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Fancy Restaurants in Christchurch for Fine Dining

Best Restaurants Editorial

Published 22/07/2025

Old Vicarage Nz 2 — Image by The Old Vicarage

One of life’s purest pleasures is popping on an outfit that makes you feel fabulous and spending an evening in an upscale restaurant, sampling exquisite dishes and bold flavours, all while basking in a charming ambience. If you feel like indulging in an evening of sophistication and elegance, Christchurch has plenty of options to choose from. Here are eight of the best fine dining restaurants in Christchurch.

The Old Vicarage
335 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch

It's perfect for brunch dates, catch-ups or pretending you live in a charming heritage villa.

You need to try the pork belly or Eggs Benny with a mimosa. Big portions and even bigger flavour.

Look out for the sun-soaked courtyard, crackling fireplace and heritage vibes with zero stuffiness.

Blending its historical roots and homely ambience with premium alfresco dining, The Old Vicarage is an elegant choice for your next upscale dinner out in Christchurch. Dine in the courtyard and bask in the golden sunset, all while surrounded by charming and manicured gardens. With its rich ambience, where scents and sounds whorl between the rooms, and old leather-bound books line shelves, you’re in for an unforgettable evening. The Old Vicarage is an ideal fancy restaurant in Christchurch for your next cosy dinner out.

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Gin Gin
4 New Regent Street, Central City, Christchurch

It's perfect for a casual group booking without the fuss

You need to try the NZ lamb rump skewers with black garlic sauce

Look out for the hand stretched pizzettas, made from two day fermented dough

Tucked into the heart of New Regency Street, Gin Gin delivers an elegant dining experience paired with a cosy atmosphere. This vibrant restaurant with its live music offers the choice of outdoor patio seating, or their intimate indoor dining suite, where you can sip on their diverse selection of gin and indulgent cocktails, or sample their signature goji-brined fried chicken with shiitake mushrooms. Gin Gin will deliver a unique experience for your upscale evening!

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Bessie
178 Saint Asaph Street, Level 1, Christchurch

Bessie is a moody, intimate steakhouse that’s perfect for fine dining lovers who appreciate bold flavours and top-tier cuts. Their expert dry-aging process and high-temp charcoal oven create steaks with unmatched depth and tenderness. Add a curated wine list and sleek atmosphere, and you’ve got a spot that elevates classic steakhouse dining into a true Christchurch fine dining experience worthy of a visit.
Inati Restaurant
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Where fine dining is transformed into a theatrical experience, the Inati Restaurant is an unforgettable choice. Guests are tucked around the chef’s kitchen and are treated to a culinary show. With seasonal sharing plates that evolve with each of the seasons, comprised of ingredients from Canterbury, they deliver an elegant flair to traditional dining, designed to evoke joy and ensure that each visit is unique and memorable.
King of Snake
Level 1/79 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Blending European and Asian influences, King of Snake delivers a stunning contemporary setting for your next fancy night out in Christchurch. Choose from a full a la carte dining experience or just cocktails and bites at the bar. With its deep brown walls and furniture and peculiar round chairs, the dining suite exudes a classy aesthetic that merges well with the lush splashes of greenery and warm hanging lanterns. Both warm and moody, King of Snake invites couples seeking a romantic luxury dinner out, or simply friends and family wishing to indulge or celebrate a special occasion.