Riverside Market in Christchurch offers a wide range of food options and cuisines, making it a fun spot to explore if you’re not sure what to eat. There’s Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Vegetarian, Indian etc.
We tried the beef taco and pork burger from Smokey T. Both meat were smoky, tender, and pretty satisfying. Not too bad. Portions are quite filling, especially if you’re a smaller eater.
The market itself feels like a food court with free seating and a rather lively atmosphere. Prices are slightly on the higher side, but the variety makes it worth a visit at least once. Overall, a good for a casual meal with plenty of choices!
Olga Olga
-
January 27, 2026
One of must see’s while in Christchurch!
The market is providing the variety of dining options for any taste.
From coffee and cake’s to more substantial bagel’s as well as hot meals from everywhere in the world.
Great variety and all under the same roof!
Great selection of local artisan products and something to take home cheese, olive oil, honey and so on.
Also a bar with great selection of alcohol.
Jane Alexander
-
February 20, 2026
Wow what a great place and drawcard for Christchurch! I had not known about it and so was particularly surprised and delighted when we stumbled upon the precinct. Very stylish design and huge, delicious, and very well-priced food selection. It looks as though there are events and extra entertainment happening as well to add to the general attraction. Can’t wait to return.
Due Via Strada Travel
-
February 06, 2026
Riverside Market, Christchurch
Compared to Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne and Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel, Christchurch’s Riverside Market like most things Kiwi, is just right. While many famous food markets lean heavily into tourism (and tourist prices), Riverside feels refreshingly local. Prices are sensible and welcoming: a glass of wine for about US$6, a beautifully made gin and tonic for US$8, or half a dozen fresh oysters for US$12.
I like to start my day here with a cup of Americano from the Japanese-owned Espresso Studio, followed by delicious pastries from Bellbird. If I’m really hungry, it’s either a sumptuous full breakfast from Bobby’s Brunch or an award-winning meat pie from The Butcher’s Pie Shop.
Lunch options are just as tempting: locally sourced blue cod fish and chips, salmon sashimi, or my personal favorite Pacific oysters from Little Fish Co. Sometimes I’ll sit at the bar with Adam at Mischief and pair the food with a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from his own winery. Another excellent stop is to try Curiosity gin, a small local gin maker, for the perfect gin and tonic served by an amazing sweet and knowledgeable bartender at The Spirits Workshop. I like the #23 gin which was the 23rd attempt to create the perfect gin.
Sadly, we’re only here for two days, so these are just a few of the many places I managed to sample before my stomach gave up. With great food, endless choices, and prices that keep both your belly and wallet happy, Riverside Market is an absolute must when in Christchurch.
Hope Newnorth
-
January 25, 2026
📍【Christchurch Riverside Market】✨ Located in the heart of Christchurch, this is a super popular Riverside Market 🏙️. It's not only a local favorite but also a must-visit food destination for tourists 🍴
🥢 Here you can find delicious food from all over the world:
* Thai / Malaysian cuisine 🇹🇭🇲🇾
* Greek snacks / Indian curry 🇬🇷🇮🇳
* Western burgers / Chinese stir-fries 🍔🥡
* Japanese sushi & ramen 🍣🍜
* Handmade gelato 🍨
* Draft beer 🍺
🎶 Even more special, there are live band performances! Enjoying food and music creates a fantastic atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing afternoon!
📸 Every corner is photogenic, with a relaxed and lively atmosphere,
ideal for strolling, eating, and taking pictures.
📍 Christchurch Riverside Market
✅ One-stop experience of international cuisine ✅ A must-visit city market ✅ Live band + food = perfect experience
Our Address
96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Riverside Market in Christchurch offers a wide range of food options and cuisines, making it a fun spot to explore if you’re not sure what to eat. There’s Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Vegetarian, Indian etc. We tried the beef taco and pork burger from Smokey T. Both meat were smoky, tender, and pretty satisfying. Not too bad. Portions are quite filling, especially if you’re a smaller eater. The market itself feels like a food court with free seating and a rather lively atmosphere. Prices are slightly on the higher side, but the variety makes it worth a visit at least once. Overall, a good for a casual meal with plenty of choices!
One of must see’s while in Christchurch! The market is providing the variety of dining options for any taste. From coffee and cake’s to more substantial bagel’s as well as hot meals from everywhere in the world. Great variety and all under the same roof! Great selection of local artisan products and something to take home cheese, olive oil, honey and so on. Also a bar with great selection of alcohol.
Wow what a great place and drawcard for Christchurch! I had not known about it and so was particularly surprised and delighted when we stumbled upon the precinct. Very stylish design and huge, delicious, and very well-priced food selection. It looks as though there are events and extra entertainment happening as well to add to the general attraction. Can’t wait to return.
Riverside Market, Christchurch Compared to Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne and Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel, Christchurch’s Riverside Market like most things Kiwi, is just right. While many famous food markets lean heavily into tourism (and tourist prices), Riverside feels refreshingly local. Prices are sensible and welcoming: a glass of wine for about US$6, a beautifully made gin and tonic for US$8, or half a dozen fresh oysters for US$12. I like to start my day here with a cup of Americano from the Japanese-owned Espresso Studio, followed by delicious pastries from Bellbird. If I’m really hungry, it’s either a sumptuous full breakfast from Bobby’s Brunch or an award-winning meat pie from The Butcher’s Pie Shop. Lunch options are just as tempting: locally sourced blue cod fish and chips, salmon sashimi, or my personal favorite Pacific oysters from Little Fish Co. Sometimes I’ll sit at the bar with Adam at Mischief and pair the food with a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from his own winery. Another excellent stop is to try Curiosity gin, a small local gin maker, for the perfect gin and tonic served by an amazing sweet and knowledgeable bartender at The Spirits Workshop. I like the #23 gin which was the 23rd attempt to create the perfect gin. Sadly, we’re only here for two days, so these are just a few of the many places I managed to sample before my stomach gave up. With great food, endless choices, and prices that keep both your belly and wallet happy, Riverside Market is an absolute must when in Christchurch.
📍【Christchurch Riverside Market】✨ Located in the heart of Christchurch, this is a super popular Riverside Market 🏙️. It's not only a local favorite but also a must-visit food destination for tourists 🍴 🥢 Here you can find delicious food from all over the world: * Thai / Malaysian cuisine 🇹🇭🇲🇾 * Greek snacks / Indian curry 🇬🇷🇮🇳 * Western burgers / Chinese stir-fries 🍔🥡 * Japanese sushi & ramen 🍣🍜 * Handmade gelato 🍨 * Draft beer 🍺 🎶 Even more special, there are live band performances! Enjoying food and music creates a fantastic atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing afternoon! 📸 Every corner is photogenic, with a relaxed and lively atmosphere, ideal for strolling, eating, and taking pictures. 📍 Christchurch Riverside Market ✅ One-stop experience of international cuisine ✅ A must-visit city market ✅ Live band + food = perfect experience