Search results for “European”

Restaurant leaderboards —
ranked by mates and locals

Explore the most loved venues in Christchurch

1. 01.Pomeroy's Old Brewery Innpub, bar

   Proper UK-style boozer right in the heart of Chch. Heritage brick walls, roaring winter warmth, and a staggering lineup of 30-plus rotating taps. Expect everything from juicy hazies to sessionable low-carb pours. Craft beer aficionados and post-work crowds pack the tables for the immaculate, relaxed energy. Inside buzzes with cricket fans and live music; outside, a heated, covered courtyard keeps things comfortable year-round. The kitchen punches way above standard pub grub. Fellow patrons will quickly point you toward the fried cauliflower—an absolute revelation. Messy, eat-with-your-hands chicken wings. Fiery fried chicken burgers. Hand-cut fries that easily rival the city's elite. Even better? The legendary evening hospitality. Staff regularly circulate with complimentary baskets of chips and bread. A flawless spot for a casual pint or a serious feast.

   292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

   +64 3 365 1523

2. 02.Mashawe Mediterranean BBQrestaurant

   Those wandering Christchurch’s iconic New Regent Street inevitably catch the scent—smoky, spice-heavy, utterly intoxicating. Mashawe Mediterranean BBQ delivers unapologetically authentic Palestinian and Levantine flavors. Think massive, charcoal-kissed beef skewers. A Lebanese smoked chicken wrap with the exact, elusive ratio of tender meat to crisp veg and sauce. Insanely fresh falafel souvlaki. The halal-certified menu is a masterclass in proper *mashawi*—traditional grilled meats—and vibrant mezze platters loaded with creamy hummus. It’s a cozy, art-lined space that gets brilliantly jam-packed when the Canterbury chill sets in. Halal-seeking foodies and city-center wanderers alike consider this their go-to for generous, flavor-packed feasts. Grab a warm garlic pita, order the Ribeye Tagliata, and dive into plates so good you’ll easily forgive the occasional tight squeeze between tables. Pure, unadulterated comfort.

   1 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

   +64 3 420 0421

3. 03.LONDOModern New Zealand, Restaurant

   Tiny room. Twenty seats. A masterclass in culinary restraint right on Papanui Road. Diners chasing Christchurch's most electric plates know to book the bar—front-row tickets to watch a hyper-focused, three-person crew execute pure magic. The $95 set menu is the move here. Think confident, unfussy cuisine d'auteur. Flawless crudo elevated by grilled mandarin. New Zealand oca roasted to a dense, creamy finish with rose vinegar. Bold, unapologetic king crab playing off crisp celeriac. Even the simplest pasta arrives perfectly al dente. Gastronomes constantly point to their daring local pairings—like a genius strawberry and fresh anchovy salad—as proof of the kitchen's sheer brilliance. Throw in an impeccable NZ wine list, spectacular house-made gluten-free sourdough, and effortlessly warm hospitality. A masterstroke. Book yesterday.

   Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand

   +64 27 340 8385

4. 04.NOKIcafe, coffee

   cafe, coffee

   6 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch, 8014, New Zealand

5. 05.Rangoon Ruby Christchurch New Zealandrestaurant

   Forget the usual dinner rotation. Colombo Street’s Burmese powerhouse is delivering a serious jolt to the Christchurch culinary landscape. Those who track down the city’s most electric spices are pointing their friends straight toward Rangoon Ruby. The vibe? Strikingly atmospheric—think ceilings draped in colorful parasols and gorgeous murals—backed by hospitality so genuine the kitchen crew often steps out to say hello. The menu is a masterclass in fragrant, balanced heat, designed for aggressive table-sharing. You are absolutely ordering the lahpet thoke—Myanmar’s iconic fermented tea leaf salad bringing a phenomenal, shattering crunch and an explosion of savory tartness. Chase it with the crumbly fish, deeply savory eggplant, and a beef hin so wildly tender it renders your knife useless. Cap it off with a comforting, fruit-topped warm rice pudding sponge cake. Pure, unadulterated flavor.

   819 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

   +64 22 028 0920