Thing To Do & See

Bodhi Tree

Closed until further notice.Christchurch’s only Burmese restaurant is also one of the city’s best eateries. Don’t come expecting bold flavours from neighbouring Thailand, but look forward to subtle food crafted from exceptionally fresh ingredients. Standout dishes include the le pet thoke (pickled tea leaf salad) and the ciandi thoke (grilled eggplant). Meat and seafood also feature. Dishes are entrée-sized so drum up a group and sample lots of different flavours. Bookings are essential.

Bicycle Thief

Tom Waits on the stereo, a corner spot overlooking leafy Latimer Sq, and an excellent wine and beer list. What more could you want? How about great thin-crust pizzas and lovingly prepared rustic Italian cuisine? Cafe, bar or restaurant? You choose.

Cook 'n' with Gas

A favourite of local foodies, this exuberant cottage restaurant serves up NZ produce with prize-winning flair and the help of a great wine (and beer) list. You can't go wrong with lamb or beef, though seafood dishes are equally tempting.

Indochine

Dripping in Sino-retro cool, Indochine makes for a gorgeous night out, and the hip Christchurch folk are flocking to the Asian-fusion dishes (dim sum for sharing, or all-to-yourself sizes) and fresh, interesting cocktails. The dim lighting, flocked wallpaper and lacquered screens create a rich, inviting interior.

Two Fat Indians

Drawing backpackers and locals alike, this polished twin-room eatery lives by the tagline 'The art of pint and curry'. The extensive menu pleases both carnivores and vegetarians, and includes palak kofta (spinach dumplings) and a reliable chicken tikka masala, all with matching beer recommendations.