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Guest Food Editor Kate Underwood has rounded up a handful of essential establishments that have stood the test of time in this ever-changing cityscape. These are the spaces people often frequent to eat, drink, and come together to experience a slice of Ōtautahi.
ELIZA’S MANOR
82 Bealey Avenue
The Victorian heritage building, Eliza’s Manor on Bealey Ave, has always intimidated me. Built in 1861, this boutique hotel was previously a hostel and maternity ward, and now thanks to the eclectic bohemian revamp by hospo legends Francesca Voza and James Sumner (owners of Miro and ex-Francesca’s), I’d happily hibernate here all winter long. Preferably seated in the lounge bar caressed by a luxurious bowl of oxtail tortellini with smoked potato foam, pickled walnut and dill oil, an example of chef Liam Summers’ new a la carte offering for ‘Miro at the Manor’. There are traditional techniques with modern twists, like the beetroot tartare with black garlic, capers, and pickled guava. Picture yourself sinking into a plush velvet armchair, just as I did, with a New Zealand gin and tonic in hand, dragging housemade lavosh through ridiculously lush chicken liver parfait. I’m also a big fan of the nostalgic and umami miso fudge with rhubarb, fragrant lavender ice cream, and more gin in granita form. Sunday lunch is the new offering, where roasted pork or a mushroom and blue cheese Wellington are designed to share. Eliza’s is the stylish matriarch who will feed you lavishly and encourage you to stay a while.
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD WAREHOUSE
322 Tuam Street
@mediterraneanfood_christchurch
Visit on a crisp sunny Saturday, and the Med foods courtyard could trick you into thinking you’re seated in an Italian piazza, alive with Aperol spritzes, peach bellinis, and wine shared between friends. This speciality food store and restaurant attracts diners of all ages, returning for the duck rillette, filled pasta with sage butter, or a fungi mushroom pizza with truffle oil. The tasting platter or assaggio served with giant slabs of that glorious, oily, salty, and herbaceous housemade focaccia is my pick, and I never leave without a sleeve of charcuterie, a tiramisu, or a hunk of pecorino from the deli. Med Foods is the warm-hearted nonna, with flour all over her apron, who knows how to live.
POMEROY’S PUB
292 Kilmore Street
Lovingly dubbed ‘Pom’s’, this Christchurch stalwart needs no introduction. Whether you’re here for the British escapism, convivial atmosphere, craft beers on tap, or the notorious fries with gravy, it’s an essential Canterbury experience. Housing both the pub and Little Pom’s café next door, the antique brick building on Kilmore Street has been family owned and operated since 2001. I often snuggle up in the booths inside or huddle around heaters in the courtyard, dunking garlic chips in mayo and sipping on a pint of lager. If that doesn’t satiate, there’s rib-eye steak, a juicy fried chicken burger, and an addictive jalapeno cheese dip, too. This community watering hole is the reliable friend that won’t judge and will never let you down.
TWENTY SEVEN STEPS
New Regent Street Precinct
Upstairs within the heritage building on New Regent Street is a special kind of dining. Twenty Seven Steps has hosted many celebrations since opening in 2015. From soup served in a vintage tea cup to luxurious blue cheese cheesecake with beetroot (don’t miss this), a wintry risotto, eye fillet with Yorkshire pud, or moki with chorizo and crispy chicken skin; it’s all utterly delicious. At a time when shared plates are common, it’s refreshing to see a main course served on one plate. Owners Emma Mettrick and Paul Howells are opening ‘Downstairs,’ a more casual wine ‘pub’ underneath the restaurant, serving a daily slow braise and small plates. Twenty Seven Steps is the generous aunt with fine taste in New Zealand wine who’ll make sure everyone leaves satisfied.