Christchurch has undergone a remarkable culinary transformation over the past decade. The city centre, rebuilt after the earthquakes, now hosts a vibrant mix of rooftop bars, hidden laneway eateries, and bustling market halls. Whether you are after a quick bite at a food court or a long evening at an intimate fine-dining spot, the restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand cater to every taste and occasion. This guide draws on local favourites and well-reviewed venues to help you plan your meals around the Garden City.
Central City Hotspots: Oxford Terrace and New Regent Street
The heart of Christchurch’s dining scene pulses along Oxford Terrace and the surrounding blocks. Many of the best restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand are clustered here, offering everything from Mexican street food to Mediterranean feasts.
Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar
Opened in December 2020, Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar quickly became a favourite for sundowners and small plates. It claims the title of the last bar in Christchurch to see the sunset, making it an ideal spot for a late-afternoon drink paired with a meal. The menu focuses on shareable dishes, and the views over the city rooftops are hard to beat. Arrive early to secure a table on the deck.
Chiwahwah and Amazonita
On the Terrace, Chiwahwah serves Mexican fare with a modern twist. Ceviche and passionfruit Margaritas are standouts, and the lively atmosphere draws a crowd most nights. Next door, Amazonita was designed by Izzard Design and offers a distinct interior that feels a world away from the street outside. Both venues are excellent choices for a fun dinner with friends or a pre-drinks stop before heading elsewhere.
Twenty Seven Steps
Tucked away on New Regent Street, Twenty Seven Steps operates two sittings per night at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. This setup encourages a focused dining experience where the kitchen can deliver each course at its best. The menu changes seasonally and leans towards European-inspired dishes. Because of the fixed sittings, reservations are essential. It is one of the more polished restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand for a special occasion.
ROCA Mediterranean Restaurant
Located at Level 1, 134 Oxford Terrace, ROCA is open seven days from 12pm until late. Its Mediterranean menu features grilled meats, fresh seafood, and robust salads. The upstairs position gives diners a view of the Avon River and the city bustle below. ROCA is well suited for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner that stretches into the evening.
Food Halls and Multi-Cuisine Spaces
If you are travelling with a group of people who cannot agree on what to eat, Christchurch’s modern food halls are a lifesaver. They bring together several independent vendors under one roof, each offering a different cuisine.
Riverside Market
Riverside Market contains numerous food shops and is a bustling destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For an early start, try a custom Pure Pulp bowl for breakfast – fresh fruit, granola, and smoothies are on offer. Later in the day, you can graze from Asian noodle bars, pizza joints, and burger stalls. The market also houses specialty grocers, so it is easy to pick up picnic supplies for exploring the city’s parks.
Little High Eatery
Little High Eatery is a single space that houses nine different local and family-run cuisines. The concept is simple: walk around, choose what you fancy, and sit down together in the communal dining area. Options range from Japanese ramen to Indian curries, wood-fired pizzas to Vietnamese pho. It is a fantastic introduction to the diversity of restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand, especially for first-time visitors who want to sample a bit of everything.
Beyond the City Centre: Lyttelton, Merivale, and Bryndwr
Venture a little further from the CBD and you will find neighbourhood gems that are well worth the trip. Lyttelton, the port town nestled in the hills, has developed its own food culture, while suburbs like Merivale and Bryndwr hold their own surprises.
Mapu: New Zealand’s Smallest Restaurant
Mapu, in Lyttelton, holds the title of the smallest restaurant in New Zealand, seating only six people at a time. This tiny spot offers an intimate dining experience where the chef can focus entirely on each guest. The menu changes regularly and highlights seasonal Canterbury produce. Booking is essential – and expect to be in for a memorable evening of conversation and carefully crafted food.
Kinji in Bryndwr
At 279B Greers Road, Bryndwr, Kinji is a Japanese restaurant that offers a ‘trust the chef’ option. The kitchen is known for its fresh seafood and precise preparation. Regulars appreciate the quiet, unpretentious setting and the chance to leave the menu choices to the experts. It is a great choice for those who enjoy omakase-style dining without the high price tag often associated with it.
Londo in Merivale
Londo, at 6/2 Papanui Road in Merivale, is a small bar serving natural wine and bar snacks. While it is more of a drinking spot than a full restaurant, the food menu is carefully curated to complement the wine list. Think cured meats, cheeses, and small plates that are perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack. It is a charming addition to the local dining scene.
Dining in the Arts Precinct: Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Christchurch’s Arts Precinct, centred around Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, is home to Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar. Situated at the corner of Worcester Blvd and Montreal St, Fiddlesticks serves lunch from 11am and dinner from 5pm Monday to Friday. On weekends and public holidays, brunch starts at 10:30am, with dinner again from 5pm. The menu is classic pub-style with a modern twist – burgers, steaks, and salads all feature. The location makes it an easy stop before or after a show at the nearby Court Theatre or an exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand According to Travellers
TripAdvisor user reviews can be a helpful starting point when narrowing down your choices. As of June 2026, some of the highest-rated restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand on the platform include Manu Restaurant (4.9 stars), Rascal (4.9 stars), and Jaba Grill And Bar (4.8 stars). Keep in mind that ratings change frequently as new reviews come in, so it is wise to check the latest feedback before making a reservation. Manu and Rascal are particularly praised for their innovative menus and attentive service, while Jaba Grill And Bar is known for its hearty grilled dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make reservations for restaurants in Christchurch New Zealand?
For most popular venues, especially those with fixed sittings like Twenty Seven Steps or tiny spots like Mapu, booking ahead is highly recommended. For casual food halls such as Riverside Market and Little High Eatery, no reservation is needed – you can simply turn up and choose your stall. It is always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead, particularly on weekends.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, many of Christchurch’s restaurants cater well to plant-based diets. Riverside Market and Little High Eatery both have vendors offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. ROCA Mediterranean has salads and grilled vegetable plates, while Kinji can often accommodate dietary requests if you advise them when booking. The city’s dining scene is increasingly inclusive, so you should have no trouble finding satisfying meat-free meals.
Which part of Christchurch has the most restaurants?
The central city, particularly around Oxford Terrace and New Regent Street, has the highest concentration of dining options. Riverside Market and Little High Eatery are also in the CBD, making it easy to explore several venues on foot. For a change of pace, Lyttelton offers a handful of independent restaurants and cafes, while the suburbs of Merivale and Bryndwr have smaller but noteworthy scenes.
What is the typical price range for a meal?
While exact prices are not provided in this guide, you can expect a wide range. Food hall meals at Riverside Market or Little High Eatery are generally budget-friendly, while a dinner at Twenty Seven Steps or Mapu will be more expensive due to the intimate setting and high-quality ingredients. Most mid-range restaurants fall somewhere in between. It is best to check individual menus online for current prices.
Christchurch’s restaurant scene is one of the most exciting in New Zealand. From the rooftop views at Mr Brightside to the intimate tables at Mapu, and from the bustling aisles of Riverside Market to the quiet corners of Kinji, there is something for every appetite and budget. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, take the time to explore the Garden City’s diverse culinary landscape – you will leave planning your next meal before the first one is even finished.
