The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New Zealand

Christchurch’s restaurant scene is incredibly diverse, and its upscale dining options are no different. The New Zealand city brings a sophisticated flair to a handful of cuisines, from classic European greats to contemporary fusion dishes. If you’re wanting to splurge on a nice treat, make sure to check out these fantastic fine dining options.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Pescatore Restaurant

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Pescatore is one of the two restaurants within The George, a five-star hotel right in the heart of the city. It has earned a strong reputation for its luxurious, contemporary flair and seafood-focused creations. Diners can choose from a five-course, seven-course and a plant-based degustation menu, an extensive wine list, plus a limited edition Friday and Saturday set menu that focuses on all the restaurant’s favourite offerings for the season.

Chillingworth Road has all gastronomical corners covered: there’s a bistro section for brunching crowds and lunchtime patrons, a bar for casual visitors, a cooking school for the food enthusiasts and a fine dining restaurant for those extra special occasions. A decadent 14-seating dining room, which can be booked for private functions, offers a degustation-only experience with five-, seven- and nine-course menus that are known for their fresh ingredients and contemporary flavours.

Curator’s House Restaurant

Curator’s House is a Spanish restaurant set in the original abode of the curator of Christchurch Botanic Gardens. With a chef that hails from Barcelona, you know you can trust this establishment to produce an array of authentic dishes, from traditional Cordero Asado (slow-roasted lamb shoulder) to Spanish Paella, among various tapas and mains. In the warm days you can dine al fresco with lush garden views while in winter an indoor fireplace and private rooms will keep you cozy and content.

St Germain Restaurant & Bistro

St Germain is an elegant restaurant that was established by two French brothers in 2008. A dedication to bringing a traditional taste of France to New Zealand made this venue a favourite among locals. In fact, the restaurant offers a set ‘French Way’ menu for those wanting to take a six-course journey through all the classics — from onion soup to escargots and a selection of French wines and cheeses.

Strawberry Fare

Strawberry Fare is known for having a sophisticated, yet incredibly inclusive range of dishes (pretty much all dietary requirements are catered for) made primarily from free-range and organic produce. All citrus, olive, feijoas and figs used its food is grown on-site and the venue roasts its own coffee too. Dessert tasting plates are available for the sweet-toothed diners, while the main menu consists of lighter shared meals along with a selection of meat and fish dishes for those with bigger appetites.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.