One of the best things about going on holiday is getting to try exotic new foods, but for the owners of passports gathering dust this winter, Cityscape is charting an international culinary adventure without leaving the city. Join us for an intercontinental tour to treat the taste buds as we traverse through Christchurch’s finest examples of international cuisine.

EUROPE

From bangers and mash in the west to the thousand-year-old tradition of shchi (Russian cabbage soup) in the east, European cuisine is as diverse as the different cultures of the more than 50 countries in the continent. While countless French and Italian staples in particular have, of course, become favourites all over the world, a host of other European nations have given one or more famous and epically-tasty gifts to the globe.

ITALY There are several excellent Italian food options in the city. The institution that is Café Valentino has an outstanding range of wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes, and a long string of culinary awards. Near the Isaac Theatre Royal you’ll find Francesca’s Italian Kitchen, a Christchurch branch of a legendary Wanaka restaurant that uses local, seasonal produce to create an ever-changing, highly tempting menu of Italian classics. On Colombo Street, Venuti’s modern takes on classic Italian fare such as the Veal Picante are served in a welcoming atmosphere and are accompanied by a collection of excellent Kiwi and Italian wines.

The oldest restaurant in Christchurch, Spagalimis Pizzeria & Bar, has made itself a local legend thanks to its amazing pizzas. Visit the central-city restaurant in the historic Ironside House to relax with a drink. And new kid on the block Bottle and Stone is opening its doors at The Welder, where the unorthodox pizzeria is serving up taglio-style square pizzas with a mixture of cooked and fresh ingredients.

SPAIN In Riverside Market, Castro’s Tapas & Bar is winning over a legion of followers with the tangy sangria. A highlight of the tapas menu is the chargrilled octopus with smoked paprika dressing and mashed potato. At the Botanic Gardens, the ever-popular Curator’s House Restaurant has tasty tapas and piquant paella on the menu. Try a Spanish sherry or gin as well.

GERMANY For a mouth-watering take on a German classic, head to Fritz’s Wieners in Riverside Market. The finest smoked bratwursts in town, Fritz’s Wieners bakes baguettes fresh daily and has plenty of garnishes. Also at Riverside, head upstairs for Bavarian-inspired hospitality and delicious fare to share and enjoy at Kaiser Brew Garden.

MEDITERRANEAN For a restaurant-quality dish you can take home, head to Pedro’s House of Lamb and sample the beautiful slow-cooked lamb shoulder, served with a side of scalloped potatoes and salad. Pedro’s uses only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, and it’s one of the few places in New Zealand where you can dine on export-quality lamb usually destined for overseas. The lamb is cooked in the Mediterranean style – with rosemary and garlic, and slowly roasted for six hours with Spanish olive oil. That’s how it gets to be so tender.

IRELAND For a taste of the Emerald Isle, head to The Craic in Riccarton Road and sample the Irish Stew. The comprehensive menu is available day and night.

EURO FUSION In the central city you’ll find stylish Universo Brasserie & Bar, housed in the contemporary cool of the Christchurch Art Gallery, which dispenses deliciousness in the form of blood orange and gin-cured Akaroa salmon, alongside other exotic border-pushing creations and exceptional cocktails. Not far away, Strawberry Fare is rightly famous for its primo desserts as well as fine Euro fare that combines the influences of Italy, France and Scandinavia, while in historic New Regent Street modern yet classic bistro Twenty Seven Steps is sleek, stylish and welcoming, with a relaxing atmosphere rocking serious gourmet credentials from owners Emma Mettrick and Paul Howells.

Dine out in 5th Street’s bespoke-style restaurant and explore the pleasure of shared dining with added emphasis on a quality range of drinks.

Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, on Worcester Boulevard, is a sophisticated, sociable and relaxed establishment perfect for whiling away some time with friends, family or a significant other. For a date night, check out the Feature Feast, an ever-changing bespoke shared feast for two.

Also on Worcester Boulevard, Cook ‘N’ With Gas will dazzle your senses with amazing flavour profiles and cutting-edge cuisine. The menu is extensive but you won’t regret zeroing in on the signature dish, Grilled Monkfish & Prawns. And for a pre-dinner apéritif or post-dinner nightcap, pop around the corner to the relaxed vibe of The Astro Lounge.

The fresh local ingredients and striking combinations of Lichfield Street’s Earl, helmed by Tom Newfield, will leave you wanting to return for more. The Euro chic interior and the bustle of the open kitchen make this ideal for any occasion, be it an intimate dinner for two or somewhere to take those hard-to-impress out-of-town guests.

