New Christchurch bars, restaurants and cafes are opening at such a rapid pace that it’s sometimes difficult to keep up.
It’s great news for the Garden City’s beleaguered hospitality industry, which went from boom to bust in the wake of the deadly 2011 earthquakes. Although the city still isn’t what it used to be, the signs are right that it’s well on the path to recovery.
These are some of the best new restaurants, bars and cafes in Christchurch.
Baretta Bar & Restaurant, St Asaph Street
From the people who brought you Cartel comes a little piece of Italy in the heart of Christchurch city. Baretta Bar & Restaurant is an Italian-style restaurant and bar with Peroni on tap and a stunning menu to boot.
CBD Bar & Pizzeria, Madras Street
We love CBD Bar for its wood-fired pizza and live music, its great wine list and extensive range of beers.
Morrell & Co, Addington
A 2013 vintage, Morrell & Co is part of the bustling Lincoln Road hospitality scene in Addington. It boasts live sport, unpretentious food and a great range of beers and wine.
Tequila Mockingbird, Victoria Street
Judging by the cool name and the people involved in the project – the people behind Revival Bar amongst others – Tequila Mockingbird will be worth the hype. Word on the street is this hip new bar and restaurant is set to open shortly.
The Monday Room, Moorhouse Ave
This attractive café and wine bar features everything from eggs benedict to tapas and yakitori (a Japanese type of skewered chicken). The Monday Room is a good place for a meal, to relax with a drink or check out some live music.
Volstead Trading Company, Riccarton
Does 2011 still count as new? Well, the Volstead Trading Company is still new and exciting to us. This funky craft beer lounge boasts a vast range of beers and “enthusiastically inauthentic” Mexican food courtesy of the That Mexican Guy every Thursday.
The Brewery, Woolston
Cassels & Sons’ The Brewery in Woolston is another new Christchurch pub that’ll be popular with beer lovers. Like CBD Bar above (it’s owned by the same people), The Brewery also boasts wood-fired pizza and a deli-café.
King of Snake, Victoria Street
It hasn’t been around for long but King of Snake is already one of the coolest restaurants in central Christchurch. Tucked away on Victoria Street, this funky Asian restaurant is well worth seeking out if you haven’t already.
Duo Dining Room and Bar, Hereford Street
Another new Christchurch bar and restaurant in the arts and cultural hub around Hereford Street, Duo Dining Room and Bar serves fusion-style food with Pacific, South American and Asian influences.
Straits Café, Rendezvous Hotel
Straits Café boasts an immersive dining experience in Christchurch with an open kitchen so that patrons can watch restaurant staff prepare their meals. It’s headed by award-winning chef Mat Jones.
Harlequin Public House, Salisbury Street
Set to open soon, the Harlequin Public House is set in a grand old Victorian homestead on the corner of Salisbury and Victoria Streets (you probably know the one).
The Last Word, New Regent Street
It’s apt that The Last Word is last in our tour of the best new bars and restaurants in Christchurch. This whiskey and cocktail bar in the central city is owned by the same people behind The Darkroom, boasting a similar ambience and a great range of drinks.
What’s your favourite new Christchurch bar, restaurant or café?
VENUTI ITALIAN RESTAURANT 791 Colombo St
I would definitely add this restaurant to my lists of where to go in Christchurch.I have been there on three occasions and every time the food and service were excellant.Our order of Calamari was the best I have ever tasted in Christchurch.We had the famous tiramisu,which has a Kiwi twist to it.The prices were more than reasonable for an upmarket resatuarant.
7:58PM, 25th Jul 2013
I'm glad progress is being made incessantly after that dreadful earthquake.
9:08AM, 26th Jul 2013
Nice information, There is obviously a lot. Your points are very valuable and knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing this great blog with us.
12:54AM, 14th Mar 2014