For most of us here in New Zealand, breakfast is more than a meal. Since it’s the first thing we start our day with, we’re always trying to find ways to make it a delightful experience in itself. It’s especially true for Christchurch. But with so many outlets having popped up recently in the city, it has become harder to choose where to go for your favourite breakfast meals. Who makes the best Pancakes? Who has the best Coffee? Or where can I find delicious bacon and eggs in town?
If you have such questions in mind, we are here to answer them for you. We’ll let you in on the best-hidden gems for breakfast, along with their specialities ‘you must try’ and ‘things to note’ before you plan to head out there. So here’s your list of the 7 best places for breakfast in Christchurch.
Top 7 Cafes for Breakfast in Christchurch
1. Little Poms Cafe
First on our list is the Little Poms Cafe, also known by its tagline, ‘your cosy neighbourhood cafe’. Located in Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, this cafe is known for its extravagant breakfast options from eggs benedict to the pancakes, but what truly sets it apart from the rest is its Vegan breakfast options.
The cafe has outdoor seating, which is an absolute delight during those good old sunny days. Additionally, this place is also known for its staff’s warmth. In terms of affordability, it’s somewhat of a mid-priced place costing around $20-30 Per Person.
Must Try Dishes
- Eggs Benedict: It’s a work of art here. These poached eggs are cooked to such perfection that some town folks have called it the best in town.
- The Hotcakes: These hotcakes are known for their generous portions and unique flavour combinations at the Little Poms Cafe. If you’re someone who loves to start your breakfast with something sweet, you’ll love it. Along with their french toast.
- Chinese Pulled Beef Sandwich & Grilled Halloumi: The absolutely delicious Chinese pulled beef sandwich and grilled halloumi come in great portions. Enough for 2 or for 1 if you’re hungry.
- Vegan Swap Options: Known for their Vegan variety, here you always have the option to modify your dishes. For eg. – you can swap bacon for halloumi, and they have many gluten-free and vegan options available at this place.
Must Try Beverages
- Espresso
- Long Black
- Iced Latte
- Chai Latte
- Oat Latte (The Vegan Option)
Things to Note
- If you’re planning to visit here on weekends, come early to secure a good parking place and a table at this cafe. As the place can get packed during breakfast timings at this place.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they take these seriously.
2. Under the Red Verandah
Situated in Tancred Street, Linwood, Under the Red Verandah features a historical architecture that provides an old heritage feel to it, which reflects homely vibes. It also has a sheltered outdoor courtyard, an absolute bliss for those sunny days. Another exclusive feature is that it’s a dog-friendly place. So you never have to leave your best friend behind anymore while going out for a breakfast treat.
When it comes to breakfast options, Under the Red Verandah is known to have loads of these. Which includes some of their breakfast combos and Vegan breakfast options. In terms of affordability, it’s an average-priced cafe costing you around $20-30 Per Person.
Must Try Dishes
- Eggs Benedict especially with Salmon: It is a treat to savour at this cafe. You’ll find perfectly cooked eggs along with salmon that just creates a whole unique dish on its own.
- Big Breakfast: Big Breakfast is a signature here. It includes a perfect mix of Streaky bacon, poached eggs, mushrooms, potato gratin, tomatoes, sausages, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce served with toast. So if you’re very hungry, this is all you need to order here.
- Vege Big Breakfast: Their veg-friendly big breakfast option for our vegetarian mates. It’s an epic ultra brekkie that contains grilled halloumi, mushrooms, potato gratin, tomatoes, wilted spinach, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce served on toast.
- Vegan Big Breakfast: If you thought the Vegan community would be left out of this big breakfast treat well, that definitely doesn’t happen at Under the Red Verandah. Their vegan big breakfast includes: roast potatoes, mushrooms, tomato, wilted spinach, vegan cheese and hummus served with toast.
- Oaty Pancakes: These vegan-friendly pancakes are served with plum compote, ginger mascarpone, white chocolate flakes and maple syrup or bacon banana and maple syrup. You don’t have to be an absolute vegan to try this. Its mouthwatering taste makes it one of the best breakfast options for all.
Must Try Beverages
- Espresso
- Dirty Chai (Vegan Option, Contains Soy)
- Mocha Iced Drink
- Coffee Served in a Bowl (Signature Beverage)
- Berry Smoothie
Things to Note:
- Call before making bookings, especially during the weekends.
