The Best BYOs Of Christchurch

What more could you want than a bottle of cheap wine in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other? Spagalimis Pizzeria is the perfect spot for Italian cuisine and a cheeky BYO night out. Spags is legendary for being Christchurch’s oldest restaurant; it is a hub of activity every day of the week. With an endless variety of pizza toppings, it can be hard to choose just one flavour; we recommend the antipasto; with a chutney pizza base, pepperoni, gherkins, olives, red peppers, and sundried tomatoes. Other knock-out options are the vege patch, bolognese pizza and the seafood pizza.

At the heart of Sakimoto is the desire to serve truly authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Take a seat outside in the courtyard and prepare for an evening filled with mouth-watering delicacies like deep-fried salmon skin with passionfruit mayonnaise, Takoyaki, otherwise known as deep-fried octopus balls and miso soup. There are also classic dishes like dumplings, sushi and sashimi, noodles and pork bao buns. BYO wine for $8.50 a bottle, or embrace the Japanese experience by sampling a sake or two, hot or cold, the choice is yours.

Treat yourself to a night filled with flavourful food, generous portions and good company; Chopstick Restaurant is our go-to spot for casual dinners out. This restaurant specialises in Chinese and Malaysian fusion cuisine; each dish will take you on a new and exciting adventure. For parties and larger groups, pick to dine banquet-style; this will allow you to try numerous dishes. Otherwise, dine al la carte; the pork and shrimp wonton soup, Hokkien noodles and the pineapple fried rice with chicken are to-die-for. Chopstick’s BYO is one of the cheapest in Christchurch, at just $4 a head; it’s a great option for a cheap and cheerful night out.

Aroy Thai Restaurant provides a truly authentic Thai experience with its fresh, hearty and unforgettable dishes. The snug and cosy restaurant can be found nestled on Victoria Street. Visit during your lunch break for a quick and tasty bite to eat or get a group together for dinner; take advantage of the BYO wine option with $8 corkage per bottle. Experience the exotic flavours of Thai cuisine with dishes like the all-time favourite pad Thai or the traditional creamy green curry with coconut milk, pumpkin, bamboo shoots and green beans. If you’re after something lighter or sharing with the table, try the satay chicken sticks, venison wontons or the mixed entrée dish.

Delight your taste buds with traditional Chinese cuisine; Maxine’s Palace strives to serve the most delicious Cantonese-style dishes in all of Christchurch. The vintage Chinese interior is the perfect backdrop for family dinners, large functions and lively mid-week catch-ups. If you’re with a bigger group, you can choose to dine on the set menu; this provides a selection of dishes and allows the whole table to try a little bit of everything. A few popular options are the beef brisket noodle soup or roast pork and tofu hot-pot, and for something sweet, try the Chinese coconut pudding. Maxine’s is BYO wine; with an $8 corkage, you have to have a main meal to partake in the revelry. Otherwise, spread your wings and try a Chinese beer or a Chinese tea.