Forget boring kids’ menus—discover fun places to eat with kids in Christchurch that turn mealtime into an adventure. From sushi on conveyor belts to DIY barbecue feasts, these spots make dining out just as exciting as the food itself.
Eating out with kids isn’t just about finding a place that serves chips and chicken nuggets (though that certainly helps). The experience matters just as much as the food! From sushi zooming past on a conveyor belt to superhero-coloured burgers and high-seas dining adventures, here are the fun places to eat with kids in Christchurch that turn mealtime into an event.
Read more: Kids Eat Free at These Christchurch Restaurants
Hikari Sushi Train
Who needs a waiter when your meal comes to you on a conveyor belt? Hikari Sushi Train at Riverside Market serves up fresh sushi with a side of excitement. Kids love grabbing plates as they whizz by, and the restaurant throws in themed surprises—like skull-decorated dishes for Halloween.
Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Sushi Shop, Rolleston
If you’ve ever tried to entertain a little one while waiting for food, you’ll know how tricky it can be. But at Sushi Shop, they’ve cracked the code: spend $30 or more, and you’re in for a treat—a mini sushi train for your table!
58 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
C1 Espresso
Where else can you get a hot chocolate with your own face printed on it? Or watch your food shoot through tubes straight to your table? C1 Espresso isn’t just a café; it’s an experience. Bonus points for the hidden bookcase.
96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Cameron Japanese Family Restaurant
Inside the big orange dome on Main South Road, Cameron Japanese Family Restaurant serves up delicious ramen and bento boxes—with kids’ meals arriving on race car-themed plates. It’s a great spot for an easy, family-friendly introduction to Japanese food.
208C Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch
Teppanyaki Takao, Kaiapoi
Dinner and a show? Yes, please. Watch as skilled chefs flip, slice, and sizzle your meal right in front of you. Flames, flying eggs, and a bit of friendly banter make Teppanyaki Takao a dining experience kids won’t forget.
67 Williams Street, Kaiapoi
Read more: Your Ultimate List of Restaurants and Cafés With Play Areas for Kids in Christchurch
Qubed Coffee Lounge
Opposite Longhurst Playground, Qubed Coffee Lounge is the place to go for ‘freakshakes’—giant, over-the-top milkshake creations that might just be taller than your child. Proceed with caution (or bring a spare sugar-crash snack for later).
1 Hamill Road, Halswell, Christchurch
Kaiapoi River Queen
Climb aboard the Kaiapoi River Queen for a scenic lunch cruise. The menu is simple—think locally made savouries, sandwiches, and sweet treats—but the real highlight is gliding down the river while you eat.
Kaiapoi marina Tom Ayers Drive, Kaiapoi
Black Cat Cruises’ Pizza Cruise
A 90-minute boat trip with pizza and stunning harbour views? That’s a dinner to remember. Departing from Lyttelton Wharf, this cruise lets you enjoy your meal while spotting dolphins, seabirds, and maybe even a seal or two. Just note—there’s a 20-person minimum to book, so gather your crew!
Lyttelton Wharf, Lyttelton
Read more: These Christchurch Cafés Do Free Fluffies for Kids
ChiChi Kitchen
Tucked into a shipping container in the Boxed Quarter, ChiChi Kitchen serves up incredible handmade pasta and creamy gelato. The cosy courtyard makes it feel like a hidden gem.
270St Asaph St, Christchurch
MukBang Korean BBQ Buffet
Riccarton Road’s MukBang lets you cook your own dinner—whether it’s a sizzling BBQ feast or a bubbling hot pot. Bonus: the kids’ buffet price includes ice cream. And if that’s not enough, they also have karaoke, so you can belt out a tune post bites!
35F Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Arbie’s Filipino Restaurant
Want to try something different? Arbie’s serves up family-style Filipino feasts, including their famous ‘boodle fight’—a massive spread of rice, seafood, meats, and veggies served on banana leaves. No plates, just hands (and a lot of fun).
1/245 Ferry Road, Waltham, Christchurch
Diner 66
This American-style diner is all about shiny red booths, thick shakes, and comfort food. The banana splits are huge, but if you’re feeling brave, try the ‘Pizookie’—a cross between a pizza and a cookie, loaded with ice cream.
88 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Heroes Burgers
Burgers with blue, red, and green buns? Check. A superhero-themed interior? Check. A retro arcade machine to play while you wait? Check. Heroes Burgers is fun, colourful, and perfect for little (or big) Marvel fans.
205 Hills Road, Edgeware, Christchurch
Sign of the Kiwi
Set high in the Port Hills, Sign of the Kiwi offers top-notch coffee and legendary scones with breathtaking views. The outdoor seating is tiered, so even the smallest diners get a good lookout.
Summit Road, Governors Bay
Read more: Christchurch Pubs, Bars and Beer Gardens With Play Areas for Kids
Cobb & Co, Papanui
Cobb & Co knows exactly what parents need: a dedicated kids’ game area filled with toys, screens, and even a fish tank to keep little ones entertained. Because eating a hot meal while it’s still hot is a rare luxury. They also have robots to serve food, adding a fun twist to the dining experience. And for those nostalgic moments, you can order a traffic light drink, bringing a bit of childhood joy to your meal.
484 Cranford Street, Redwood, Christchurch
YOLO Cheese Hotdog
Deep-fried hot dogs coated in crushed Cheetos, cornflakes, or Biscoff crumbs? Christchurch’s YOLO Cheese Hotdog takes snack food to the next level. It’s messy, ridiculous, and absolutely worth it.
88D Riccarton Road, Christchurch
Brazooka BBQ Brazil
If your kids are always hungry, Brazooka’s all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ might be the answer. Skewers of flame-grilled meat are carved at your table, and the friendly staff keep them coming until you tap out.
505A Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch
Retropolitan Social
Fancy a bit of retro dining fun? Retropolitan Social brings back the 1970s fondue craze, with molten cheese or chocolate to dip your way through. It’s interactive, nostalgic, and an excellent excuse to eat a whole meal with just a skewer.
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
The Store @ Tai Tapu
A short drive from Lincoln, The Store @ Tai Tapu is a charming café with a ‘Petit High Tea’ for kids. Expect mini sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fairy bread and sweet treats—served on a proper tiered stand, of course.
687 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Tai Tapu
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a total gem. Their café has this awesome outdoor seating area that leads right up to the deer enclosure. So, while you’re chilling with your coffee or snack, you might just get a visit from a few curious deer who’ll wander right up to the fence – cue the aww moment! Oh, and don’t leave without trying their cat-shaped fluffy. It’s as adorable as it sounds and totally worth it.
60 Hussey Road, Harewood, Christchurch
Got a favourite spot that’s missing from the list? Let us know—we’re always up for an excuse to eat.
Featured and image #1 is credited to Hirari Sushi Bar, image #2 property of nook NZ, image #3 credited to Qubed Coffee Lounge
