Christchurch and Canterbury Restaurants

Christchurch has an exciting foodie scene, and many new restaurants, cafés, and bars have opened in recent years. Restaurants are usually open every day; if they do close, it’s either Sunday or Monday. Outside Christchurch, restaurants are more likely to close on Monday and Tuesday and during the winter.

The Waipara Valley is seeing a surge in exotic food production. North Canterbury is now a key producer in the country's fledgling black truffle industry. Locally sourced saffron, hazelnuts, manuka (an indigenous kind of tea tree) honey, olive oil, and ostrich meat are making their way onto area menus.

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  • 1. Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar

    $$$$

    Named after a notorious American pirate, this modern restaurant occupies a great site overlooking the yachts moored in the harbor. New Zealand cuisine is highlighted, and there are light and full-size main courses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all year round.

    57 Beach Rd., Akaroa, Canterbury, 7520, New Zealand
    03-304–7533

    Known For

    • Spectacular views of Akaroa harbor
    • Craft beers and a great wine list
    • Home-cured Akaroa salmon gravlax
  • 2. Pescatore

    $$$$

    This predominantly seafood restaurant is renowned for its creative, conceptual New Zealand cuisine. From the moment you set foot into the white space-age foyer at the George Hotel, taste buds are tantalized with local, seasonally influenced and sustainably sourced ingredients. Choose from the à la carte or degustation menu and enjoy some unusual pairings (think celery sorbet with chocolate). There's an extensive wine list to accompany the interesting food.

    50 Park Terr., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand
    03-371–0257

    Known For

    • <PRO>artfully prepared degustation menus matched with an extensive wine list</PRO>
    • <PRO>superb service and attention to detail</PRO>
    • <PRO>great views over Hagley Park</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 3. The Trading Rooms Restaurant & Bar

    $$$$

    European spins on local produce, meat, and seafood, along with a seaside location, make for sought-after reservations here. Dark wooden floors, white tablecloths, and leather chairs lend a seaside chic quality, and, on a nice day, you can sit outside. Seafood is the highlight, with Akaroa salmon and local grouper featuring, along with Banks Peninsula lamb and a duo of beef. Lunch is all about the sea with a salmon tasting plate, a seafood platter for two, and mussels marinière.

    71 Beach Rd., Akaroa, Canterbury, 7520, New Zealand
    03-304–7656

    Known For

    • Excellent seafood, particularly Akaroa salmon and grouper
    • Boutique Banks Peninsula wines
    • Signature dish of Canterbury lamb

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed every June but may vary; check website
  • 4. The Wobbly Kea Café and Bar

    $$$

    This pleasant place in the heart of the alpine village is named for the cheeky mountain parrots that circle above it day after day. Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, the cafe offers a wide menu that includes great pizza, bratwurst bangers and mash, and the fresh beer-battered fish.

    108 Main Rd., Arthur's Pass, Canterbury, 7875, New Zealand
    03-318–9101

    Known For

    • Bratwurst bangers and mash
    • Great breakfasts
    • Classic pub atmosphere
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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