Christchurch’s coastal location provides access to excellent local seafood. The best seafood restaurants in Christchurch deliver fresh catches prepared in casual and relaxed settings, from classic fish and chips to chowder and platters. Venues like Fisherman’s Wharf and Dux Dine showcase the variety available for families, groups and diners seeking ocean-fresh meals.
1Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a seafood restaurant in Lyttelton offering panoramic views of the harbour. It operates its own trawler to ensure the freshest fish daily and provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere for diners seeking authentic New Zealand seafood.
Services
- Seafood Chowder
- Fish and Chips (Blue Cod, Orange Roughy, Catch of the Day)
- Seafood Sizzle Plate
- Salt and Pepper Squid
- Green Lipped Mussels and Prawn dishes
Highlights
- Own trawler for daily fresh catches from Lyttelton Harbour
- Stunning panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour
- Family-friendly relaxed setting
- Featured on TVNZ’s My Restaurant Rules
- Informal dining with EFTPOS and credit card acceptance
Location & Contact
Name: Fisherman’s Wharf
Address: Lyttelton, Christchurch
Phone: 03 328 7530
Website: fishermanswharf.nz
2Dux Dine
Dux Dine is a restaurant housed in a historic villa in Riccarton, Christchurch. It focuses on fresh local ingredients including seafood, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Services
- Fresh seafood dishes
- Locally sourced meats
- Vibrant brunch dishes
- Seasonal favourites
- Vegetarian options
Highlights
- Beautifully restored historic villa setting
- Courtyard and indoor dining options
- Fresh local ingredients including seafood
- Relaxed welcoming atmosphere for connecting and celebrating
- Convenient Riccarton location
Location & Contact
Name: Dux Dine
Address: 28 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Phone: 03 348 1436
Website: duxdine.co.nz
3Fush
Fush is a whānau-owned business in Christchurch specialising in premium fish and chips made with sustainably sourced ingredients. It also offers fried chicken, burgers and catering options across multiple locations including Wigram.
Services
- Fish and Chips
- Fried Chicken
- Burgers
- Catering and food truck services
- Hot dogs and other sides
Highlights
- Whānau-owned with focus on aroha and te reo Māori
- Sustainably sourced high-quality ingredients
- Multiple locations including Wigram, Airport and stadium
- Food truck for events and private bookings
- Premium quality and flavour focus
Location & Contact
Name: Fush
Address: 104 The Runway, Wigram Skies, Christchurch
Phone: 03 260 1177
Website: fushshorebro.co.nz
4Ocean Fresh Seafoods
Ocean Fresh Seafoods is a locally owned and operated fish and chips shop in Bishopdale, Christchurch. It serves the community with quality seafood dishes in a casual setting.
Services
- Fish and Chips
- Quality seafood dishes
- Takeaway service
- Dine-in options
- Community focused service
Highlights
- Locally owned and operated
- Proudly serving the Bishopdale community
- Convenient location with listed opening hours
Location & Contact
Name: Ocean Fresh Seafoods
Address: 121 Farrington Avenue, Bishopdale, Christchurch
Phone: 03 359 9824
Website: oceanfreshseafoodsbishopdale.mystrikingly.com
5Jolly Seafood Restaurant
Jolly Seafood Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant in Wigram, Christchurch, specialising in seafood and traditional Chinese dishes. It caters to families and groups with yum cha and a wide menu.
Services
- Seafood specialties
- Yum cha and dim sum
- Peking duck
- Sweet and sour pork
- Corporate and family set menus
Highlights
- Open 7 days a week
- Yum cha lunch on Sundays
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Large range of dishes
- Convenient Wigram location
Location & Contact
Name: Jolly Seafood Restaurant
Address: 1/187 Wigram Road, Christchurch
Phone: 03 322 7898
Website: jollyseafood.co.nz
Seafood Restaurants in Christchurch at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Fisherman's Wharf | Christchurch | Own trawler for daily fresh catches from Lyttelton Harbour |
| Dux Dine | Riccarton | Beautifully restored historic villa setting |
| Fush | Wigram Skies | Whānau-owned with focus on aroha and te reo Māori |
| Ocean Fresh Seafoods | Bishopdale | Locally owned and operated |
| Jolly Seafood Restaurant | Christchurch | Open 7 days a week |
How to Choose the Right Seafood Restaurant in Christchurch
- Seek out restaurants that source their seafood locally from areas like Lyttelton Harbour to ensure freshness and support local fisheries.
- Consider the dining atmosphere, whether you prefer waterfront views, historic villa settings, or casual suburban spots.
- Check menus for dietary accommodations such as gluten-free fish and chips or vegetarian options alongside seafood.
- Look for businesses that emphasise sustainability and high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Make reservations in advance for popular venues, especially during peak times or for larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christchurch Seafood Restaurants
What types of seafood are commonly served in Christchurch restaurants?
Christchurch seafood restaurants often feature blue cod, snapper, green-lipped mussels, scallops, prawns, pāua and crayfish when in season. Many also offer classic fish and chips with various fish options.
Are there good seafood restaurants in Christchurch’s suburbs?
Yes, excellent options exist in suburbs like Lyttelton, Riccarton, Wigram, Bishopdale and Halswell. These provide a mix of waterfront dining and convenient local spots with easier parking.
Do seafood restaurants in Christchurch cater to dietary restrictions?
Many offer gluten-free, vegetarian and other options. Staff are usually knowledgeable about allergens, and it’s advisable to inform them of any requirements when booking or ordering.
Is it necessary to book ahead at seafood restaurants in Christchurch?
Bookings are recommended for popular spots, particularly on weekends or for groups. Casual takeaway places may not require reservations.
What is the price range for seafood dining in Christchurch?
Prices vary from affordable fish and chips around NZD $15-25 to mains at $30-60 or more in upscale venues. There are options for most budgets.
How can I find seafood restaurants near specific parts of Christchurch?
Look for waterfront options in Lyttelton for harbour views, or suburban locations like Riccarton and Wigram for convenience. Many are clustered in popular dining areas with good public transport links.
How do Christchurch seafood restaurants ensure sustainable sourcing?
Many prioritise locally caught seafood and sustainable practices. For more on New Zealand seafood sustainability, visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website at mpi.govt.nz.
How We Chose the Best Seafood Restaurants in Christchurch
Every business in this guide was found by searching for seafood 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.