On the ground floor of The George is 50 Bistro, the stylish and comfortable answer to casual dining. Sit by the living wall in the conservatory or cosy up at one of their fire tables, this is a great place to eat in any season. The bistro offers a range of dining options, including high tea, a special plant-focused dinner menu and a children’s menu complete with mocktails.

Visions Restaurant, handily located on the Ara Institute of Canterbury campus, is a fully- licensed restaurant with a changing seasonal menu that caters for all dietary requirements. Check out the culinary stars of tomorrow today as they prepare and serve a wide array of delicious dishes.

Located in Prestons subdivision and serving the north of the city is Flax – Bar and Eatery. There’s a full menu of scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes on offer – be sure to check out the slow-cooked pork belly. There’s also an extensive list of beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, including amazing coffee.

USA

Large enough to develop numerous regional styles of cuisine within its own borders, the US has developed a reputation for food with big, bold flavours (and often equally big servings!). With an overall attitude that could be summarised as “if it tastes good, do it”, American culinary exports include the likes of New York-style steak, Creole/Cajun dishes, the southern border Mexi-American mash-up of the Tex-Mex school, the larger-than-life tradition of Texan BBQ, and American-style cooked breakfasts are popular the world over.

Authentic Americana experiences can be found via the pop culture cool of Sun Dog Diner, featuring an all-day breakfast menu and serious Mex-appeal alongside classics like Mac-n-Cheese (aka The Greatest Show on Earth).

If you’re looking for a classic New York-style steakhouse experience, Bloody Mary’s at the Rydges Latimer is a brooding, sophisticated space furnished with dark oak and buttery leather where they take steaks very seriously.

Look no further than Orleans for a spot brimming with atmosphere and offering the menu of all your creole-inspired dreams. Sit back with a whiskey or cocktail and enjoy some toe-tapping local jazz, funk and soul, live three nights a week.

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

The fiery spices and tang of Latin American food are unmistakable. Maize is the staple ingredient in the region, but its uses are as diverse as the continent itself – everything from tortillas to tacos, Colombian and Venezuelan arepas to Salvadorian pupusas – and the piquant spices and salsas of the region such such as guacamole, pico de gallo, mole, chilli and many more have become foodie favourites the world over.

MEXICO Mexicano’s on Victoria Street serves up fine Mexican street food in stylish surrounds with an emphasis on fun – provided you’re able to get a table (book early!). With its Tarantino-cool fitout and buzzing atmosphere finished off with hip and friendly staff and an authentic south-of-the-border soundtrack, Mexico on Manchester Street offers fresh and feisty Mexican fare and a laidback vibe.

“Christchurch’s craziest Mexican Joint”, Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar, has set up shop in The Terrace and features former Strip fave Coyote Street Bar & Restaurant’s 137-year-old kauri doors. Stop by to experience the laxed Cali vibe and great tastes of Mexicali Fresh and the signature California Burrito. A variety of food suiting all dietary requirements is on offer at all four locations.

LATIN AMERICA With some serious street food cred, the team at Caribe Latin Kitchen, at shared eatery space Little High, turn out tasty treats like arepas, tapas, tacos and more, plus stunning cocktails. Mere metres away, sister outfit El Fogón Grill is a South American-style grill house, offering a wide range of the tastes of Argentina, Brazil and more.
If it’s authentic Argentinian BBQ, or asado, you are after, then head to El Quincho, in Riverside Market. All dishes are cooked using mānuka and kānuka wood, which give the meat a unique and mature smoky flavour. The art of asado is cooking in its purest form – just a grill, fire and meat.

MENUS WITHOUT BORDERS

The menu at Barberra, in Cambridge Terrace, is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and the flavours and influences of the Pacific Rim. Go there for a modern, fresh take on dining that features shared plates as well as the more traditional entrée, main and dessert. The custom-built charcoal grill is a huge feature of the open-plan kitchen.

Cellar Door wine bar offers one more excuse to visit the beautiful and historic Arts Centre. Embark on a curated “wine flight” tasting experience and choose from a selection of seasonal food curated especially to complement your drop.

In the heart of Merivale, No.4 Bar & Restaurant is a great place to relax with friends and take advantage of the many weekly specials. Boasting a heated courtyard, candlelit restaurant and even a cosy library, this is the perfect place to settle in on a cold winter’s evening accompanied by one of No.4’s legendary platters.

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of the perfect steak, Jaba Grill & Bar should be high on your list. The meat is sourced from local New Zealand suppliers and the unbeatable charcoal flavours come hot off an absolutely authentic grill. Be sure to try the ribs as well – they’re harder to beat than a drumstick.

