Bella Vista's Blog

Christchurch is enjoying a culinary revival with fantastic new eateries, bars and cafés complementing a vibrant food scene. No one wants to eat a dud meal while traveling places, right? So, we've compiled a gastro guide to the best restaurants in Christchurch for your eating pleasure. 

Brunch or lunch best cafes in Christchurch 

At Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters, you might just discover the best French toast and coffee in town! With a menu consisting of breakfast burritos, eggs any style and fresh healthy salads, this café is one of the best places to eat in Christchurch. The peppermint slice and cheddar muffins are great cabinet fare if you’re after lunch on-the-run.  

An all-day option close to the Christchurch motel, is Strawberry Fare. While popular with the locals for its stunning chocolate-themed dessert platters and gateaux, this eatery serves up light savoury dishes too like hot smoked salmon with tasty apple slaw or slow roasted duck confit. So it’s the great food combined with views over Hagley Park which makes this longstanding café one of the tastiest things to do in Christchurch 

For the best steak restaurant in Christchurch 

Where New York-sized steaks meet Canterbury prime-rib, is where you’ll find Bloody Mary’s. Choose your cut of Angus, Wakanui, or Angus Hereford at this all-day upmarket diner.  Guests drool over the 7-day aged steak, especially the 300g Mary's cut with a side of hash brown and truffle mash. This place serves up hearty brunch options too. It's a great 21 minute stroll from our Christchurch motel

For Christchurch best fine-dining restaurants  

Head to Inati for a special lunch or dinner. Book the 6 or 8-course ‘Trust Us’ menu as chef Simon Levy, once head Gordon Ramsay's head chef, has also sharpened his knives at London’s Claridge’s and The Ivy. This team have earnt their cooking stripes! Trust us in that you’ll sample dishes you’d ordinarily never choose but enjoy immensely. Artichokes with cottage cheese, duck trumpets with rhubarb jam, or smoked venison tartare may be laid before you. But be warned, this Chef’s menu changes often! 

Could Story, in historic Little Regents Street, be the city’s best kept dining secret? Locals are keen to keep this place on the down-low given the popularity of the Chef’s mystery 3-courses for $75. The story lies in the ever-changing nightly menu. One night it could be Mushroom Ravioli followed by chocolate mousse, the next night, lightly grilled Venison in an oyster sauce. All you need to know is incredible food and flawless, friendly service combine to make Story one of the best restaurants in Christchurch.   

For the best cheap eats in Christchurch 

Let’s take things down a notch or two to the Thai Container. Close to the motel accommodation in Christchurch, is this cheap and cheerful, no fuss pop-up, which serves up tasty fresh Thai food like spicy fried chicken, trusty Pad Thai and fragrant green curry.  Or for a quick healthy fix, head for top-rated Kinji for Japanese-style tapas like Cajun-spiced garlic tuna, wagyu beef sushi or salmon sashimi. You can’t go wrong with either option. 

For the best burgers in Christchurch 

If you’re craving a big, juicy, delicious burger then Bacon Brothers has you covered. With a mission to create the best burgers around and over 18 delicious options, there’s a choice for everyone. They’ve even ‘burgered’ coconut bacon and deep-fried cauliflower to cater for vegans too.  And their hand-cut fries are a must-have side. With most burgers under $18, this is another of Christchurch’s best cheap eats. If all you can think of is burgers its only 6 minutes by car from the Christchurch accommodation.

Best bistro style fare 

Our pick is 5th Street for their vibrant buzz, stylish decor, and innovative flavour-packed menu. Imagine a slow roasted Lamb Shoulder with side couscous salad, triple cooked potatoes, and a burnt Basque cheesecake to finish. Or Himalayan salt block cured fish served with broccoli doughnuts and seaweed butter. Sounds great right?  

The menu changes often at 5th Street, inspired by seasonal produce and the need to keep their regular diners coming back for more.    

There’s plenty of great places to eat in Christchurch, so whatever your tastes, please ask the Bella Vista Motel Christchurch team for up-to-date information and local dining recommendations.