Aside from being the largest city in NZ’s South Island, Christchurch has a growing restaurant scene. There are so many eateries here that you may find it hard to decide which to go for.

Whether you want seafood, sushi rolls, risotto, steak, or degustation courses, you can find them in our list of the best restaurants in Christchurch.

Also, as Canterbury is a large wine-producing region, premium wines are easy to source. Our featured restaurants have all kinds, be it from local or international.

A marvellous dinner is waiting for you and your companion. Feel free to browse our restaurant list below.

The Best Restaurants in Christchurch

Without further ado, allow us to present to you the absolute best restaurants in Christchurch!

1) Twenty Seven Steps

BEST FOR	Flavourful and stylish food created with passion
SERVICES	Dine-in Takeaway Gift vouchers Functions
WEBSITE	https://www.twentysevensteps.co.nz/
ADDRESS	16 New Regent St, Christchurch City
CONTACT DETAILS	03 366 2727 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Saturday: 5.00 PM – 10.00 PM Sunday: closed Public holidays & Christmas Eve: closed
PRICES	Check out their menu and prices here

Opened in August 2015 by Paul Howells and Emma Mettrick, Twenty Seven Steps serves flavourful and stylish European food made of fresh local ingredients.

Head up the stairs onto a cosy eatery with white brick walls, arched windows, and wooden floors. Their mission is to share their love of food to you.

Want a hearty dinner? Go for their roasted Lamb Rack with potato, sheep’s labneh, pickled courgette, mint salsa, and lamb jus.

Also, great is their risotto with motukarara asparagus, lemon, and goat cheese. Try their Beetroot Wellington made with truffle, spinach, potato fondant, winter veggies, and wine jus.

Their wines are predominantly Kiwi and carefully selected based on what they love. It will certainly make your evening doubly better.

Pros

• Uses local ingredients
• Stylishly presented food
• Exceptional Kiwi wines

Cons

• Place easily gets packed
• Could be inaccessible for PWDs

Customer Reviews

The essential duo of food and service has met positive reviews from guests. That’s why it’s naturally one of the very best restaurants in Christchurch.

Dawn A. mentioned about the restaurant:

“Fabulous restaurant. Great staff that front a well run place. Teacup soup is a marvelous idea and it was delicious. We didn’t book so ended up sitting in the window facing  the street. Best seat in the house for 2! Quieter than the restaurant side.  Thoroughly enjoyed our meal.”

Additionally, Suan Y. wrote this:

“Wow just wow. Best restaurant in Christchurch, and food was absolutely delicious! Beef fillet and lamb loin were the highlights, but everything on the menu was just as good. Dessert pavlova was divine. Service was great and ambience was nice on a wet rainy night. Amex accepted, and friendly for groups. Will definitely come back!”

2) Tomi Japanese Restaurant

BEST FOR	Set menus, classic and neo Japanese ice cream flavours
SERVICES	Lunch Dinner Dessert Takeaway Wine & sake Gift vouchers
WEBSITE	https://tomi.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Edgeware Mall, 76 Edgeware Rd, St Albans, Christchurch
CONTACT DETAILS	03 377 8028
OPERATING HOURS	Tuesday – Saturday: 11.30 AM – 2.00 PM, 5.30 PM – 9.00 PM Sunday: 5.30 PM – 9.00 PM Monday: closed
PRICES	For the rates, kindly view their menus on the website

Japan is respected for its vibrant cities, respectful people, and superb food. When you dine in at Tomi Japanese Restaurant, it feels as though you’re there.

Whether it’s a quick lunch before work or an intimate dinner with your soul mate, this secluded fusion restaurant is a great choice!

Take a bite of their sashimi, sushi, or tempura which are sourced fresh from the local fish market. You can also try their set menu of crumbed salmon, teriyaki chicken, or beef suki.

Other than that, there are udon, bento lunch, and side dishes, as well as divine ice cream of green tea, black sesame, sea salt, peanut butter, and cardamom varieties.