Dux Dine has a fabulous menu of plant-based fare and Kiwi seafood, and is situated in the historic and homely old Riccarton Railway station master’s house. Dux Central is a social hub and craft beer nirvana, serving hearty mains, pizzas, burgers, platters and sharing plates. Completing the stylish Dux Group outfit is Terrace Tavern, a bar with a view serving up Kiwi flavours and a Kiwi-based drinks menu. Located in Christchurch’s buzzing hospitality precinct overlooking the Avon River, this is the place to grab yourself an ample main course, a glass of New Zealand wine and watch the world go by.

Leading the way in sustainable brewing, The Fermentist is also committed to meeting the same standards with its menu. This means a mainly plant-based menu with limited meat and seafood options. Expect amazing flavours still, including delicious tofu bites that taste like popcorn chicken.

Head to Lu Lu’s Bar and Eatery in Victoria Street for a taste of the indigenous cuisine of Aotearoa. The menu brings together food resources, or mahinga kai, from near and far, including free-range chicken from local farms and flavourful pāua from the nutrient-rich waters of the Chatham Islands. For Māori-infused kai with a twist, check out this stylish little bar and eatery in the heart of the CBD. You have to try Aunty Tau’s fried bread and Nan’s Steam Pudding.

In the nearby Sudima Christchurch City hotel, Vices & Virtues is a modern and welcoming restaurant and bar. Experience the atmosphere for yourself along with dishes including sustainable line-caught fish, Canterbury Wairiri Buffalo Burrata and sous vide New Zealand Angus eye fillet.

In Merivale, the team at Aikmans Bar & Eatery have a tasty selection of small plates, platters, brunches and dinners that capture the best of New Zealand cuisine and its flavours.

At The Elmwood Trading Co. in Strowan, the menu is full of variety and flavours. There’s Pork Sliders, Chicken Carbonara or Blue Cod Fish ‘n’ Chips for lunch. For dinner, try the Balinese Chicken Curry or old-fashioned Bangers and Mash. The go-to bar in Addington for more than 25 years, The Miller Bar & Café puts traditional NZ fare front and centre on the menu, and the prices are affordable as well.

In Kaiapoi, Urban Revival serves up delicious local fare and healthy eats each day. The eclectic surrounds make for a relaxed dining experience where you can indulge in the vast menu on offer.

In Halswell, the talented chefs at The Old Vicarage can cater for all dietary requirements. The menu boasts a Vegan Dinner Bowl, an Antipasto Platter, Smoked Venison Short Rib and Angus Beef Fillet alongside some exquisite eats cooked on the outdoor charcoal BBQ.

Head up the Port Hills for Sign of the Takahe. This unique Category 1-listed heritage building boasts stunning views of Christchurch as well as a splendid café, bar and restaurant setting.

At the historic Governors Bay Hotel, the menu includes classic beer battered fish and chips, seafood chowder, tasty sharing plates and delicious desserts. Try one of their burgers or the beef – Governors Bay has won the Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards for nine consecutive years.

Over in Burnside, Sevantis Restaurant & Café serves up delectable fare by way of their award-winning Head Chef Ella Mao. Ella and her team have won the Gold Plate, which recognises the highest culinary standard in the  Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards. They have also been voted one of the Top 150 New Zealand Restaurants by Cuisine magazine.

Fancy a sea view on the side? Head to New Brighton’s Salt on the Pier for a hearty brunch or lunch, or a romantic dinner for two. The signature Akaroa Salmon is sure to have you heading back for more.

Further afield, Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro in the Waipara Valley offers a tasty combination of European-inspired and Kiwi favourites as well as comforting pub-style dishes that will entice and delight.

AFRICA

Somewhat unfairly neglected by much of the rest of the world for a long time, Africa’s cuisine has more recently grabbed some of increased attention within the international culinary scene. The traditional North African flavours of Morocco, Egypt and Algeria in particular are now well known and appreciated by foodies all over the world, but the considerable regional varieties of the rest of the vast, culturally diverse landmass are also increasingly finding their way onto menus elsewhere around the world, from Mozambique’s (via Portugal) piri piri chicken to South African biltong, East Africa’s kachumbari and West Africa’s jollof rice.

The melting pot that is modern Africa has given the world the fusion food of Nando’s. Loved the world over, Nando's butterflied chicken is marinated for over 48 hours in PERi-PERi and then grilled to succulent perfection. Check out the Half Chicken with your choice of basting and PERi-PERi Chips from restaurants in the central city, Papanui and Riccarton.

