Honourary bites

We are inundated with pleasurable things to eat across this growing cityscape. Forever searching for something that both intrigues and delights, our Food Editor, Kate Underwood, has collated a selection of dishes that serve up a little extra charm, from the levelled-up brunch to the fancy twist on lunch.

TOP PICK: Bar Yoku

Like many people, I come to Bar Yoku for the sushi tacos. Often bringing friends and family from out of town or simply a da te with myself. To me, it’s a destination. The epitome of a plate and place you’ll only find here in Ōtautahi. This modern Japanese Izakaya restaurant is situated inside The Welder, dubbed Christchurch’s shared living room; it’s also an event space and home to several businesses, including delightful wine bar Salut Salut. When my midweek lunch needs inspiration and something a bit extra, the Bar Yoku Donburi calls. Essentially a rice bowl with toppings, the ‘Charisu’ is my pick. A selection of sashimi is artfully presented alongside salmon, tamago (Japanese egg omelette), and avocado. Served with a bowl of nourishing miso – on a cold wintry day, this is the tonic. The veggie version is a great move too, where yakitori skewers of teriyaki tofu and mushrooms nestle in next to a pile of pickles and slaw. You can opt for karaage chicken or miso ginger pork, but whatever you choose, order a side of cabbage. Sounds strange, I know, but I genuinely believe it’s the best $4 dish in this city. Raw crunchy chunks of cabbage served with a giant blob of Kewpie (Japanese mayo) and a puddle of ponzu. Genius.

20 Welles Street @baryoku 

South Town Club

For many reasons, South Town Club (or STC) has become an extension of my home. Owner Dan Hobson and his team serve up delicious daytime fare with a difference at this cosy sun-drenched space on Welles Street. Alongside Coffee Supreme brews, it’s the enticing menu that keeps me coming back. Their famous gluten-free triple cheese and spinach scones have become a permanent part of my week, always toasted and lathered in whipped salted butter. But lately, it’s the seasonal omelette, a creation by head chef Jack Shewell, that combines butternut pumpkin, house-made ricotta, fried tobacco onions, crispy sage leaves, and vibrant lemon zest. It’s wholesome and exciting. Regardless of the time, do not bypass the STC fries. You’ll miss chunky spuds tossed in pickled red onion salt with an aged gouda dipping sauce, and that would be a tragedy. 

10 Welles Street @southtownclub 

Six Ounces

Since opening last year, Six Ounces has become a gratifying addition to the Merivale neighbourhood. There’s caffeine to get you going, along with focaccia sandwiches, flaky pastries, and nourishing soup that changes daily. In the evening, it moves to an antipasto paradise, where you can build your dream platter with charcuterie, olives, and a vast cheese offering. I fell hard for the gooey, molten baked taleggio cheese with truffle honey and sliced almonds. Scooped up with crisp garlic crostini, it’s a truly glorious creation. There’s plenty of great wine to sip on, too – including mulled. I appreciate that they take bookings and cater for gatherings, all with a lovely temperament. You and your dog can join resident blue Staffy Brixton and comfortably exist here at any time of day or night. 

178 Papanui Road @sixouncesnz 

Fiddlesticks

I’d heard about Fiddlesticks from several Christchurch locals; this establishment serves menus that span all appetites and desires. Located next to the Christchurch Art Gallery, its prime location captures nearby office workers, tram-hoppers, or hungry visitors browsing the latest exhibition. I sit across from a real estate group celebrating their latest sale and a senior couple devouring tempura fish and chips with two fat glasses of pinot noir. I like their style. I overhear people order the FFC (Fiddlesticks Fried Chicken) with candied kūmara and corn salsa, but I’m drawn to devour the chef’s house-made crumpets with hot smoked salmon and poached egg, balanced with sautéed broccoli and lemon vinaigrette. It’s a relaxed yet dignified space, perfect to slip in for a vino and experience a croffle (a croissant/waffle hybrid) served with chorizo, cream cheese, and jalapeno butter. 

Corner Worcester Boulevard & Montreal Street @fiddlesticksbar