Food Guide NZ logo Food Guide NZ

Best Cheap Eats in Christchurch (2026)

Christchurch eats well on a budget. These are the spots where you get a solid meal without the inner-city lunch premium.

20 places

Photo of Little High Eatery $$

Little High Eatery

4.6(7,750)

food court · Christchurch Central City

Trendy food court featuring restaurants, cafes & bars serving international cuisine.

comfort food falafel family-friendly dining

4,912 reviews
Photo of Smokey T's $$

Smokey T's

4.8(3,909)

barbecue restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Smokey T's Barbecue joint has become one of the most popular new upbeat restaurants in Christchurch city, selling out most days since opening a permanent outlet down Cashel St.

barbecue burgers christchurch dining

2,716 reviews
Photo of King of Snake $$$

King of Snake

4.6(3,772)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Modern eatery serving creative Korean, Chinese & Southeast Asian eats in a dark, red-accented space.

asian fusion cocktails contemporary dining

3,763 reviews
Photo of Casa Publica $$

Casa Publica

4.6(3,638)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Classy tavern & cafe offering elevated South American dishes, live music & 100+ rum varieties.

authentic flavours bold flavours fresh ingredients

3,638 reviews
Photo of Bacon Bros Burgers $$

Bacon Bros Burgers

4.6(2,326)

hamburger restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Bacon Bros | New Zealand Burger Bar and Market Stalls

bacon burgers craft burgers

1,229 reviews
Photo of 5th Street $$$

5th Street

4.8(2,109)

restaurant · Sydenham

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional food quality and the welcoming, helpful staff, making it a must-visit dining experience.

1,609 reviews
Photo of The Goldfinch $$ - $$$

The Goldfinch

4.7(1,949)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

The Goldfinch nestled in the heart of Christchurch offers European & Asian Cuisine, showcasing the diversity of Aotearoa’s people and their heritage.

asian cuisine european cuisine nz produce

855 reviews
Photo of The Monday Room $$

The Monday Room

4.7(1,433)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

The Monday Room is a Christchurch dining institution established in 2016, known for its innovative twists on classic European cuisine and a commitment to showcasing the finest local produce.

cocktails desserts european cuisine

934 reviews
Photo of Afghan Restaurant $

Afghan Restaurant

4.7(1,392)

afghani restaurant · Addington

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious, authentic food and the friendly, attentive staff, making it a must-visit in Christchurch.

afghani cuisine kebabs traditional afghan dishes

1,392 reviews
Photo of Eightgrains Dumplings & Bao

Eightgrains Dumplings & Bao

4.7(1,117)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Eightgrains is a family business that offers authentic Chinese food, specialising in handmade dumplings, bao, and noodles with influences from Taiwan, Sichuan, and Shanghai.

asian cuisine authentic chinese food bao buns

1,103 reviews
Photo of Story $$ - $$$

Story

4.8(1,091)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Story is the work of many hands, created by Chef Shafeeq Ismail and inspired by his culinary experiences throughout the world.

chef's tasting menu fine dining new zealand cuisine

399 reviews
Photo of Scoundrel $$

Scoundrel

4.6(696)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Scoundrel’s been slinging tacos and pouring cheeky wines since the end of '23, and we’re just getting warmed up. Born from a crew of hospo lifers chasing the dream, our converted warehouse is home to a 1950s Austin truck, jungle vibes, comfy couches and a window straight into our roastery.

bold flavours cheeky wines coffee

520 reviews
Photo of Mama Ree Thai Street Food $$

Mama Ree Thai Street Food

4.6(545)

restaurant · Merivale

At Mama Ree we emphasise the balance of flavours, blending aromatic Thai herbs, spicy chilli and fresh ingredients.

aromatic herbs spicy chilli thai street food

507 reviews
Photo of The Hokitika Sandwich Company - Christchurch $$ - $$$

The Hokitika Sandwich Company - Christchurch

4.8(327)

sandwich shop · Christchurch Central City

The Hokitika Sandwich Company offers the freshest sandwiches in town, made with great ingredients sourced locally.

artisan butcher artisan sandwiches fresh cut sandwiches

272 reviews

Bites and Beans

4.9(312)

restaurant · Riccarton

At Bites & Beans we offer meals of excellent quality and invite you to try our delicious food. We pride ourselves on serving our customers delicious genuine dishes.

312 reviews
Photo of Steampunk Laboratory $

Steampunk Laboratory

4.8(257)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Steampunk Laboratory is a vibrant Asian fusion restaurant located in Christchurch, offering a unique dining experience.

asian fusion

232 reviews
$

Hang Seng Food Bar

4.6(215)

meal takeaway · Madras Street

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic flavours and generous portions, along with friendly and efficient service.

215 reviews

The best grill

4.7(195)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious and fresh food, as well as the warm and attentive customer service.

195 reviews

BB Vietnamese Street Food

4.8(166)

vietnamese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

BB Vietnamese Street Food offers an authentic taste of Vietnam in the heart of Christchurch, specialising in traditional Vietnamese street food.

aromatic spices authentic vietnamese cuisine fresh flavours

166 reviews

Busy Mum's Kitchen

5.0(25)

meal takeaway · Christchurch Central City

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious, homemade-style food and the friendly, prompt service.

25 reviews