MOROCCO Established by local chef and food identity Simo, Mosaic by Simo is a Moroccan culinary adventure in Addington serving up delectable tagines, salads and Mediterranean deli items, offering lucky customers a fresh taste sensation of authentic, aromatic spices and flavours. And Chez Simo’s Cafe & Bistro in Ilam offers a Moroccan-French inspired menu.

MIDDLE EAST In Riccarton, Prince of Persia Restaurant rocks some seriously tasty Afghan and Iranian fare, with handmade kebabs grilled over a charcoal fire for that wicked, rich smoky taste.

ASIA

The delectable curries of the subcontinent, the fiery heat, big flavours and sensational sauces of the Southeast, the succulent seafood of Japan and the huge regional variations of China – Asia offers massive variety in its cuisine. Ginger, garlic, chilli, soy and sesame oil are common themes, while rice and noodle dishes in a mind-boggling array of varieties satisfy as well as inspire.

CAMBODIA The true taste of Khmer has a Christchurch home in Khmer Angkor Restaurant, a family-owned establishment that fuses authentic Cambodian recipes with fresh New Zealand ingredients and home-grown herbs for a tantalisingly exotic dining experience. Try the satisfyingly creamy Chicken Satay with homemade peanut sauce, or dive straight into a traditional Kuy-Teav noodle soup infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

CHINA The city’s home of Chinese food on a grand scale is the wide-open dining room of Madam Kwong’s, which recalls the bustling dining establishments of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Lunch is all about yum cha, where the tasty morsels are served in bamboo steamers, while traditional Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine is cranked out at night.

Get into mouth-watering Chinese street food inspired by the multicultural influences and traditional flavours of Shanghai at Shanghai Street Dumplings, where dumpling master Norman calls on 30 years of experience to create crispy pot stickers, noodles and other delectable delicacies. Sharing Norman’s aim of serving some of the best dumplings you’ll find, the team behind Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar on Poplar Street in the city have matched the best of Kiwi attitude with traditional Chinese dumpling-making methods, along with beer, sake and inspired cocktails. They’ve also got an ‘eat on the go kiosk’ at The Colombo.

Zen Sushi & Dumplings, in the Registry Building office of the beautiful Arts Centre, is known as much for its range of delicious Chinese dumplings as it is for its donburi and Japanese curries.
For a street food experience you may not have tried before, grab a jianbing at J-Bings – it’s kind of like a burrito but so much more. Think tender meat pieces wrapped up with salad, delicious Chinese sauces and crispy wonton bits wrapped into a portable package.

In Little High, Eightgrains rocks boutique Chinese food that includes handmade dumplings, bao and some excellent Taiwanese and Sichuan cuisine classics.

TAIWAN Papanui hotspot Little Taipei Restaurant offers a traditional Taiwanese menu that rocks a tantalising mix of the classic mild, sweet and savoury flavours of the island. Broaden your culinary horizons with a bubble tea or a Taiwanese fruit-flavoured beer (mango anyone?) alongside one of their authentic street food dishes.

JAPAN Tucked in amongst the hustle and bustle of The Terrace is Amaterrace Teppanyaki, where the team slice, dice and serve up drool-worthy menu items such as crispy calamari, prawn tempura and omakase nigiri. Along Victoria Street you’ll find the home of the addictive Sushi Burger and other Japanese delicacies at Hachi Hachi (with sibling venues located at the Bush Inn Centre, BNZ Centre and in Rangiora).

Zen Sushi & Dumplings have an impressive lineup of options that include pan-fried or steamed dumplings, donburi and Japanese curries. Pick your own sushi or spoil your taste-buds with the set menu.

In Edgeware, the calm, wood-featuring interior of Tomi Japanese Restaurant is a prelude to a traditional Japanese feast and a premium sake range – among the best that are available.

In Addington you’ll find KUMO Japanese Cuisine – park up alongside the sushi train and take your pick of its tantalising contents, or order from the traditional sushi and yakitori dishes and fusion mash-ups on the menu. Legendary local fave Cookai Japanese Restaurant has new digs at The Crossing, so wrap your taste-buds around their signature classics of soft shell crab, tempura sushi, ramen, curry rice and then some, or take your pick from an array of sushi and sashimi from their train, all whipped up by experienced Japanese chefs.

Riccarton is home to SASUKE Riccarton, with an extensive menu that includes dishes ranging from donburi to curry, sushi, bento boxes and noodles. Their top-selling ramen dishes offer a variety of tantalising flavours including spicy miso and shio.

