By Colleen Simpson
Much of
central Christchurch remains off limits in the wake of the February
22 earthquake but visitors to the Garden City are still spoiled for
choice when it comes to choosing where and what to eat.
Suburban dining precincts around the city have been rediscovered
since the magnitude 6.3 earthquake led to the cordoning off a large
part of the city.
The city's rich cultural make-up is well-represented in its many
and varied eateries which include casual neighbourhood eateries,
family restaurants, fine dining establishments and those places
just perfect for dinner with a group of friends or business
colleagues.
HAREWOOD
Harewood is a short distance from Christchurch
International Airport and is home to some of the city's hidden
culinary gems.
Untouched
World's Native Garden Cafe is one of the country's
leading organic eateries. As well as outstanding food, diners can
enjoy the courtyard garden which is inspired by the New Zealand
countryside. Find it at 155 Roydvale Avenue, phone 3579499 or
go to untouchedworld.com/native-garden-cafe.
Terra Viva is just across the road and often
has a line of eager diners. Choose from the deli, cabinet food or
the menu and be sure to keep room for dessert. Once they have
eaten, diners can visit the adjoining garden centre and homewares
store. Find it on the corner of Wairakei Road and Roydvale Avenue,
phone 358 5565 or visit terraviva.co.nz.
Hinton's is the cellar door for Hinton's Estate
Vineyard and so offers the opportunity to dine among the vines
morning, noon or night. A beautiful venue at all times of the year
for small and large events. Find it at 750a Wairakei Road, phone
3588 599 or visit hintons.net.nz.
ADDINGTON
New life has been breathed into Addington in
recent months and it is now home to popular eateries, cafes and
pubs.
Edesia might be tucked down the back of a
cul-de-sac but it hasn't gone unnoticed in its short life. Since
arriving on the scene, this restaurant has become a destination for
diners in the know. Find it at 12 Show Place, phone 03 943 2144 or
go to edesia.co.nz
Addington Coffee Co-op offers one of the
warmest welcomes in town and roasts some of the city's best coffee.
Rustic and full of charm, this is the place to go for a casual bite
or a catch-up with a friend. You can even do laundry while you
relax. Find it at 297 Lincoln Road, phone (03) 943 1662 or visit
addingtoncoffee.org.nz.
EAT is just up the road but offers a different
experience. Since opening just a few months ago, it has become a
destination for diners seeking a more sophisticated cafe
experience. It is set in a landscaped area in among ultra modern
offices so beware at lunchtime seats can be in short supply. Find
it at 10 Hazeldean Road or phone 335 0466.
MERIVALE
Just a short distance from the city and Hagley Park,
Merivale has long been an area Christchurch
residents have gravitated towards. This pretty neighbourhood boasts
some of the city's busiest establishments so in many cases bookings
are recommended if not essential.
Tutto Bene is an Italian pizzeria restaurant
favoured by residents who know their gnocchi from their gorgonzola.
Couples can find a candlelit corner while large group bookings are
welcomed. Find it at 192 Papanui Road, phone 03 355 4744 or go to
tuttobene.co.nz
Aikmans Bistro and Bar occupies prime Merivale
real estate and is as good a place to people watch as it is to eat
and drink. Find it at 154 Aikmans Road or phone 03 355 2271.
Brigittes Restaurant and Bar is a Merivale
institution which has been serving great food for three decades
with service to match. A good spot for eating al fresco. Find it on
the corner of Aikmans and Papanui roads, phone at 3556 150 or go to
brigittes.co.nz.
No 4 is an Edwardian villa transformed into a
bar and restaurant. Don't expect quiet intimate dining here, rather
a vibrant, busy restaurant serving thoughtful food. Find it at 4
Mansfield Avenue, phone 3553720 or visit no4.co.nz.
Leinster Rd. Bistro welcomes families and
allows diners to bring their own wine for a corkage fee. Expect a
high standard from the kitchen and front of house but a relaxed
atmosphere. Find it at 158 Leinster Rd, phone 3553 055 or visit
leinsterbistro.com.
FENDALTON
Eateries in nearby Fendalton can be found in
one convenient cluster. Head to Fendalton Village on the corner of
Ilam and Clyde roads and you can find several different types of
cuisine and dining experiences side by side.
Chopsticks Restaurant is busy
most nights with locals who come for the fabulous Chinese food
rather than the surrounds. Expect a bustling restaurant where the
food is delicious and inexpensive. Find it at 376 Ilam Road or
phone 3512 618.
