Restaurants
Obviously one of the best attractions of a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle - besides health and ethical considerations - is the great food. Christchurch boasts more vegetarian restaurants per head of population than anywhere else in New Zealand. Choose from a variety of ethnic cuisines. There is something to suit every taste and budget. Non-vegetarian restaurants in Christchurch also work hard to tempt in vegetarian customers. Here we have included listings from restaurants recommended by Christchurch Vegetarian Centre members.
CLICK HERE to download the Christchurch Vegetarian Restaurant Guide (Word version)
CLICK HERE to download the Christchurch Vegetarian Restaurant Guide PDF
Click on the link below each restaurant to read member’s reviews. Contact us if you would like to submit your review for inclusion.
Bon appetit! Kia pai te kai!
Click on the links below to go straight to each section.
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly Restaurants
Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants (In alphabetical order)
Dream Garden
We have finally made contact with Stanley from Dream Garden. He apologises for the inconvenience caused last year, but informs us that the restaurant has resumed normal opening hours, as of 01 February 2010.
Mostly Asian vegan, some vegetarian, dozens of bubbleteas and interesting vegetarian mock meat dishes such as roasted hedgehog. Close to the airport.
62 Kendall Avenue, Burnside
Ph: (03) 358 8485
Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 12pm - 9:00pm , Friday and Saturday 12pm - 11:00pm
Eternal Delight Gourmet Raw Vegan Superfood Cuisine & Conscious Superfood Boutique
Situated in a clean crisp sharp heritage building, you will find Australasia's #1 Raw Chef Patricia Ganswind (The Gourmet Raw Vegan Chef) and Paul Manera (CF Freemystic) helping you have the best day ever, with natural elixer craft all derived from plants here in Utopia! Everything is gluten, sugar, soy, dairy and egg free, unheated and still in its natural living state! The price is fair and the atmosphere is inspiring.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 to 5:30 pm (Evening dining is available but only by reservation)
Fridays between 5 - 9 pm: Fine Dining Experience (only by reservation). Menu changes every Friday. Contact us for the menu.
157 High St; Ph: 021 703345
www.eternaldelight.net
Fo Guang Tea House
International Buddhist Association tea house. The tea house is located at the newly built eco-building of the International Buddhist Association which also houses a gallery and Dharma hall ( Dharma services are held every Saturday from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Lunch is served afterwards). There are two set options for lunch which change daily and a small variety of snacks such as noodles and soups. Lunches cost under $10. Located on Riccarton Road, near Hagley Park.
2 Harakeke Street, Riccarton
Ph: (03) 341 6276 or (03) 341 6297
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:30am - 4pm
Krishna's Cafe (Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant)
Hare Krishna restaurant offering Indian food and some Western dishes such as burgers, savouries, cakes and smoothies. Main dishes $6 with a bargain $1 for a refill plate. Regular Yoga classes. For more info on these classes go to www.healthybalance.co.nz. Central location.
602 Colombo Street. (North of St Asaph St).
Ph: (03) 379 1373
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday 11.30am - 8.00pm
The Lotus Heart Two vegan/ vegetarian restaurants, eat-in or takeaway, operated by Sri Chinmoy students. Cuisine is global and dishes range from $7 (small) to $13 (large). Over 100 drink choices. The newer Cathedral Square premises can accommodate large group bookings and functions. Catering services available. Central location.
1) The Lotus Heart Cafe (Colombo St)
595 Colombo Street. (North of St Asaph St).
Ph: (03) 379 0324
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
2) The Lotus Heart Restaurant (Cathedral Square)
Cathedral Square (In the original post office building (now occupied by Starbucks) in Cathedral Square on Level One. Entrance is beneath the clock tower).
Ph: (03) 377 2727
Website: www.thelotusheart.co.nz
Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 8am - 4pm, Wednesday 8am - 3pm;, Thursday and Friday 8am - 10pm, Saturday 10am - 10pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm.
Soul Food, High St
Salads, burgers, stacks and pies and a range of cakes and muffins, coffees and teas. Indoor/ outdoor courtyard eating in revamped industrial area full of interesting and trendy shops and cafes. Central location.
Shop 4, Cotters Lane, 158 High Street
Ph: (03) 377 2108
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm
Welcome Chinese Vegetarian Cafe
One of the most extensive menus in Christchurch with over a hundred Chinese vegetarian dishes on the menu. Vegans well catered for with even vegan ice cream for dessert. Meals cost between $8 and $15. Close to the University.
2 Wharenui Road, Upper Riccarton
Ph: (03) 348 2630
Website: www.welcomecafe.co.nz
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm and 5pm - 9pm
Space of Love Vegetarian Cafe
78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton
Ph: 03 388 0124
The Space of Love is a unique vegetarian cafe, aiming to provide healthy, balanced, nourishing meals freshly prepared daily from predominantly local organic produce, in a relaxed, friendly environment according to Ayurvedic principles. Our philosophy is to allow the customer to decide the worth of the food and the experience, and put an anonymous donation into the magic box at the counter.
Vegans should let Sruti know in advance as he will generally prepare something for you.