Family dining in Christchurch

“Absolutely loved this place! A cozy, family-run Japanese restaurant with amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere. The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The staff were kind and attentive, making us feel right at home. Perfect spot for anyone who appreciates Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality!”

“This is a hidden gem. Tucked away a little, this is a terrific place. Historical and modern all at the same time. Marty was the sensational staff member who made our experience such a great memorable event. It was nice to see some of the Wigram Airfields history being kept for generations to come.”

“Absolutely delicious! The food was incredibly fresh, and every detail was well thought out—even the takeaway came with a clever chip cup to stop any dripping. I had the mix with the shredded beef and it was so tender and full of flavour—absolutely delicious. And the churros were a standout—soft in the middle and just amazing. Highly recommend this place for anyone who loves quality food and great service!”

“Half crispy half teriyaki rice bowl. Well priced and well filled! Thank you”

“Delicious sushi, very friendly and polite staff and cozy atmosphere. I think it's one of the best sushi I tried in NZ. Been here many times and will surely go back again. Highly recommend”

“I have now visited this restaurant twice with my husband and both times, food and service has been excellent. The Platter dishes are extremely tasty. Don't rely on google maps to locate Spice Village - for some reason it directs you behind the restaurant. The restaurant is on High Street. Great restaurant and highly recommend”

“My husband and I come here quite often and we always enjoy it! The service is top notch, lovely friendly and attentive staff. My husband orders the same thing every time (the goat gnocchi) as he loves it so much. I recently had the fish of the day, it was salmon and it was so good!! If you are needing a gift for a friend, a voucher to here would be such a good idea. The portions are great, the staff are amazing and the atmosphere is good.”

“Lovely restaurant with amazing service. Staff were so friendly and they were so nice to let us keep our first table reservation even though we arrived late because of traffic. Our cocktails were so yummy and we loved the lasagna and fettuccine.”

“Best Lamb Dhansak in chch. Great price and quality. Ordered takeaway with colleague for lunch. Chef Shashir is very friendly and helpful. Definitely will be back!”

“Wonderful Sri Lankan restaurant. One of our favourite spots. The dishes are large enough for sharing by two adults. Lump rice is my usual order, but everything we tried so far was very good. Not for those that can't handle spice, though.”

“We visited today as a family and ordered the Wagyu lunch set. The salad, kimchi, pickles, rice, and the tender, flavorful beef were absolutely delicious and melted in our mouths!!! The girls had so much fun grilling the meat themselves. We also tried the chicken karaage. it was big, crispy, and really tasty. We were so impressed by the kindness of the staff, especially the kind lady who served our table. Her attentive and friendly service made our meal even more memorable. Thank you!!!”

The kitchen at Teppanyaki Takao takes a simple, bistro‑style path and lets the food speak. A family‑friendly feel comes through naturally. The team keeps things friendly and organised. Portions are generous yet well judged.

“Super clean everywhere! It was so well stocked with everything we needed. The host was fantastic. So lovely and helpful Plus they have a shop downstairs which is great! Thank you for a lovely stay!”

“11/10 recommend!! This place is the best - no frills, amazing prices, and huge portions! Incredibly quick service!”

“Absolutely amazing place to have dinner. Staff was super friendly and very welcoming. Food was incredible and the serving size is incredible. Will definitely be back. Thank you for such an amazing first impression of Hillary House.”

Izumi sushi leans into a pan‑Asian comfort approach with tidy execution. Easy carry‑out for a simple night in. The team keeps things friendly and organised. Orders move at a steady pace. A family‑frie...

“It's not the cheapest sushi but the selection is great and the premises is very nice and easy to order from. Lovely high ceiling and nice furniture. Even the wooden chopsticks and soy bottles feel premium compared to other sushi restaurants. I would advise eating in rather than takeway.”

“Absolutely the best Japanese restaurant and a real asset for Kaipoi. First time diners and food was magnificent and cooked with precision ,humor and flavors are to die for. Will definitely be back.”

“My son and his family lives in Christchurch and he's been talking about this Afgan place and would take us there if we're in Christchurch. A must-try spot in Christchurch! There’s no menu—just walk in and let them know how many people are dining or ordering takeaway. They usually open around 5:30 p.m., and there’s always a long line, so give yourself extra time. The food is simple but absolutely delicious—choose chicken, lamb, or a mix, served with tasty rice and curry. It’s great value for money and always consistent. We ordered 3 servings for 5 people, and it was more than enough. Don’t expect a typical restaurant setup. You get your own drinks, plates, and cutlery. If you're dining in, you can skip the takeaway queue—just find a seat and order at the counter. We always get an extra serving to enjoy for lunch the next day. Tip: Join their Facebook group to check if they’re open. Long wait, but totally worth it!”

“Absolutely delicious pizza and the best calamari I’ve ever had in my life! The atmosphere is lovely and the staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place — you must try it ! ❤️”

“Cosy cafe with Akaroa King Salmon sushi and Sashimi available. King Salmon Shop do not have any eating place inside the supermarket. Other Japanese favorite street food available eg unagi , karaage chicken, tempura prawns, curry chicken etc”

“I recently dined at Chichi Kitchen in New Zealand, and it was truly one of the best meals I've had this year. The culinary experience was exceptional, with each dish meticulously crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients that showcased an expert balance of flavours. The presentation of the food was stunning, making each plate a visual delight as well as a gastronomic one. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. The service was outstanding, with attentive and friendly staff who made the experience even more enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations. The atmosphere at Chichi Kitchen is warm and inviting, creating a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Chichi Kitchen delivers on all fronts. I can't recommend Chichi Kitchen highly enough—it's a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional cuisine in New Zealand.”

“Great food and even better service! The staff were kind and helpful, and the meals were fresh and delicious. A wonderful place to eat — highly recommend!”

“Tasty comfy in big portion fresh sashimi. Also surprised with their sizzling lamb. It was perfectly cook soooo juicy and tanky and don't forget to order their desert!”

“Absolutely love this restaurant. Love the interior decor, amazing and attentive staffs with great service, and the food is spotless. Highly recommend to dine in and enjoy the vibe. Will visit again!”

“Always a favourite!! Usually the family's go-to for takeout but on special occasions we dine in. The young guy server is fantastic. He's friendly, chatty, and explains the meals in knowledgeable depth. The meals themselves are great, I don't think our family has ever had a meal they didn't like here. I also highly recommend the mango lassi - it's criminal if you don't get one. :)”

“Best sushi balls ever you get sooo much for such a small price crazy steal I pray they never change and continue to have good business. 10/10 and sweetest ladies working there.”

“Outstanding pizza and another great feed provided by you! High standards as always! My wife absolutely loved the chocolate fudge brownie and Chocolate Waffle! Next level food keep up the great work!”

“Has to be the best Thai Restsurant in Christchurch .Food is the freshest and cooked to perfection. The restaurant is warm and beautifully presented. We would live to eat every night here. The food is presented amazingly. I recommend this place 100 per Noxcent. Thanks”