Pros

• Japanese-fusion cuisine
• Uses organic and seasonal produce
• Premium wines

Cons

• A bit pricey

Customer Reviews

Though Tomi Japanese Restaurant has its critics, the majority of clients have been satisfied with the chow and staff. It holds a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Facebook.

Let’s see Kate’s review of Tomi:

“This is my new regular Japanese restaurant. Food was excellent quality, we has sashimi platter and beef tataki. Sake was excellent. The waiters were lovely and we were never having to call them over. Will be returning here!”

Moreover, a customer named Agi wrote this:

“Very very good. Love the octopus balls and matcha ice cream. And the Kakuni. And the sirloin. And the salmon sashimi. Basically everything. ?”

3) Inati

BEST FOR	Innovatively-presented degustation meals
SERVICES	Dine-in Takeaway
WEBSITE	https://www.facebook.com/INATItoshare
ADDRESS	48 Hereford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8013
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3-390 1580 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Tuesday – Thursday: 12.00 – 10.00 PM Friday: 12.00 – 11.00 PM Saturday: 5.30 – 11.00 PM Sunday & Monday: closed
PRICES	Find their menu and rates here

This boutique restaurant & bar is owned by chef Simon Levy. He notably worked as a head chef in The Warrington which is owned by legendary chef Gordon Ramsay.

It’s a whole new culinary experience to be dining at Inati restaurant. Their style is to bring you simple food in a unique and elegant way, almost like theatre or art.

Of course, they use fresh and seasonal ingredients to deliver a magical dining experience. For seafood, try out their famous charred ‘S-shaped’ octopus with spiced butter and hung yoghurt.

For more down-to-earth meals, try their Asparagus, smoked daikon, and cured egg yolk bathed in green asparagus liquor.

Craving some sweets? Their tempting duck trumpet will burst with delicious sweet flavours in your mouth.

They are also magicians in concocting a range of classic and signature cocktails, perfect for unwinding from your hectic schedule.

Pros

• Elegant food creations
• French cuisine
• Creative cocktails
• Uses local ingredients

Cons

• Not suitable for large groups
• High-end prices

Customer Reviews

They also have a ‘Trust Us’ menu which includes a number of courses to inspire and stimulate your taste buds. This is one of the things that customers have come to love.

Let’s hear Audrey’s review of Inati, one of the best restaurants in Christchurch:

“Wonderful dinner at INATI To Share. Beautiful place to try the New Zealand gastronomy with precious products. My favourite dishes and flavour combinations were the parsnip and the jerusalem artichoke, both served with truffles. I highly recommend to come to discover this lovely restaurant in Christchurch !”

Moreover, Ann-Maree left a comment:

“Fantastic new cocktail bar, beautiful fresh made drinks and the duck trumpets highly recommended.”

4) Bloody Mary’s

BEST FOR	Scrumptious steak, extravagant interior, and a full wine library
SERVICES	Dinner Drinks Buffet Brasserie
WEBSITE	https://www.bloodymarys.co.nz/
ADDRESS	30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3-943 5937 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 6.00 – 10.00 AM Saturday – Sunday: 7.00 – 10.30 AM   All Day Menu: Monday – Sunday: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM   Dinner: Monday – Sunday: 5.30 – 10.00 PM
PRICES	Kindly refer to their menu and rates here

Bloody Mary’s is a steakhouse, bar, and lounge. They offer a breakfast buffet, brasserie, and dinner, available the entire week.

Elegantly appointed, the restaurant is your home away from home. It is decorated extravagantly with a private dining hall, velvet chairs, and classy chandeliers.

For steaks, you can choose from Angus, Wagyu or Wakanui, or Angus x Hereford. For side dishes, you can choose from a variety of potatoes (including hash brown and truffle mash) and sauces.

