The best sweet treats in Christchurch

Sweet Soul Patisserie

If you’re looking for the crown jewel of high-end French patisserie in Christchurch, Sweet Soul Patisserie on Cashel Street is an absolute essential.

This elegant boutique feels like a slice of Paris, where the glass cabinets are filled with treats that look more like polished gemstones than dessert. Their master pastry chefs specialise in petit gâteau, individual cakes designed with intricate layers of mousse, compote, and crunch.

Their most iconic creation is The Forbidden Fruit, a stunning, glossy red cake shaped like a perfect apple, featuring layers of apple compote and light-as-air mousse.

Good for:

• Edible works of art
• Elegant French pastries
• Rich Belgian hot chocolate
• Beautifully crafted desserts

Grace Patisserie

Grace Patisserie has opened in The Arts Centre's historic engineering building, serving handcrafted petit gâteaux, macarons, celebration cakes, specialty matcha, tea and cold brew coffee.

Combining classic pastry techniques with contemporary flavours, it's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Originally founded in Wellington, Grace Patisserie has built a reputation for beautifully crafted pastries and cakes, and is now serving locals and visitors in the heart of the city

Good for:

• Macarons and French-inspired pastries
• Matcha, tea and coffee dates
• Afternoon treats in the city centre
• Celebration cakes and special occasions

Grumpys

Born from friendship and a shared love of making people happy, owners Madie and Iain bring authentic Canadian donut culture to the Sydenham Underpass in Christchurch.

Madie, originally from Vancouver, dreamed up Grumpys as a cosy spot where Ōtautahi can slow down, sip coffee, and savour proper donuts — the kind she grew up loving, while Iain is the hands and flavour mastermind behind incredible creations.

These donuts are seriously unreal!

Good for:

• Creative flavour combinations
• Freshly made sweet treats
• A hidden gem in Sydenham
• Canadian-style doughnuts

The Cookie Trader

The Cookie Trader, located on Cashel Street has built a loyal following for its generously loaded gourmet cookies.

With a rotating lineup of creative flavours ranging from classic choc chunk to cheesecake-filled and confectionery-inspired creations, there's always something new to try.

Grab a single cookie for an afternoon treat or take home a box to share with friends and whānau, if you're feeling generous.

Good for:

• Loaded cookies
• Take-home treats with box deals
• A huge range of flavours
• Unique flavour combos

Fluffy Bake Shop

Head to the Fluffy Bake Shop on Tuam Street for the fluffiest sponge cake and donuts in town.

Their soft and clean aesthetic translates directly into their baking, keeping things simple, but utterly delicious.

Their signature sponge cakes and brioche donuts are filled with fluffy cream — often available in a range of yummy flavours like tiramisu, cookies and cream and matcha — and are incredibly moist and perfectly balanced.

Good for:

• Airy, layered sponge cake
• Light & fluffy, cream-filled brioche donuts
• Baked treats
• Coffee catch-ups
• Specialty drinks

LUNANA'S by Le Bakermen

For a fusion of French precision and creative Asian flair, Lunana’s by Le Bakermen in Five Lanes is a must.

While their pastry game is legendary, their petite dessert selection is where the artistry really shines.

Their pistachio carrot cake is also worth a mention — moist, nutty, and perfectly balanced — while their rich, buttery blondies and fudgy brownies provide a decadent, concentrated hit of sweetness.

Good for:

• Artisan croissants
• Patisserie-style desserts
• Creative fusion pastries
• Specialty drinks

Sip N Dip

If your social feed has been taken over by Dubai chocolate and loaded acai bowls, Sip N Dip on Colombo Street is the reason why.

This high-energy dessert spot has quickly expanded across Christchurch, bringing a decadent, Middle Eastern-inspired twist to the city’s late-night food scene.

Known for their signature Knafeh Strawberry Cups and the viral Dubai Pistachio Strawberry Cup, Sip N Dip does it all.

Whether you're after a refreshing organic acai bowl topped with Biscoff and fresh fruit or a thick, Nutella-loaded cheesecake, this is the ultimate destination for those with a serious sweet tooth.

Good for:

• Viral dessert trends (Dubai chocolate and Knafeh)
• Loaded organic acai bowls
• Late-night sugar cravings
• Dessert dates and group treats

Sweet Revenge

Sweet Revenge in Riverside Market is on a mission to fill all your sweet-treat needs, specialising in oversized, sinfully delicious treats that lean into pure indulgence.

While their cabinet is packed with monster-sized eclairs, slices and cheesecakes, they are perhaps most famous for having an entire dedicated chiller for gluten-free goodies — making it one of the most inclusive dessert spots in the central city.

Good for:

• Gluten-free sweet treats
• Monster-sized baked treats
• An incredible range of slices
• Grab-and-go desserts