at the bottom of this article about the Riverside Market and Little High Eatery, which is a must visit for anyone visiting Christchurch!
Situated in the heart of Central Christchurch, OGB is a culinary gem that combines a rich historical ambiance with delectable cuisine.
Housed in the iconic Old Government Building (hence OGB), this restaurant offers a menu made up of mainly sharing plates and platters that highlight some classic kiwi foods. They cater to all dietary requirements and have a huge range of food going until 1am. OGB is a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience.
Not only does OGB have a fantastic food menu, but they have a grand mix of talent and spirits behind the bar so they can shake or stir any cocktail that you fancy. We have eaten here on numerous occassions as we love it so much!
Odeon, located in the heart of Central Christchurch, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and gourmet cuisine.
This restaurant is housed in a beautifully preserved historic building and offers a menu that combines classic Kiwi flavours with modern culinary techniques. The elegant setting and Odeon’s commitment to showcasing local wines make it a delightful place to savour the essence of New Zealand’s heritage.
When we went, the staff went above and beyond to accommodate Jess’s anaphylactic food allergies so we cannot recommend this place enough. We really do think this is one of the best restaurants in Christchurch. We had such a safe and worry-free environment to celebrate our anniversary in!
Fiddlesticks, located in Central Christchurch, is a popular dining spot, cherished by locals for its warm ambiance and excellent food. The menu features a mix of contemporary New Zealand cuisine, international flavours, and classic Kiwi dishes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a place to enjoy some craft beers and local wines, Fiddlesticks has something for everyone.
For those seeking plant-based dining options, Grater Goods in Central Christchurch is a must-visit destination.
This vegan cafe/ restaurant offers an array of creatively crafted dishes that are both delicious and eco-friendly. From vegan burgers to nourishing bowls, Grater Goods caters to vegans and non-vegans alike, making it a standout in the city’s dining scene.
Word on the street is that the chefs here are attempting to make a vegan poached egg, that oozes when you cut into it…
Check out our Instagram to see what we got up to when we went!
Tucked away in Central Christchurch, Twenty Seven Steps is a cozy restaurant that has garnered a devoted following of locals and visitors alike. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that evolves with the seasons, this establishment serves up dishes that are beautifully presented and wonderfully flavourful. The intimate setting and attentive service make it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner.
King of Snake takes your taste buds on an Asian-inspired journey in the heart of Central Christchurch. This restaurant expertly combines flavours from across the continent, offering an array of mouthwatering dishes from various Asian cuisines. The stylish and vibrant interior adds to the overall experience, making it a trendy choice for those craving a culinary adventure.
We went for Ben’s birthday and the food really was standout; almost the entire menu is dairy free, and they are awesome at catering to allergies.
We cannot recommend this place enough.
They also have a fabulous cocktail bar attached for pre or post dinner drinks.
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking for a taste of local brews, Craft Embassy in Central Christchurch is a must-visit destination. This cozy establishment offers a wide selection of craft beers, a friendly ambiance, and a chance to experience the rich craft beer culture of New Zealand.
It offers a fantastic array of dishes that complement the rotating selection of craft beer on tap. Deep fried pickles, burgers to suit all tastes and $1 chicken wings (from 4pm on Thursday and Friday), Craft Embassy is the perfect spot to unwind from your flight and settle into the city of Christchurch.
Vesuvio is a haven for travellers seeking an authentic taste of the mediterranean. With a warm and welcoming ambiance, this restaurant offers a sophisticated yet accessible dining experience. The inviting atmosphere of this restaurant with it’s cozy interior, adorned with classic European décor, creates the perfect setting for a memorable meal.
Ideal if you are looking for a place to chill out with a bottle of wine to help recover from your jet lag!
Vesuvio’s menu is a delicious selection of sharing platters and antipasti. They have classic dishes from Europe including a divine bruschetta board and olives to die for with a wine collection that really makes this place unique.
Speaking of wine… Vesuvio’s sommeliers are focussed on pouring you the perfect wine to suit your taste buds. We spent ages stood at the bar, trying wines from all over the world before we settled on a glass that was the perfect fit. Whether you know everything or nothing about wine, you are in for a treat!
We cannot write a food article for Christchurch and not mention the Riverside Market as we’d be doing you’re an injustice! We mention this awesome place in our Discover Christchurch post too as we absolutely love it here.
Nestled in the heart of Central Christchurch, the Riverside Market is a vibrant hub offering a diverse range of culinary delights and shopping experiences. This epic place doubles up as something to do and somewhere to eat, all under one roof- literally.
Culinary Delights: From gourmet burgers to fresh oysters and international cuisine, the Riverside Market boasts a wide variety of food vendors. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a vegetarian, or a meat enthusiast, you’ll find flavours to satisfy your palate.
Unique Shopping: Beyond food, this marketplace offers boutique shopping opportunities. Explore stalls featuring locally crafted jewellery, clothing, artisanal cheeses, and organic produce, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
Cultural Hub: The market often hosts live music and events, contributing to the lively atmosphere. It’s not just a place to eat and shop but also a cultural experience, allowing you to connect with Christchurch’s vibrant community.
Slightly out of immediate Central Christchurch town is the Little High Eatery. This place is worth the short walk. Day or night, this food court offers nothing but vibes.
Various International Cuisine: Whether Mexican food is your thing or you prefer the delectable Asian style, Little High Eatery hosts a variety of amazing cuisines, ready for you to enjoy.
A Sociable Space: Once you’ve ordered your food, you can sit wherever you like. Little High Eatery is one of those cool, shared space areas that everyone enjoys.
Central Christchurch’s dining scene is a vibrant blend of flavours, cultures, and culinary styles. The restaurants mentioned above are just a taste of the city’s gastronomic offerings and exploring them will undoubtedly be a highlight of your visit to this bustling hub of New Zealand.
We hope this article helps you out on your quest for something delicious!
Let us know by tagging us in your social media stories- @jessandbentravel
Bon appétit!
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