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Best Fine Dining in Christchurch (2026)

Christchurch's fine dining scene has rebuilt impressively since the earthquakes. These are the restaurants worth booking for a special occasion.

20 places

Photo of Christchurch Tramway Restaurant $$$$

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

4.7(1,008)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant offers a unique sightseeing experience, combining quality dining with a tour of the city aboard a historic tram.

fine dining local cuisine luxury dining

996 reviews

Photo of Chillingworth Road $$$

Chillingworth Road

4.6(1,826)

fine dining restaurant · Papanui

Restaurant & bar serving upscale New Zealand cuisine in an elegant, contemporary setting.

elegant fine dining gourmet

832 reviews

Photo of Odeon restaurant $$$$

Odeon restaurant

4.6(418)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Odeon is inspired by Mediterranean dining culture, shared plates and organic/biodynamic wine set in a beautiful, comfortable space just around the corner from New Regent Street.

brunch mediterranean cuisine mediterranean dining

418 reviews

Photo of Inati restaurant $$$$

Inati restaurant

4.6(1,184)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

At INATI, you will dine around the chef’s table and share in the experience that is the theatre of the kitchen.

canterbury cuisine fine dining local produce

746 reviews

Photo of Soul Quarter $$ - $$$

Soul Quarter

4.6(2,154)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Soul Quarter in Christchurch offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu celebrating local, fresh, and seasonal produce. Our chefs create dishes with incredible flavours and a focus on dietary options.

braised meats french cuisine latin american influences

533 reviews

Photo of Manu Restaurant and Bar $$ - $$$

Manu Restaurant and Bar

4.8(1,080)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Manu is a vibrant and innovative restaurant and bar celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Pacifica glam and fresh Asian influences nestled in the heart of Ōtautahi Aotearoa (Christchurch, New Zealand).

asian flavours contemporary dining fusion cuisine

980 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 ingredients sourced from local farms.

artisan cocktails cocktails european cuisine

934 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 Bessie $$$$

Bessie

4.6(2,971)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Our aim was to introduce the utmost quality in dining within a vibrant Christchurch environment, and we think we’ve done a pretty good job. Our specialty at Bessie is dry aged meat, a process that exemplifies our dedication to exceptional taste.

artisan cuts canterbury meat charcoal oven

1,359 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 culinary experiences throughout the world.

chef's tasting menu fine dining new zealand cuisine

399 reviews

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Hillary House Restaurant

4.8(497)

fusion restaurant · Papanui

Hillary House brings together a world of flavours in a single dining experience, inspired by the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

bistro-style menu butter chicken fish and chips

278 reviews

Photo of Tussock Hill Vineyard and Cellar Door Restaurant $$ - $$$

Tussock Hill Vineyard and Cellar Door Restaurant

4.7(364)

restaurant · Cashmere

Tussock Hill Cellar Door Restaurant celebrates local producers with sharing plates that pair beautifully with our organic wine.

charcuterie dairy-free options fine dining

354 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 Lane $$ - $$$

The Lane

4.4(304)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

The Lane’s menu offers modern flavours and reliable classics with a twist. We hero local, seasonal ingredients and support local producers wherever possible.

basque cheesecake fresh ingredients local ingredients

132 reviews

$$$$

Gatherings Restaurant

4.7(382)

restaurant · Merivale

Gatherings is an intimate dining room led by Chef Alex Davies, focusing on seasonal ingredients and the shared act of dining.

low-intervention winemaking organic vegetables organic wine

382 reviews

$$$

Twenty Seven Steps

4.7(2,491)

restaurant · Christchurch 8011

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, impressive wine selection, and attentive service.

2,491 reviews

Photo of Curators House Restaurant $$$

Curators House Restaurant

4.5(1,981)

spanish restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Tapas & other classic Spanish fare in a 1920 house with outside tables facing the Botanic Gardens.

dinners lamb lunches

1,503 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 gluten-free options

855 reviews

Photo of ROCA $$$$

ROCA

4.7(652)

restaurant · Christchurch Central City

ROCA is inspired by our love for the flavours of the Mediterranean. From Spain to the Middle East, cooked with fire.

artisan cheeses chargrilled chargrilled meats

647 reviews

Photo of LONDO $$$$

LONDO

4.8(236)

restaurant · Merivale

Reviewers consistently praise the amazing food, friendly staff, and engaging atmosphere, making it a must-visit.

236 reviews