Best coffee shops in Christchurch

The cafe scene in Christchurch has really taken off and what could be better than spending your day sipping endless cups of coffee and enjoying a crushed Av or cheeky egg bunch?

Lucky for us, the city is dotted with incredible cafes from the center of the CBD to Halswell and everywhere in between.

So bookmark this list, grab your foodie friends and dive straight into the best cafes in Christchurch.

suburban rascal

Halswell

suburban rascal is the perfect place for a little brunch the next time you are in the suburbs of beautiful Halswell. The warm atmosphere is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a long brunch. Whether you’re craving French toast, chili scrambled eggs, or even sourdough bruschetta with harissa hummus, their seasonal menu is sure to find the spot you’re craving. It would be remiss of us not to mention their incredible selection of cabinets where you will also find by far some of the best scones in Christchurch.

Child Sister

Christchurch Center

Child Sister has been a mainstay of the brunch scene since it opened in 2019. Step into the stylish and bright interior and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Sydney or Melbourne. Designed by a Sydney-based architect, it’s no wonder it’s different from the many industrial and intimate cafes that Christchurch has become known for. Located on Manchester Street across from Margaret Mahy Park, this is a beautifully aesthetic restaurant that serves all the usual classics with a Korean twist. Notable dishes include Kimchi Rice Omelet, Gochujang Shakshuka, and their famous Honey Butter Waffle Fries.

Saturday coffee

New Brighton

Nothing better than a coffee that looks like it was made for the perfect Instagram brunch shot. This is exactly what you will find on the beautiful waterfront Saturday coffee located in New Brighton. After taking a quick dip on the pier, indulge in indulgent dishes such as the Fried Chicken Burger, Banoffe Pie Waffles, and the Smashed Avocado Bagel. It’s basically the best treat after swimming!

Double

Christchurch Center

A newcomer to our garden city is Double found on Worcester Boulevard. After strolling through the Arts Center, head to this café for hearty favorites. The Courtside Bowl is a staple for a healthier brunch choice, otherwise slip into their Club Champ, which is their take on the egg classic. We have a feeling this popular new restaurant will be around for a long time to come.

The origin

Saint-Albans

Not your typical cafe, The origins the menu is 100% vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean it compromises the flavor. St. Albans Cafe serves some of the most beautifully presented and delicious food in town, as well as New Zealand-grown organic tea and specialty coffee. The small menu is filled with sweet and savory options ranging from pancakes to dumplings and is one of the best cafes in Christchurch.

Intact world cuisine

Burnside

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, step into Intact world cuisine in Burnside and only five minutes from the airport. Here you can enjoy your brunch by the fireplace or have it in their beautiful home garden. Their seasonal menu is packed with choices ranging from delicious salads to a karaage fried chicken egg Benedict and makes this one of the undisputed best cafes in Christchurch.

Addington Coffee Cooperative

Addington

You can expect to smell and taste the best coffee in Addington Coffee Cooperativeis an elegantly cozy place for brunch. Serving up all the usual brunch staples, their menu is especially enjoyable for vegans as they have a huge range of options such as pancakes, bao rolls, and mashed avo. This is the place to be for anyone who wants brunch classics and a great cup of coffee to wash it down. Hooray.

Southern Town Club

Christchurch Center

The new kid on the block, Southern Town Club on Welles Street, will quickly become your new favorite brunch spot. Their menu is small but powerful and offers the option to try a few things from their bite-size menu for those who want to share with friends or their larger menu if you’re in the mood for something a little more filling. Their drink menu is equally impressive and we have no hesitation in recommending their international brew filter coffee to take your coffee game to the next level.

Westend Stories

Christchurch Center

Tucked away around the corner from the CBD is Westend Stories. This modern cafe not only has stunning interiors, but the food is equally stunning. With an ever-changing and innovative menu depending on the season, this leafy space offers both indulgent and healthy selections for brunch. Think succulent chicken waffles with sriracha honey, maple mashed corn and roasted seasonal fruits, mashed greens with grilled halloumi and mint hummus and huevos ranchos with poached eggs and a charred tortilla. They even offer a wide variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options, making them the perfect choice for everyone.

Dose dinner

Top Riccarton

Found on Blenheim Road, Dose dinner brought this industrial area back to life. You’ll feel transported to Melbourne’s cafe scene with its extensive menu and relaxed vibe. You’ll find brunch classics, such as their decadent French toast, as well as non-breakfast options, such as their mouth-watering burgers. The cafe has both spacious tables and a comfortable booth, making it the perfect place to meet up with friends.

hello sunday

Sydenham

With one of the best and most interesting menus in town, hello sunday has been a mainstay of the Christchurch brunch scene since it opened in 2015. Lighter options like peach birch and nectarine to the more indulgent beef cheek mince and Mexican fried chicken burger, the menu is constantly changing but always tasty. Former post office then church, this beautiful Sydenham cafe is the kind of place you’ll want to take your mom, grandma, best friend, and all your out of town visitors, it’s just too Well.

Miró

Christchurch Center

Miró in the pink building Midland is the unmissable meeting point in Chur for its hearty and delicious menu. Think colorful smoothie bowls, delicious Egg Benedict served over hashish, and AllPress coffee to wash it all away. Formerly known as Cafe Roma, the Midland Building has plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the River Avon. This is a great place for people who watch over your poached eggs.

the little pompoms

Christchurch Center

A true Christchurch institution, the little pompoms is an elegantly cozy place for brunch. Serving all your favorite brunches with a seasonal twist, this is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to time and time again. Sharing a building with their older brother, Pomeroy’s, you’ll also find a selection of craft beers and wines available. If you like your brunch with cocktails, their mimosas and Bloody Marys are both worth a visit.

Are you done with breakfast and thinking about dinner? Browse our list of the 50 best restaurants in Christchurch.

Image credit: Suburban Rascal, Child Sister, Doubles, Untouched World Kitchen, Addington Coffee Co-Op, Westend Stories, Hello Sunday, Little Pom’s.