- They have plenty of free parking space available, but during the peak hours, you may have to park on the street, which is a short walk of 2-3 mins to the cafe.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they take these strictly.
3. Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
Located on Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, the cafe is known for its cosy and busy environment. The cafe features a lot of hanging plants indoors creating a cosy vibe, while at the same it’s equipped with Gen Zs who like to take their laptops to a cafe and pretend to work there while sipping their latte.
Just like most coffee roasters, it’s known for its quick service and as coffee roasters, they are known for their out-of-this-world coffee experience all over Christchurch. But it’s not just coffee that attracts visitors here. They have an exclusive breakfast menu worthy of visiting this place. In terms of affordability, this place is mid-priced with $20-30 Per Person.
Must Try Dishes
- Scrambled Eggs on Toast: The most popular breakfast choice for their diners. And once you have it, you’ll know why.
- Smashed Avocado Toast: This delicacy comes in a good portion, often enough for 1 person to call it their breakfast. A vegan-friendly toast known for its perfectly balanced seasoning.
- French Toast: A common food item to find anywhere, but over here it’s a standout dish. A Brioche french toast that contains blueberry compote, banana, strawberries, vanilla mascarpone and maple.
- Cheese Scones: These scones made with cheese are known for their size and buttery richness that provide a sensational experience to your taste buds.
Must Try Beverages
- Trim Triple Shot Flat White (Cafe’s Signature)
- Roasted Decaf
- Filtered Coffee (Cafe’s Signature)
- Hot Chocolate
Things to Note:
- Due to its busy vibe, the place can get a bit louder during peak hours. Just a few of many coffee lovers chatting.
- This is a Self Service Place. Food will be served to you but you’ll have to go up to the counter to order.
- Parking here can be limited or paid. Although free parking can be availed nearby.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they strictly follow these.
4. Good Habit
Good Habit Cafe based in Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, is known for its charming vibe which comes from the fact that it’s located at the site of an old convent and its inside seating includes spacious light-filled interiors. The cafe also has an outdoor seating area with a lovely garden, where people can savour the breakfast delicacies in the fresh air. One of the few Breakfast Heavens indeed.
The Good Habit Cafe is widely known for its affordability. As this is a low-priced cafe that can cost you around $10-20 only. So if you’re looking to treat your friends and family with some breakfast without draining your wallet, this is your place to be.
Must Try Dishes
- Blueberry Pancakes with Bacon: The flavour and the combination of sweet and savoury are perfectly balanced in this dish. It contains fresh blueberries and the pancakes are always light and fluffy, both on your wallet and in your mouth.
- Kimchi and Smoked Cheese Soufflé Omelette: Their signature dish and one of the rare options to find in Christchurch. Contains Kochijang, greens and crunchy radish. This extravagant twist to a regular omelette makes it a standout breakfast dish at this place.
- Cheese Scones: These are baked fresh here for every day servings. And to have a heavenly experience, just pair them with some coffee.
- Spiced Plum Porridge: A Vegan-friendly option at his cafe which contains maple nut sprinkles, yoghurt, coconut chip and puffed millet. Tastes much much better than regular porridge and is nothing short of heavenly to a Vegan.
Must Try Beverages
- Coffee (This includes: Flat White, Cappuccino and their signature Filter Coffee)
- Smoothies (Includes: Cacao, banana and peanut and Spiced Plum)
- Kombucha (Good Habit’s special brew)
Things to Note
- Parking is hardly an issue here as the place has plenty of parking space available.
- The cafe can get busy however during the peak hours so, you might have to wait to get a table.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they follow these strictly.
5. Hello Sunday
Another Pet-friendly place on our list, which is located on Elgin Street, Sydenham. It’s a charming cafe with an elegant cosy vibe known for its unique options for breakfast and housemade options. The staff here is extremely friendly which adds to it one of the many qualities. Hello Sunday is one of the very few places in Christchurch that provides Mediterranean options for breakfast.
The other comfortable aspect of this cafe is its nook seating. There are small nooks around the cafe that create a sense of privacy for the guests. In terms of affordability, this place is slightly higher than mid-priced places. Where the average spending can go up to $20-40 per person. Additionally, the cafe also has a small garden outdoor seating which provides somewhat of a tranquil and zen-like experience.