They also have shared plates for value if you’re dining with a family or friend. They have an expansive range of wines which customers say are some of the best in the city.

Pros

• Option to dine inside or outside
• Offers a brasserie menu
• Locally sourced meats
• Expansive drinks menu

Cons

• High-end price

Customer Reviews

Both the steak and lamb rack are excellently cooked, as customers can attest. The staff and sommelier have also been kind and accommodating to them.

Claudette M. wrote this feedback of the steakhouse:

“Second time I have had the pleasure of dining here and was just as delicious. Would highly recommend the food and the staff, cannot fault anything. Thank you!!”

What’s more, Amy S. shared her dining experience in this review:

“The whole evening was filled with excellent knowledgeable staff and melt in your mouth food. Thoroughly enjoyed and special thanks to Cameron our waiter and Bugsy our official whiskey expert.”

5) Fush

BEST FOR	Seafood haven plus Maori hospitality
SERVICES	Dine-in Takeaway Events & parties Merchandise Catering
WEBSITE	https://neatplaces.co.nz/places/christchurch-canterbury/eat-drink/fush
ADDRESS	104 The Runway, Wigram Skies, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	03-260-1177 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Thursday: 12.00 – 8.30 PM Friday – Sunday 12.00 – 9.00 PM
PRICES	Please check their prices here

Fush started as a small family-owned business owned by the Matthews family. Prior to its success, it served only fresh fish n’ chips to customers.

Today, it offers everything seafood from delicious soft-shell crabs to enjoyable smoked eel and blue cod. These are all caught using sustainable practices.

That said, there are other options if you aren’t a seafood fan. Some examples include pulled pork buns, lamb shanks, vegan burger, and snacks like crispy fried cauliflower.

On top of that, you’ll be treated with Maori hospitality which is friendly and relaxed. They also have cool and quaint decor and a captivating undersea explorer wall art.

Pros

• Wide range of seafood and non-seafood dishes
• Wheelchair accessible
• Sustainable fishing methods

Cons

• A bit pricey
• No breakfast options

Customer Reviews

In addition to the fried food goodness and freshly caught fish, clients said that they had great service and that online takeaways were easy.

Let’s see Sophia’s review on Facebook:

“Excellent service, food is on point, highly recommend. Well done Fush you guys rock!! Kia Ora, Ka kite ano koe.”

Also, another satisfied client, Bronwyn said:

“Thank you for our amazing meal. Our Online order was ready on time for pick up. The fish and chips were fabulous and the chicken burger Devine. Thank you for delivering such great service and produce under these challenging circumstances. We will be back ”

6) Sakura Japanese Cuisine

BEST FOR	Authentic Japanese flavours
SERVICES	Lunch, Dinner, Takeaways
WEBSITE	https://sakuracuisine.co.nz
ADDRESS	4/380 Riccarton Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected] 03 343 3636
OPERATING HOURS	Tue-Sun: 11:30-14:30, 17:00-21:00; Mon: Closed
PRICES	Check out their menu and prices here

Since we’re on the topic of Japanese restaurants in Christchurch, it would be remiss not to mention Sakura Japanese Cuisine.

Located on Riccarton Road, Sakura Japanese Cuisine is a humble restaurant known for its spectacular menu, service excellence, and cosy interior. The restaurant has been serving the area for many years now, drawing the attention of locals and tourists alike.

Sakura Japanese Cuisine’s menu comes in three main categories and a drinks menu. The three categories are the Lunch Menu, the Dinner Menu, and the Gluten-free Menu.

Regardless of the menu one is perusing, customers can expect to encounter some of the most mouthwatering dishes in Christchurch. Sakura Japanese Cuisine takes great care in preparing each meal, making use of the freshest and finest ingredients available.

Some of our favourites from the Lunch menu include the Sushi and Sashimi set, Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura set, Vegetable Tempura set, and the Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice. For the Dinner Menu, we personally recommend the Spicy Salmon roll, the Deep Fried Sesame Salmon and Grilled Scallops with White Miso Sauce, and the Tenderised Beef Sinew Okonomiyaki.