In Lyttelton, SUPER is a welcome addition to the port’s restaurant scene that offers its own take on modern Japanese cuisine, with a menu chock-full of delights like okonomiyaki with Kewpie mayo, brown sauce and pickled ginger, and organic karaage fried chicken with sriracha mayo and chilli pickled radish.

Tucked away at The Tannery, you’ll find Nori Table and its large selection of sushi, with over 40 delicious and unique varieties. The sushi bar also offers Japanese curry and udon. With a divine blend of flavours throughout all dishes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

INDIA You’ll find the authentic home of Indian cuisine at Coriander’s Ethnic Indian Restaurant. Dotted around the city, the three outlets offer a consistent commitment to great service and authentic, piquant flavours, and it's an excellent choice for a banging Indian banquet. At Mumbaiwala in the central city you’ll find distinctive Mumbai-style Indian street food with a mouth-watering menu of dishes that are designed to share, as is done in India.

Everest Indian Restaurant in Woolston puts a unique Nepalese spin on authentic Indian flavours, creating a taste experience that truly transports.

From European-inspired venison and mushroom curries to authentic Nepalese and North Indian flavours, Arjee Bhajee lives up to its slogan – this restaurant really is “Indian with attitude”. All the curries are gluten free and there are also dairy-free “stripped” curries on offer.

The beautifully-restored central-city Isaac House is home to Permit Room, where you can awaken your senses with aromatic smells and divine flavours from the banquet menu or the array of dishes including Dosa, South Indian Coconut Butter Chicken or Kadla Curry. The moody décor only adds to the experience.

Shree Jagannath Café, also in the central city, specialises in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes from throughout the subcontinent and China as well. Head there for plant-based, healthy eats, and their signature Dosa.

Touch Indian Restaurant in Tower Junction specialises in Southern Indian cuisine but also offers delicacies from across the subcontinent. The restaurant is a popular lunch spot due to its authentic food and friendly service. And being fully licensed makes it a great dinner destination. If you are after a curry, try a Thali platter with a choice of different curries and condiments with rice.

KOREA For tricked-up Korean (think Japanese, Korean and Mexican hybrid the Sushi Burrito) alongside classics, head to Rice and Paper in the city, while tucked behind you’ll find Steampunk Laboratory rocking street food staple cupbop. For KFC of a different kind try Monster Chicken’s signature Korean Fried Chicken in Upper Riccarton, grab a bangin’ bibimbap at The Station (housed in an old train station) in Papanui and head to Korea House in Riccarton for BBQ-yourself eats.

VIETNAM Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is done properly at Upper Riccarton’s Hello Vietnam Restaurant, where fresh, feisty and wildly authentic are the themes. Experience tasty, fresh Vietnamese cuisine at one of Nom Nom Kitchen’s three cosy restaurants in Strowan, Rangiora and Lyttelton.

PHILIPPINES Immerse yourself in the melting pot of flavours of the original fusion cuisine at Sari Sari Filipino Kitchen, in the central city. Check out their Chicken Adobo.

THAILAND Victoria Street is a real Thai restaurant hotspot; look out for Kum Pun Thai Restaurant offering intimate dining and the traditional tastes of Thailand in a relaxed environment. Victoria Street is also home to Thai fusion hothouse Spice Paragon, where stylish surrounds meet the bold and delicious flavours of next-level Thai.

Also central is The Nook Eatery, nestled in historic New Regent Street. It’s a cute little Thai place that packs a powerful punch.

Nom Nom Kitchen offers a range of fresh and tasty Asian fare, from the likes of traditional Vietnamese Prawn Cakes with Kumara to Thailand’s Tom Yum Soup, Indonesian Nasi Goreng and Beijing Sizzling Black Bean Stir Fry.

You will find both friendly service and real Thai flavours at Phuket Thai Restaurant on Papanui Road. BYO licensed, with an extensive menu ranging from mild to hot and – for the brave among us – Thai hot.

ASIAN INSPIRED At his New Regent Street restaurant Story, chef Shafeeq Ismail blends Indian flavours and local ingredients to create dishes that diners love to love. Example? How about Lamb Rump and Sweet Breads, Turnips, Current Ragù, Celeriac Purée, Herb Salad and Nettle Sauce. Story’s open-plan kitchen and homely setting make for a laid-back atmosphere.

At The Dish in Montreal Street, a sleek interior and excellent design complement a menu bursting with flavour and dietary options including vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Let the chef take you on an adventure through Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and fusion dishes.

In Victoria Street, King of Snake has a well-earned reputation as one of the city’s best restaurants, with a sexy, casual atmosphere that belies just how seriously the team take Asian food.