The South Island city Christchurch, also known as the ‘Garden City’, is famed for its gorgeous scenery and botanical gardens, but what is lesser known but gaining popularity is its burgeoning food scene. The city’s culinary repertoire is far-ranging in its diversity and uniqueness, offering flavors that tantalize the palate from breakfast to dinner. Set on a food journey that spans from the early morning to late night, Christchurch’s restaurants will invite you, entice you, and consistently satisfy your taste buds.
Start your restaurant christchurch day with an energizing breakfast at Lyttelton Coffee Company, located in a beautiful heritage building on Norwich Quay. This Cozy café offers not only some of the best coffee in town but also a range of breakfast options—their locally sourced seasonal menu is jam-packed with delicious goodies. Be sure to try their famous pancakes or the Turkish eggs, both of which are firm favorites among the locals. Situated near the harbor, after breakfast, you can enjoy a morning stroll while savoring the views of the stunning Lyttelton Harbour.
Continuing your food journey, for lunch, head over to Twenty Seven Steps; a delightfully quaint restaurant named after the number of stairs you need to ascend to reach it. Here you’ll be welcomed with an array of dishes made from the freshest local produce and fish. They pride themselves on their constantly changing menu, ensuring that each visit offers a new dining experience.
An afternoon tea in Christchurch is synonymous with Beat Street Cafe. Nestled amidst the humdrum of the city, it possesses a uniqueness that sets it apart. Renowned for their scrumptious vegan desserts and variety of teas, this café is bound to fulfill your every craving.
As the sun sets, continue your gastronomic adventure to the elegant Fiddlesticks -a sophisticated, sociable eatery where you can nestle comfortably either outside in the courtyard or inside by the fire – it embodies a unique, relaxed style. Their menu is replete with modern New Zealand dishes, featuring locally sourced ingredients in their prime. The Rack of Lamb and the Venison Fillet come highly recommended.
For a late-night bite, visit the chic Inati. The name translates as ‘to share’ in Maori, reflecting the vision and ethos of Chef Simon Levy. The small bites menu is perfect for a light late-night feast and every dish is a work of art, created with a combination of fresh, local ingredients and flawless technique.
As the day ends, you can’t leave Christchurch without grabbing a drink at The Last Word, an intimate whiskey and cocktail lounge. Immerse yourself into the quiet ambiance, indulging in their wide range of refined spirits while reminiscing about your culinary journey throughout the day.
From the morning brew to the evening nightcap, Christchurch’s restaurants ensure an exclusive food journey that manages to delight every palate and cater to every craving. Be it local, ethnic, or international cuisine, Christchurch offers a smorgasbord of choices, solidifying its place as a bustling food hub on the map.