Christchurch, New Zealand – If you are making a trip to South Island New Zealand, Christchurch is most likely the city you will land given its international connections. We managed to check out some good cafes and restaurants during our trip to Christchurch last year, and here are our recommendations!

Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
Located in the heart of Christchurch is Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters, a popular brunch and coffee spot in town. The space here is huge, with a slightly rustic yet cosy interior. Food options are aplenty, from classic brunch fares like eggs benedict to French toast and granola. The field mushrooms and coffee are amazing.
Address: 254 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

C4 Coffee
Headquartered in Christchurch, C4 Coffee is a local coffee roaster which has an excellent and spacious space in the heart of the city. We saw quite a number of cafes in Christchurch which also carries C4 Coffee, which is a testament of the brand. The headquarter space is like a huge warehouse where you can buy your coffee beans, coffee machine or simply enjoy your coffee here.
Address: 278 Tuam Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Addington Coffee Co-op
Occupying what was previously an old mechanic’s workshop, Addington Coffee Co-op has been around for a decade in Christchurch and serves hearty brunch fares and house roasted coffee. We like the neighbourhood vibes of Addington, which retains an old charm in the old architecture. Service is prompt, and have some of the delicious mushrooms with eggs.
Address: 297 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand

Arbo and Arborista
Centrally located along High Street, the white and minimalist looking Arbo and its sister coffee space Arborista serves a varied cafe menu, along with coffee from C4 Coffee beans. The space is pretty open concept, and I like its contemporary vibes as compared to other sleepy looking cafes in Christchurch.
Address: 265 High Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Miro
Miro is the kind of gallery style cafe I would classify under. Located inside the old Caffe Roma building on Oxford Terrace, the setting of Miro is elegant instead of the typical casual cafe vibes in Christchurch. Think plush sofa seats, wooden furnishings and a open fire to keep you warm during winter. Go for one of the tables beside the window, and a must have for us here is the delicious Croque Madame. Brunch fares aside, the cafe also has a breakfast cocktail selection.
Address: 176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch 8011

Bessie
As one of the well-known steakhouses in Christchurch, Bessie is elegant and you can expect fine dining service and tableware here. From Canterbury beef and lamb to other meats like pork belly and Canterbury chicken, the menu is concise yet well-designed for everyone. The grass fed ribeye is good, with a succulent texture and flavour. Consider it an ideal spot for a romantic date night.
Address: Level 1, 178 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Hello Sunday Cafe
As one of the most popular cafes in Christchurch, the space of Hello Sunday Cafe is rich in history as it was previously a post office and a place of worship, before it became the cafe today. Reservations are highly recommended, though we were lucky to snag a table quite early in the morning. The brunch options aren’t that diverse, but you can’t go very wrong with eggs benny. Coffee is pretty on point too.
Address: 6 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

5th Street
By the same team behind Hello Sunday Cafe, 5th Street is a relatively new restaurant in Christchurch which is fast gaining popularity. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful, with plenty of plants, a bar counter and a spacious holding area for pre-dinner drinks if your table is not ready. It is a sharing plates fusion concept, where we started with small plates then to the large plates for mains. Don’t leave without trying the Korean fried chicken, that is if it is still on the menu!
Address: 5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Lyttelton Coffee Company
Located close to Christchurch, Lyttelton Coffee Company is a popular spot in Lyttelton, a coastal port on South Island. Expect high ceiling, a industrial and rustic looking space and a space to people watch. The brunch menu is quite robust where you can get your eggs cravings satisfied, otherwise it is a good spot to sit back and enjoy coffee. The coffee roasting brand is also a big supplier to other cafes in the Canterbury region.
Address: 29 London Street, Lyttelton 8082, New Zealand

Christchurch Farmers’ Market
Opened every Saturday between 9am to 1pm, Christchurch Farmers’ Market is the largest of its scale and is located on the historic grounds of Riccarton House and Bush. There are many food vendors here selling many different types of fresh, organic produce like chocolates, cheese and even mushrooms. Come hungry, as this is where you can get your coffee, freshly grilled sausages, Japanese gyoza and cakes, amongst others.

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Address: 16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

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