Must Try Dishes
- Shakshuka: One of the very few places not just in Christchurch but also in New Zealand that provides this Mediterranean dish called Shakshuka and it doesn’t disappoint at all. In fact, this signature dish of theirs is almost as authentic in taste as one may find in Greece itself. It’s served with their in-house flatbread.
- Beef Cheeks Hash: Another one of their signature breakfast options. Beef cheeks hash is a standout dish that’s most ordered here due to its unique flavours.
- Duck Waffles: To add something sweet to your breakfast, this innovative dessert dish is perfect. It’s also one of their best-selling.
- Gnocchi with Roasted Hazelnuts: The way Hello Sunday combines Gnocchi with Roasted Hazelnuts is actually an art in itself. We can’t describe it enough through words alone, you gotta taste it to know it.
Must Try Beverages
- Coffee (with an option to turn it Vegan with oats, almonds, soy etc)
- Housemade Focaccia & Hot Chocolate (Contains their inhouse focaccia)
- Strawberry & Cream Smoothie
Things to Note
- This is a dog-friendly establishment.
- There’s ample parking around the cafe. So no parking issues here.
- Prior reservation is recommended especially if you’re planning to visit here on the weekends.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they follow these strictly.
6. LeBakermen Cafe & Bakery
If you’re craving for some pies and pastries, then you need to visit this place as it’s one of the best for some pastries, pies and coffee. LeBakermen Cafe & Bakery situated on Wigram Road, Halswell, is known for its sweet tooth breakfast options. It has all sorts of pies and cakes that they bake from scratch.
In terms of affordability, it’s a low-priced place where you can expect to spend $10-20 per person. It has a cosy vibe with indoor as well as outdoor seating available.
Must Try Dishes
- Venison Pie: One of the most loved pies here. This is a gourmet version of the Kiwi meat pie experience.
- Chicken, Cranberry & Brie Pie: The combination of something sweet with savoury has never tasted this good. Contrary to popular belief, this actually combines so well, that it tastes heavenly.
- Pistachio Carrot Cake: One of their signature cakes. Tastes so fresh and delicious, especially with some coffee.
- Cinnamon Scroll: Here’s the other signature sweet item on their list. This place probably served the best cinnamon scroll in the Christchurch area, if anyone else makes these at all around here.
Must Try Beverages
- Matcha Latte
- Flat White
Things to Note
- Limited Gluten-free options at this cafe.
- The place has ample parking area, so no parking worries here.
- Due to limited seating, it can always get crowded during peak hours so prior reservation is recommended on weekends.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they follow these strictly.
7. Foundation Cafe
Located within Christchurch’s Tūranga Library, Foundation Cafe is truly a hidden gem when it comes to rating it as a breakfast spot. The ambience of the cafe being in the library kind of gives it a serene look. And since it’s a library, you won’t get complaints of loud noise here. This cafe provides you with a calm and cosy atmosphere. They play soft French music here and it has windows that overlook the cathedral square.
In terms of budget, this is a low-priced cafe where one can expect to spend $10-20 per person. And how does it rate in terms of breakfast options? Let’s have a look.
Must Try Dishes
- Cheese Scones: If you’re a cheese scones lover and wanna have it as breakfast. Then head to this place as they serve one of the best cheese scones in town.
- Eggs Benedict: Another one of their signatures. A must try at this outlet.
- Jalapeno Cheddar Croissant: This is the only place we found in Christchurch that actually served and oh boy, it is something worth travelling to this place for breakfast.
- French Toast with Bacon: This is something that you can find at many places but we’re sure it won’t be as scrumptious as this one. Do give it a try the next time you’re there.
Must Try Beverages
- Flat White
- Ginger Lemon Tea (Cafe’s Signature)
- Long Black with Cream
Things to Note
- The cafe closes around 4 P.M. and the kitchen closes at 2 P.M. So plan your visit accordingly.
- Ample Parking space is available, so not really a concern in this area. Given the timings of the cafe.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the cafe as they follow these strictly.
Conclusion
So there you have it folks. The best place for breakfast in all of Christchurch area. This town has so much variety to offer that there’s hardly anything you might miss for your breakfast options. From hotcakes to egg benedicts, pies and toasts, the vegan options along with different variations of coffee. With these 7 cafes, your breakfast is surely meant to be extraordinary in the city of Christchurch.
So give yourself a day off and go out for some scrumptious breakfast instead.
Last modified: January 15, 2025
