Christchurch is home to a burgeoning selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafés and eateries. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, a takeaway option or a quick treat, you’re going to have plenty of options to sink your teeth into. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds as we venture into the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants to check out in this must-visit New Zealand city.
Gatherings Restaurant and Living Wine Bar
Restaurant, Bar, European, Oceanian, Vegan, Vegetarian, $$$
Gatherings is a fully sustainable vegetarian restaurant with a menu that is flexible enough to adapt to vegan tastes. Since its humble pop-up beginnings, Gatherings has found itself a permanent home in the dynamic central suburb of Merivale. A fresh five-course tasting menu, served Wednesday-Saturdays, and a uniquely curated wine list are the main features that make this restaurant stand out from the rest.
The Lotus-Heart is a fully vegetarian restaurant with plenty of options for vegan, gluten-free, raw food and allergy-based dietary requirements. Priority is given to fresh, organic ingredients, which are locally sourced whenever possible. The homemade cashew milk is one of their vegan specialities. The Lotus-Heart is owned and operated by members of local Sri Chinmoy Centre, and has been serving up its wholesome, healthy meals since 1997.
The Welcome Cafe is serious about not using MSG in their meals, and always strive to cater for gluten-free diets too. The eatery is also known for its large portion sizes, an array of vegan mains, and a large assortment of vegetarian meals that embrace the finest flavours to come out of authentic Chinese cooking. Along with northern Chinese cuisine classics, they also offer a handful of vegetarian soups and curries from southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
Delicious vegan meals, micro-roasted coffee and a splendid tea selection are among the reasons why The Origin is quickly gaining traction among locals. This recently-opened café also specialises in gluten-free cakes, and has an interesting assortment of brunch offerings too. Must-try menu items include scrambled tofu on toast, homemade dumplings, and a raw chocolate mousse cake.
A café and grocery shop that specialises in all things vegetarian, vegan, organic, and gluten-free. At the adjoining grocer you’ll find an array of health supplements and food supplies that cater to just about every single dietary need. Cabinet treats are made fresh daily, and vegan crepes, wraps, waffles and pancakes are some of the wholesome features of the café’s breakfast/brunch menu.
A vegetarian restaurant that serves up plenty of Taiwanese and Chinese dishes to tantalise all palates. Offerings can be adapted to suit vegans too, and the sheer variety of foods available is bound to please even the fussiest of eaters. Hot pots, fried tofu, and jasmine milk teas are among the must-tries in this decently-priced venue.