Aside from the ala carte options and lunch set options, Sakura Japanese Cuisine also offers set menus during dinner service. Customers can take their pick from any of the appetisers, main course, and desserts included, creating a personalised meal worthy of the price.

Pros

• Offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options
• Gluten-free options available
• Allows online reservations
• Uses fresh ingredients

Cons

• Often quite busy

7) The Nook Eatery

BEST FOR	Thai Cuisine
SERVICES	Dine-in and Takeaway
WEBSITE	https://thenookeatery.nz/
ADDRESS	24 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
CONTACT DETAILS	03-365-2465 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday: CLOSED Tuesday – Thursday : 11:30 – 14:00, 17:00 – 21:30 Friday: 11:30 – 14:00, 17:00 – 22:00 Saturday: 12:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 22:00 Sunday: 12:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 21:00
PRICES	Check out their takeaway menu here

If you’re craving Thai food, a restaurant you ought to consider while in the Christchurch area is The Nook Eatery.

The Nook Eatery is a humble restaurant most known for their extensive Thai menu, which features authentic flavours made from the freshest and finest ingredients. 

This menu is divided into six main categories: Entrees, Mains, Noodles and Rice, Salads, Side Dishes, and Soups. 

Some of our go-to dishes while dining at The Nook Eatery include the Crispy Prawns, the Friend Spring Rolls, the Lamb Shank Curry, the Stir Fried Mix Vegetable, the Pad Thai, and the Tom Yum Soup.

Aside from featuring high-quality ingredients, these dishes are also freshly made, ensuring they are warm and very enjoyable when they get to the customers. 

Pros

• Extensive food and drinks menu
• Authentic Thai flavours
• Dine-in and food collection available
• Accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard

Cons

• Closed on Mondays

8) Story

BEST FOR	Set Dinners
SERVICES	Dine-in and Catering
WEBSITE	https://storynz.com/
ADDRESS	8 New Regent Street — Christchurch
CONTACT DETAILS	03 261 9441 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5pm – Late
PRICES	Check out their menu here

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience, we recommend Story, located on Christchurch’s iconic New Regent Street.

Story endeavours to help chefs express themselves through their food. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients from local growers and even makes use of seasonal produce to create a fine dining experience for our guests.

As a result, Story is most known for their ever-changing menu.

What remains the same is the restaurant’s dedication to creating quality dishes to be enjoyed in an intimate setting.

The restaurant also works to ensure that the overall dining experience is pleasant to all customers, so one can expect friendly, professional servers who are quick to deliver what is asked of them.

Pros

• Unique, changing menu
• Makes use of fresh local ingredients
• Online booking available
• Offers catering services and hosts private events

Cons

• Closed on Mondays and Sundays

9) Fisherman’s Wharf

BEST FOR	Fresh Seafood Dishes
SERVICES	Dine In
WEBSITE	https://www.fishermanswharf.nz
ADDRESS	39 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Christchurch
CONTACT DETAILS	03 3287530 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday Closed Tue – Fri 11:30 am – 9:00 pm Sat – Sun 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
PRICES	Check out their mains here

In the Christchurch area, there are few restaurants that are capable of offering exquisite seafood dishes to be enjoyed while looking at a fantastic view. One of these restaurants is the Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Fisherman’s Wharf is owned by a family with extensive fishing background (over 50 years!). They also own several commercial fishing boats, meaning that the dishes from the restaurant are made with the freshest and finest seafood ingredients available.

Speaking of food, The Fisherman’s Wharf has one of the largest menus we’ve come across so far, featuring three main categories: Entrees, Mains, and Light Meals; alongside sides and sauces.

