Italian restaurant in Christchurch

“INCREDIBLE! We're visiting Christchurch and I wish we'd discovered this restaurant earlier in our trip to have visited a couple more times. The space is welcoming with a beautiful patio heated by wood burning fireplace and electric heaters. The staff is friendly and attentive. But the FOOD, y'all! Each thing we tried was creative, beautiful, and incredibly delicious. Tonight's fish was grouper and it was served 2 ways: fried and grilled - both absolutely stunning. The tomato and peach burratta caprese would have been delicious as is but was topped with basil ice cream instead of fresh basil and it was one of the most unexpectedly scrumptious things I've ever had. What a culinary gem!!!”

“Lovely place for a surprise 70th gathering. Outside area was great, nice amount of shade and sun, toilets clean, food yummy and beautifully presented…. Everyone enjoyed it!! Will come back again!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Amazing food, great service and so affordable. A really great dining experience. Interesting chat with the tutors of the students too. They are doing great work. Well done everyone!”

Formaggio’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria delivers a pizza‑first line‑up that’s straight to the point. Gluten‑free needs are handled with care. Music and pace keep a casual tone. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy.

“Great food and great people. The staff is always friendly and attentive and the multiple times I have been here the food was never meh. Always a great quality and taste and I like that they regularly vary the menu slightly. Our go to place in Rolly! The atmosphere is elevated pub-restaurant. A few interior design changes and lighting changes to break up the wide open room a bit, could make it feel a bit more cozy. It is still a great atmosphere and feel good restaurant.”

“Great fast service, most clients are heading shows as perfectly placed for a pre show meal. Recommend booking as small restaurant and previously we have not been able to get a table. Food delicious, tasty and friendly team.”

“Great service, food was excellent will definitely come back again.”

The Bicycle Thief Restaurant favours a simple, bistro‑style mix with clear, clean flavours. Vegetarian picks read as complete plates. The room sits relaxed with an easy buzz. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy.

Ma Maison Restaurant - Akaroa leans into a classic fish‑and‑chips approach with tidy execution. Serve sizes show solid value. Breakfast plates are tidy and satisfying. Portions suit sharing without tipping heavy.

“Tutto Bene delivers a fantastic dining experience with authentic Italian flavors and warm, attentive service. The pasta is freshly made, the sauces are rich and flavorful, and the wood-fired pizzas are a standout—crispy, light, and generously topped. The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, making it perfect for both a casual night out and a special occasion. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, adding to the overall excellent experience. Highly recommend the tiramisu to end on a high note. A must-visit spot for Italian food lovers!”

“Amazing food, amazing atmosphere and the staff were incredible! We had a big group and the service they provided was spectacular. Thank you so much !”

“Best home made pasta (carbonara) I have ever had. Great service, with nice soft Italian music playing. Nice service and atmosphere. We will definitely be back.”

“Had a great experience at Quartz. Our waitress was friendly and helpful. The beef burger was a good size, not quite enough salt for me, but there were salt and pepper grinders on the table so it was no problem to season. My partner loved the prawn curry and our daughter though the chicken burger was great too.”

“Nice pizza, friendly staff and warm atmosphere. We made a reservation at the first table, and only needed 20 per person after the discount.Lasagna is very delicious.”

“Delicious food. Very Nice Italian ambience. We ordered Antipasti Plank and the assorted cheese blends well with green olives and the saltiness of the capers. Mains are very delicious. We enjoyed our Porchetta and Lasagna. All good and we surely come back in the future. Thanks, Hanneke and the rest of the team.”

“Nice and tidy place for having dinner. Excellent service, very friendly staff. Pizza was cooked to perfection and arrived in less than 10 minutes after ordering. Keep up the good work!”

The kitchen at Joe's Garage Wigram takes a burger‑led path and lets the food speak. Music and pace keep a casual tone. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy. Orders move at a steady pace. Buns...

“We had dinner here for 2 nights and Bishall and Karla who is only a Trainee was very helpful to me and my husband. They made sure that we are comfortable where we are seated and always spot on with the food in all aspects. They made us feel very special. Thank you guys. You rock!”

“We love this place! Best pizza & four meat sandwich (hot) & doughnuts & sourdough :) sooo fresh and delicious! Best place we’ve eaten at in christchurch. Also helpful and friendly staff and good coffee! 5/5”

At Bomba: Pizza, Gelato and Café, the menu stays pizza‑first with tidy execution. Music and pace keep a casual tone. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy. Meals reach the pass promptly. Serve...

The kitchen at The Hokitika Sandwich Company - Christchurch takes a classic fish‑and‑chips path and lets the food speak. Eggs land on point and toast keeps its crunch. Portions are generous yet well judged. Fillets arrive fresh and the fry stays clean.

“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.”

th Street runs with a classic fish‑and‑chips menu and an easy pace. Ribs and steaks arrive seasoned and tender. Desserts close the meal with familiar comfort. Meat‑free options are woven into the menu.

On the plate at Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar, the idea is pizza‑first and well judged. Grill work shows a clean sear and rested meats. Meat‑free options are woven into the menu. Service stays present without fuss.

“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!”

“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.”

Fire And Slice Woodfired Pizzeria favours a pizza‑first mix with clear flavours. Plates offer plenty without weighing things down. The team keeps things friendly and organised. Wait times are contained even when busy.