Crisp Cafe & Bar is similarly busy as it is
a regular haunt for hungry people looking for a quick delicious
bite washed down with good coffee or a glass of wine. Find it in
Fendalton Village or phone 351 4414.
Misceo Cafe and Bar is just across the road.
Its fresh and fabulous fare means it is often full so a booking is
definitely recommended. Pizza, pasta and flatbreads are sure to
keep the whole family happy in this friendly restaurant. Find it on
the corner of Ilam and Clyde roads, call 3518 011.
Five Star Vietnamese is a restaurant residents
would rather you didn't know about. This is the place to go with a
large group with voracious appetites - the salt and pepper squid
comes highly recommended. You might be lucky without a booking but
if you don't want to chance it call 351 7178, otherwise head to
Fendalton Village Mall.
FERRYMEAD
Ferrymead comes to life at night when locals
and visitors head there for waterside eating at the foot of the
Port Hills.
Tony's Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant is not
the place to go if you want a quiet conversation but will appeal to
those who like food with flair. Sushi, sashimi and tempura
are all here, as is a varied kid's menu available on Sundays. Find
it at 2 Waterman Place, phone 03 348 5644.
Winnie Bagoes is a Christchurch institution.
This restaurant specialises in pizzas and while you will find
traditional favourites, expects to find a menu that has a few
modern twists. Gluten free choices are available and children are
welcome. Find it at 2 Waterman Place, phone 03 376 4900.
Cafe Metro is a good choice for a casual
breakfast or lunch either inside or out. The coffee is good as is
the wine list. Expect very friendly service. Find it at 21
Humphreys Drive or phone 384 0062.
The Ferry Speight's Ale House is a good spot
for hearty, wholesome fare - think lamb shanks, pies and burgers
washed down with a cold one. Find it at 2a Waterman Place, phone
3764 071 or visit ferryalehouse.co.nz.
RICCARTON
Riccarton is one of the South Island's busiest
thoroughfares so it's perhaps unsurprising that it is home to a
large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. Any day of the week at
any time of the day and most of the night, you'll find somewhere
here to have a bite.
Benjarong Thai Cuisine pays faithful tribute to
the food of that country and serves up its delicious food with a
large measure of respect and gratitude for your custom. Find
it at 111 Riccarton Road, phone 963 6603 or go to
benjarongthaicuisine.co.nz.
Drexel's is an American style breakfast
restaurant which almost always has a queue of people waiting to
have their pancake stake or eggs Benedict fix. Follow the crowd,
this place knows how to do breakfast. Find it on Rotherham Street,
phone 3433 403 or visit drexels.co.nz.
Rotherhams of Riccarton has a reputation for
excellence and provides a much more refined dining experience. If
you're in the mood for fine dining or a degustation experience,
Rotherhams is able to provide it. Set menus can be arranged for
large group bookings. Find it at 42 Rotherham Street, call 3415 142
or visit rotherhamsofriccarton.co.nz.
La Porchetta offers fast, fresh and affordable
Italian fare. A good place to bring the whole family as little
stomachs won't have to wait too long. Find it at 20 Rotherham
Street or phone 3487 990.
HAGLEY PARK
Chateau on the
Park is a city hotel set among some five acres of
beautifully kept gardens. Its Garden Court Brassiere makes the most
of this unique setting and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and
dessert. Find it at 189 Deans Ave, phone 3488 999 to book or visit
chateau-park.co.nz.
Across the other side of Hagley Park, The
George continues to serve award-winning food from the
restaurants within this five star hotel. Pescatore has earned a
reputation as one of the country's leading contemporary dining
restaurants and has a devoted following. And 50 on Park always
delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
MARKETS
Canterbury is known for its artisan food producers who are
increasingly gaining international recognition. Farmers markets are
regular haunts for both visitors and regulars seeking to sample the
best of the region's produce.
The Christchurch Farmers Market is a lively
affair which takes place every Saturday morning between 9am and
noon on the grounds of Riccarton House. Meet the growers, farmers,
brewers and other artisan producers and find out why you should
take home their goods.
The Christchurch Artisan Market takes place at
the same place on Sundays between 11am and 3pm but in addition to
ready to eat foods, expect to find arts and crafts made
locally.
The Arts Centre Markets are
now at Ferrymead Heritage Centre every weekend, Saturday and
Sunday. Check out the region's history and its creative arts at the
same time.
About the writer: Colleen Simpson is Christchurch's
doyenne of restaurant and café culture. She writes the very popular
Café Chat page each week in The Press newspaper's award-winning
ZEST section.