Some of our personal favourite to enjoy alone or with friends are the Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Prawn Cocktail, Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Laksa, Tofu Curry, Fisherman’s Pie, Crumbed Chicken Breast Burger, Seafood Sizzle Plate, Surf ‘n’ Turf, and Crispy Skin Salmon Risotto.

As per the usual, everything is made to order, ensuring that the plates are warm and fresh when they arrive at the table.

Aside from the quality ingredients used and mouthwatering menu, The Fisherman’s Wharf is also noteworthy for its staff, which consists of highly professional, friendly individuals who are trained in hospitality. The staff members work to ensure that each and every customer that comes in has a memorable time dining in the restaurant.

Pros

• Fresh seafood ingredients
• Accommodates large groups
• Online booking available

Cons

• Frequently booked and busy

10) Cookai Japanese Restaurant

BEST FOR	Authentic Japanese Sushi Train Experience
SERVICES	Online Order and Dine-in
WEBSITE	https://www.cookai.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Level 1, The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
CONTACT DETAILS	E-mail：[email protected]​ Phone：03-343 2860
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Lunch) 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Dinner) Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
PRICES	Check out their menu here

If you’re craving for sushi and are on the hunt for a unique dining experience, then we recommend Cookai for your next meal.

Cookai is located in the heart of the garden city and is most known for offering customers with the authentic Japanese sushi train experience.

The chefs and staff go through great lengths to procure local and fresh ingredients, and carefully preparing them to create a mouthwatering menu that features sushi and sashimi, various mains, donburi, and noodle dishes.

While we have great confidence in the taste and quality of the dishes of Cookai, we have some personal favourites to enjoy while dining in the restaurant. These are the Salmon Sashimi, the Spider Roll, the King Prawn Tempura, the Cookai Slow Cooked Pork Belly, the Chicken Curry Don, and the Vege Tempura Udon.

Aside from the food itself, we also enjoy the fact that Cookai is open seven days a week, and even offers customers the opportunity to order online. Given the popularity of the restaurant, we advise to book reservations ahead of time to ensure that you can be seated as soon as possible.

Pros

• Open daily
• Uses fresh seafood ingredients
• Online reservations available

Cons

• Limited vegetarian options

11) The Dish Asian Fusion

BEST FOR	Asian Fusion Cuisine
SERVICES	Dine-in, Functions
WEBSITE	http://www.thedish.co.nz/
ADDRESS	376 Montreal Street, City Centre, Christchurch 8013
CONTACT DETAILS	03 925 9787 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Lunch Monday – Friday 11.30am – 2.00pm Dinner Monday – Sunday 5pm – 9.30pm
PRICES	Check out their lunch menu here

If you’re looking for something new to try out, then we definitely recommend THE DISH when you’re near the City Centre.

THE DISH is most known for serving scrumptious innovative Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features fusion dishes, many of which are typically made with the finest ingredients available in the area.

Some of the dishes we recommend on your first (or subsequent) visit are the Cashew Nut Stir Fry, the Beef Cheeks Massaman, the Dumpling Prawns with Vietnamese Soup, Pecking Duck Roti, and Grilled Chicken Bao.

It’s also worth noting that THE DISH’s menu is one of the most diverse we’ve come across so far, not just in terms of concept and cuisine inspiration, but the ingredients used as well. There are meat dishes alongside seafood dishes, plus a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Aside from the menu, THE DISH also comes highly recommended due to its customer service. The restaurant allows for online booking to ensure seats for large parties, and even accommodates private functions.

Pros

• Convenient online booking system
• Open seven days a week for dinners
• Accommodates functions
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available

Cons

• Frequently booked and busy

And that concludes our list of the best restaurants in Christchurch. With their diverse menu, you’ll find delicious meals that you’ll greatly enjoy.

Do you have any questions or comments about our picks? If you have one, kindly leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you in a flash.

Also, you may want to read about the best Japanese restaurants in Christchurch. This will be ideal for a light, healthy, and tasty food like sashimi, ramen, or miso soup.