Neat Places: The best food halls and collectives in Christchurch

Monday, 2 July 2018

In a world where eat, sleep, work, repeat is often the common theme, the days can get a bit monotonous. But fear not – Neat Places has you covered with its pick of the best food halls and collectives in Christchurch. Cast aside that Vegemite sandwich, that limp salad, that not-quite-the-same-reheated curry – it's time to mix things up with some exciting lunch options. Not only will an interesting lunch perk up your morning as you count down the hours like it's Christmas Eve, it'll also ensure the rest of the day runs smoothly as you wallow in the glory of your good culinary decisions.

**The Little High Eatery

Lunch options at The Colombo certainly shatter an preconceptions of mall food.

255 St Asaph St**

Dumplings, sushi, gelato, fudge and street food snacks make the Arts Centre a very desirable lunch spot.

There is really nothing little about Little High. With an assortment of tasty cuisines, new businesses and much loved favourites, there's something for all tastes here. Whether you're craving a hearty burger from the much-loved Bacon Bros, next-level sushi from Sushi Soldier or a few delectable dumplings from Eight Grains, there's no chance of becoming unenthused here.

Street Food Market at Cathedral Square is a Friday must-do for lunch and dinner.

**The Colombo

Boxed Quarter is a truly out-of-the-box place for lunch and an experience not to be missed.

363 Colombo Street, Sydenham**

Once it was little more than the Spotlight Centre, but now The Colombo can lay claim to the title of being one of the city's most stylish and innovative boutique shopping complexes. And the food fits in perfectly. Here there is a particular emphasis on upping the ante with the usual shopping mall food court experience – think gourmet sandwiches, delicious Slideys burgers and hand-cut chips, handmade dumplings and impressive hearty meals and superfoods from Gre3n. Underground Coffee should keep the thirst of any eager shopper quenched. A far cry from the standard shopping mall experience, The Colombo has paid attention to the finer details and that's what makes it so good.

**Arts Centre

2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central**

With the potential to get away with a second identity as the Food Centre, the Arts Centre knows a thing or five about good food. Whether you're after dumplings and sushi from the popular (for good reason) Zen Sushi, a scoop of something delicious from Rollickin Gelato, coffee and delicious kai from Bunsen, a slice of something for your sweet tooth from The Fudge Cottage or some tasty street food from The Rolling Om food truck, you are in safe hands at the Arts Centre.

**Friday Street Food Market Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central**

Every Friday, Cathedral Square comes alive at 11am with music, food, good times and Friday feelings. The food truck options here are outstanding – think Kung Fu Dumplings, The Vagabond Chefs, Indian Express – the kind of food trucks that turn notions of soggy hot dogs on their head. The market is open until 9pm so you might even like to swing by after work for a bite and a boogie.

**Boxed Quarter

St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central**

A melting pot of art, music, food and culture, Boxed Quarter is a hub of innovation nestled in the city and the perfect spot for your next lunch. In true Boxed Quarter style, there's no chance of being uninspired in this department. From Thai, Vietnamese and Korean through to Italian and Japanese (Rice and Paper's ramen is not to be missed), Boxed Quarter's food offering is diverse but always guaranteed to be delicious. And if it's coffee you're after – Engine Coffee Brewers will sort you out with their delicious brews.

Discover more neat places around town at neatplaces.co.nz and download the free and offline Neat Places smartphone app.