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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > New Zealand > Christchurch

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Restaurants in Christchurch

No matter your palate, you could eat your way around the world in Christchurch. Locals enjoy sophisticated fine dining as well as 'cheap and cheerful' places and the very popular takeaways of fish and chips or a pie.

The restaurants below, hand-picked by our guide author, have been grouped into three different pricing categories:
Expensive (over NZ$70)
Moderate (NZ$30 to NZ$70)
Cheap (under NZ$30)
These prices are for a two or three-course meal for one, excluding drinks.

Expensive

Curator's House

Cuisine: Spanish

Set in the Botanic Gardens, with its vegetable garden on the banks of the Avon, the kitchen showcases local produce with a Spanish influence and is owned by the Garcia Knight family who turned their previous heritage home into a business.

Address: , 7 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 379 2252.
Website: http://curatorshouse.co.nz/

Pescatore

Cuisine: Seafood

Part of The George boutique hotel and offering panoramic views of Hagley Park, Pescatore is a fine dining establishment with mimimalist décor that specialises in imaginative dishes. These could include poached salmon with pumpernickel puree, gherkin and walnut milk or lamb loin with charred pumpkin, red cabbage and sprouted rye grains.

Address: , 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 371 0257.
Website: http://www.thegeorge.com

Saint Germain

Cuisine: French

Opened in 2008 by French brothers who originally hail from Brittany, the aim of Saint Germain is to provide a real French dining experience in elegant surroundings, but using local products. Tuck into dishes such as traditional French onion soup, duck confit, venison or spinach crepes.

Address: , 255 St Asaph Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 355 3096.
Website: http://www.saint-germain.co.nz

Moderate

Harlequin Public House

Cuisine: European

This is a great place for foodies who have an appreciation for alcohol, and chef-owner Jonny Schwass is somewhat a local celebrity. Housed in a beautiful old wooden building with decks and terraces, the restaurant serves a different hogget (sheep) dish every night as well as hearty bistro-style mains. Drinks-wise, five international tap beers and over 20 NZ craft beers are on offer, along with a range of ciders and gins.

Address: , 32 Salisbury Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 377 8669.
Website: http://www.hphchch.com

Mexicanos

Cuisine: Mexican

This is a restaurant and bar with plenty of Mexican flair, and the cost of your meal will depend on how many of the elegant and tasty tapas-type plates you order. Try the fire grilled chorizo torta with peppers and garlic; or the pork hock, new style salsa verde and corn crema.

Address: , 131 Victoria Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 365 5330.
Website: http://mexicanos.co.nz

Twenty Seven Steps

Cuisine: European

Twenty Seven Steps is all about fresh locally sourced produce and quality wine. Featuring arched windows and a cosy interior with lots of quirky touches, this is the perfect spot for an intimate dining experience. Some of the gems on the menu include roasted parsnip risotto with walnut, apple, horseradish and goat cheese; and prosciutto-wrapped pork chop, glazed mushroom and sage.

Address: , 16 New Regent Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 366 2727.
Website: http://www.twentysevensteps.co.nz

Cheap

C1 Espresso

Cuisine: Modern cafe fare

A local favourite pre-quake and still an absolute favourite now despite the fact it's moved across the road from its former home. Housed in the old post-office, the building is superb. Make sure you check out the sliding bookcase door and the treadle sewing machine water dispenser.

Address: , Corner High and Tuam Streets, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 379 1917.
Website: http://www.c1espresso.co.nz

Himalaya’s Indian Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian

Who doesn't love a good curry? This is authentic Indian cuisine at its best with a mixture of dishes from the Punjab and Himalayan regions. Located in the heart of Christchurch, Himalayas is within easy walking distance of all central city hotels and motels.

Address: , 830A Colombo Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 377 8935.
Website: http://himalayas.co.nz

Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar

Cuisine: Asian

Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar dishes out some of the tastiest dumplings in the city, as well as cocktails and beer. Order a full set (12 pieces) or half a set (6 pieces) of friend or steamed gourmet goodness. While the menu changes regularly, some crowd favourites – such as the little pig'n'chive - are a mainstay.

Address: , 363 Colombo Street, Christchurch,
Telephone: +64 3 420 0376.
Website: http://www.potsticker.co.nz
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Featured Hotels

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Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel

With beautiful period features, Eliza's history spans three centuries. This grade II historic, wooden house was built in 1861 by one of the city's founding fathers, before being restored and turned into a hotel in 1981. It's within easy walking distance of the gardens, museum, and New Regent Street while just around the corner is Victoria Street with its plethora of restaurants and bars. The hotel's delicious cooked breakfast will set you up for your day of exploring the city.

The Equestrian Hotel

If city centres are not your cup of tea, try staying in suburban Hornby, which was largely untouched by the quake. Beside State Highway 1, this hotel is also ideal if you are heading further south. Rooms range from executive to budget, and are set on lovely grounds with a music bar, lots of outdoor seating, and a miniature railway model. The hotel is also located near a large shopping centre.

Merivale Manor

Set in an elegantly restored historic home dating from 1882 and within walking distance of the city centre, Merivale Manor is a perfect home away from home. Choose between studio or suite accommodation with luxurious amenities such as jetted tubs, full kitchens and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Haka Lodge

Around a 5-minute drive from the heart of Christchurch, and with a bus stop on its doorstep, Haka Lodge is a good budget choice for those wishing to stay close to the centre of the action. The lodge offers a range of accommodation options, from shared rooms and hotel standard private rooms to a two-bedroom apartment unit. Haka also features a communal kitchen, free unlimited Wi-Fi, a chill out area and a verdant garden.

Rendezvous

This hotel is set opposite the fabulous and historical 1930s New Regent Street, with its array of Spanish-Mission style buildings. Standard rooms have queen-size beds and en-suites, and most feature uninterrupted views of the city or the Southern Alps. Those wishing to venture a little further afield should note that the tram leaves from New Regent Street, running alongside the Rendezvous on its way to the Square.

Novotel Christchurch

Novotel Christchurch is a landmark hotel located in the heart of the Square, beside the once-iconic Christ Church Cathedral. Facilities include a bar, restaurant, fitness centre and guest laundry. It's only moments to the main city attractions, including the Shipping Container Mall, the historical New Regent Street and Hagley Park.