Christchurch features a dynamic restaurant scene shaped by local Canterbury produce and creative chefs. The best restaurants in Christchurch deliver options ranging from share-plate fine dining to heritage bistro meals and authentic international cuisine. Inati and Twenty Seven Steps highlight the quality and variety available across the city.
1Inati
Inati is a fine dining restaurant in Christchurch Central focused on share plates and seasonal tasting menus using the finest local Canterbury and New Zealand produce. Led by chef Simon Levy, it centres on an interactive chef’s table experience that celebrates the theatre of the kitchen in an elegant setting. The restaurant suits couples and food enthusiasts seeking a memorable, interactive dining occasion.
Services
- Small artfully crafted tasting plates from land, sea and earth
- Large sharing plates for the table
- Trust Us chef’s selection tasting menus
- Private dining and events packages
Highlights
- Central chef’s table for up-close kitchen experience
- Seasonal, locally sourced Canterbury ingredients
- Focus on sharing and approachable fine dining
- Options for at-home dining and bespoke events
Location & Contact
Name: Inati
Address: 48 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central
Phone: 03 390 1580
Website: inati.nz
2Twenty Seven Steps
Twenty Seven Steps is a bistro housed in a heritage building on New Regent Street in Christchurch Central. It serves seasonal, honest New Zealand cuisine with European influences, emphasising fresh local ingredients and warm hospitality. The restaurant suits groups and diners looking for a cosy, upscale experience in a historic setting.
Services
- Seasonal starters, mains and desserts
- Set menus for larger groups
- Curated wine and cocktail list
- Private events and gift vouchers
Highlights
- Heritage building on iconic New Regent Street
- Award-winning seasonal, honest food
- Focus on true hospitality and shared meals
- Opened in 2015 by Emma Mettrick and Paul Howells
Location & Contact
Name: Twenty Seven Steps
Address: 16 New Regent St, Christchurch Central
Phone: 03 366 2727
Website: twentysevensteps.co.nz
3Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar
Fiddlesticks is a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant and bar in Christchurch’s Arts Precinct. It offers an all-day menu with brunch, lunch and dinner options alongside drinks in a dog-friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The venue suits families, professionals and groups seeking versatile dining in a central location.
Services
- Brunch, lunch and dinner menus
- Bar drinks and events
- Functions and private celebrations
- Outdoor courtyard seating
Highlights
- Central location opposite Christchurch Art Gallery
- Dog-friendly policy
- Part of Maestro Hospitality group
- Versatile all-day dining with sheltered courtyard
Location & Contact
Name: Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar
Address: 48 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Phone: 03 365 0533
Website: fiddlesticksbar.co.nz
4Gatherings
Gatherings is an intimate restaurant in Christchurch run by chef Alex Davies, with a focus on seasonal ingredients including organic vegetables, ethically farmed meats and sustainably sourced seafood. It features an evolving menu and a wine list grounded in organic and low-intervention principles in a warm, welcoming setting. The restaurant suits diners seeking thoughtful, seasonal dining experiences.
Services
- Evolving weekly seasonal menu
- Natural and low-intervention wines
- Craft beers and distinctive spirits
- Private group arrangements up to twenty
Highlights
- Intimate space with limited seating
- Emphasis on respect for growers, producers and seasons
- Guided by Aotearoa’s seasonal produce
- Chef Alex Davies and passionate hospitality team
Location & Contact
Name: Gatherings
Address: Unit 5/2 Papanui Road, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Website: gatherings.co.nz
5Sakimoto Japanese Bistro
Sakimoto Japanese Bistro brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Christchurch with fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by Japanese chefs. Located in Cathedral Junction, it offers traditional dishes in a welcoming setting with options for takeaway. The restaurant suits those seeking Japanese flavours and casual dining.
Services
- Sushi, sashimi and daily specials
- Authentic Japanese dishes and izakaya-style options
- Takeaway service
- Japanese beers, sake and whisky
Highlights
- Authentic Japanese techniques and flavours
- Owner and head chef Seiji Shimizu with over 20 years in Christchurch
- Open seven days a week
- Fresh seasonal ingredients from local sources
Location & Contact
Name: Sakimoto Japanese Bistro
Address: 119 Worcester Street, Shop 16A Cathedral Junction, Christchurch 8011
Phone: 021 0830 6389
Website: sakimotojapanesebistro.com
Restaurants in Christchurch at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Inati | Christchurch Central | Central chef’s table for up-close kitchen experience |
| Twenty Seven Steps | Christchurch Central | Heritage building on iconic New Regent Street |
| Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar | Christchurch Central City | Central location opposite Christchurch Art Gallery |
| Gatherings | Ōtautahi Christchurch | Intimate space with limited seating |
| Sakimoto Japanese Bistro | Shop 16A Cathedral Junction | Authentic Japanese techniques and flavours |
How to Choose the Right Restaurants in Christchurch
- Consider the location and proximity to attractions or accommodation in areas like the CBD, Merivale or New Regent Street.
- Check menu options for dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy accommodations.
- Review the focus on local or seasonal ingredients to match preferences for Canterbury produce or sustainable sourcing.
- Assess ambiance and suitability for the occasion, whether casual brunch, group celebration or fine-dining experience.
- Make reservations in advance, especially for popular spots during weekends or peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christchurch Restaurants
What types of cuisines are available at restaurants in Christchurch?
Christchurch restaurants offer a wide range including modern New Zealand, European, Japanese, and international flavours, often incorporating local Canterbury produce and seasonal ingredients.
Do Christchurch restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Many restaurants provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive options. It is best to check menus or contact the venue directly to confirm specific requirements.
Is it necessary to make reservations at Christchurch restaurants?
Reservations are recommended, particularly for popular venues during weekends, public holidays or peak dining hours. Walk-ins may be accepted at some casual spots.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in Christchurch?
Yes, several venues offer kids’ menus, casual atmospheres and outdoor seating suitable for families. Areas like the Arts Precinct and Riccarton provide convenient options.
What is the typical cost range for dining at Christchurch restaurants?
Costs vary by style. Casual bistros and bars often range from mid-teens to thirties per person, while fine-dining tasting menus may start from around eighty dollars per person depending on courses and beverages.
Where can I find information on food safety standards for restaurants in New Zealand?
Official guidance on food safety and restaurant compliance is available from the Ministry for Primary Industries at mpi.govt.nz.
How do consumer rights apply when dining out in Christchurch?
Consumer rights regarding service, refunds and complaints are outlined by Consumer NZ at consumer.org.nz.
How We Chose the Best Restaurants in Christchurch
Every business in this guide was found by searching for restaurants in Christchurch, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Christchurch, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.