2 Best Restaurants in Christchurch, Christchurch and Canterbury

One of the city's most beautiful pieces of architecture also houses one its most popular cafés. Christchurch Botanic Gardens' rare plants and nurseries sit alongside a busy dining room in this modern take on a glass conservatory. With their own vegetables and herbs just outside, the ilex chefs are no doubt inspired by the 52 acres surrounding them. Line up with the locals for well-priced and inventive seasonal soups, pies, and salads washed down with organic soda or a glass of wine. On a fine day grab a picnic blanket from the friendly staff and spread out on the impressive lawn.

A great place to get a coffee fix, this hip café is styled with a red-and-white American diner aesthetic. The café is a flagship outlet for the Coffee Supreme brand, which started in Wellington over 30 years ago before expanding to Japan and Australia. Look to the all-day breakfast menu for fresh fruit platters, and a decadent double stack of pancakes with whipped butter and maple syrup. Countertop goodies are served with excellent coffee. Sit at the communal bar or smart wooden tables.