Where to dine this summertime in Christchurch

Enjoy the ultimate al fresco dining experience this summer at Smash Palace in Christchurch. The bar and burger joint has an array of sun-soaked seating options available, with picnic benches and bar leaners – there is nowhere we would rather be. Get a group of friends together and claim a table for an afternoon filled with delicious burgers and bottomless beers. 

Our all-time favourite burger is Noah’s Arc, made with beef, chicken, bacon, chutney, mayo and lettuce. If you are more of a snacker, get your hands on the smash fried chicken, jalapeno poppers, chook ‘n’ chips, onion rings and shiitake dumplings. Beer lovers rejoice with the constantly rotating tap list; you can try a new draft every visit. Smash Palace has a speciality house beer that cannot be ignored; the Boodgie Beer is a local favourite – it’s delicious!

Surrounded by greenery, a sky of sparkling fairy lights and a sun-drenched courtyard, Astro Lounge is an inner-city oasis. Visit for leisurely lunches, a tipple in the evening or a delicious feast come dinner time. Astro Lounge is the casual side of Cook ‘N’ With Gas both offer local food and beverages. 

Sink your teeth into the succulent cherry valley duck; the carved breast comes with confit potatoes, spiced leg crepe, hoisin slaw and crushed cashew. The entire menu is incredibly indulgent and simply irresistible. Pair your meal with an expertly crafted cocktail, a glass of wine or a cold pint of beer.

One of Christchurch’s most beautiful summer locations is OGB, a speakeasy-style bar housed in the heritage building in Cathedral Square. OGB has an area to suit every mood and every season! In spring and summer, get comfortable in the courtyard beneath the warm rays, and in the colder months, hit up the dimly lit, opulent cocktail bar.

If you are after a bite to eat, peruse the platters, burgers, small bites, mains and dessert. There is a little something for everyone. Our go-to is the cheese board, with a selection of three kinds of cheese, crackers, condiments and grilled sourdough. Top your visit off with a sparkling glass of bubbles.

Fiddlesticks is a superb little eatery with an abundance of natural light and greenery. Opt to dine al fresco on the street side or park up before the fireplace and chase off the remaining bite of winter. Fiddlesticks has a menu for every meal! If you are visiting for a weekend brunch, we recommend caramel croffles with peacherine and whisky sauce.

For your leisurely lunches, you can get your hands on a roasted butternut risotto or the incredible lemongrass and chilli chicken sandwich. Regardless of when you visit Fiddlesticks, you are sure to treat your tastebuds to a delightful experience; the menus are inspired by the seasons and created with locally sourced ingredients. 

When Mona Vale changes its hours of operation, you know warmer weather has arrived. As soon as daylight saving begins, customers can return to Mona Vale and enjoy takeaway coffee, brunch, lunch and the infamous High Tea. The dog-friendly eatery is a top contender for our favourite venue, based on location alone! 

Set up camp on the scenic patio, with an unbeatable view of River Avon and let the sunshine sink into your bones. Or, opt to grab a treat from the cabinet and go for a stroll around the peaceful gardens. The gracious Victorian heritage building is a sight to behold! If a spring wedding is on the books or another joyous celebration, you cannot beat Mona Vale.