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Starting the day in the best way. Exploring Christchurch's best brunch destinations.

Charlotte Searle —

Brunch:the meal time between breakfast and lunch. Brunch has become a new trendy part of the day for kiwi's to catch up with a group of friends and indulge over pancakes, eggs benedict, and getting the perfect picture for Instagram. Here, we'll explore five well known brunch cafes/ restaurants in Christchurch.

Drexels | Westfield Mall, Rotherham Street, Riccarton

Open: Monday - Friday 6.30am - 2.00pm

               Saturday - Sunday 7.00am - 2.00pm

If you haven't already heard of Drexels then some might think you've been living under a rock. Definitely one of the most popular spots in Christchurch for breakfast, Drexels is known for its American style diner experience and serves everything from your typical breakfast foods of bacon and eggs, omelettes, crepes, bagels and eggs benedict, down to sweet treats like pancakes, waffles and French toast. There's something there to suit everyone and at reasonable prices, including a specially designed 'kid's breakfast' for children under 10, and also caters for any special dietary requirements. No matter what day of the week Drexels gets extremely busy, so to avoid disappointment make sure you book in advance. Mall parking available.

Check out their menu and contact details here: http://www.drexels.co.nz 

Addington Coffee Co-op | 297 Lincoln Road, Addington 

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 4.00pm

               Saturday - Sunday 9.00am - 4.00pm

Known for it's beautifully presented meals, outstanding coffee and great service, it's no wonder Addington Coffee Co-op has the number 1 rating from Tripadvisor as the place to go for brunch in Christchurch. From porridge and muesli to the Big House breakfast and eggs benedict, or an indulgent breakfast of pancakes, waffles and French toast, this cafe will make it hard for anyone to decide. You can also enquire about their dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options in addition to the items from the brunch menu. Addington Coffee Co-op is open and relaxing with lovely old tables and chairs that makes it feel like you're in a farm kitchen. Great space outdoors to sit and relax in the sun. Parking available.

Pop over to see their menu and story here: https://www.addingtoncoffee.org.nz 

Hello Sunday Cafe | 6 Elgin Street, Sydenham

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 4.30pm

               Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 4.30pm 

Say Hello to Sunday by enjoying brunch with some friends at the Hello Sunday Cafe. As you might have guessed by the name of this cafe, Sunday is their busiest day of the week so bookings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Along with the popular breakfast selections, Hello Sunday offers some truely unique meals, like 'Shakshuka' which is Turkish style baked eggs with marinated feta, herbs and freshly baked Turkish bread, and 'Matcha Buckwheat Waffles' that is served with seasonal fruit, coconut textures, chocolate fudge ice cream and house syrup. So if you're feeling like trying something new, this may be the place for you! Rated number 2 on Tripadvisor as the place to visit for brunch in Christchurch and has great options for people with dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian requirements. Limited street parking available during busy times.

Follow the link to their website to see what they're all about! http://hellosundaycafe.co.nz

Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters | 254 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central 

Open: Monday - Sunday 6.30am - 4.00pm

Rated number 4 on Tripadvisors list of best brunch destinations, this place is a must visit if you're looking for somewhere to go in the heart of Christchurch city. While Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters don't take bookings, reviews from previous visitors say that it isn't too difficult getting a table and the employees offer fast and friendly service. The interior of this funky and modern cafe is beautiful, with high ceilings hung with globe lights and foliage, so you'll get the perfect Instagram pic. Not only does the brunch menu have great selection of meals but the cabinet food is known as being of exceptionally high standard that includes a range of slices, muffins and cheesecake. Street/ pay display parking available. Close to city bus exchange.

Pop onto their website to checkout their menu: https://www.unknownchaptercoffee.co.nz

C1 espresso | 185 High Street, Christchurch Central

Open Monday - Sunday 7.00am - 10.00pm 

C1 espresso is another great brunch destination in the Central city, rated number 3 on Tripadvisor for breakfast places in Christchurch. Open until 10pm you may find yourself back here for some dinner and a beer, or maybe just a hot chocolate. Re-established in 2012 after losing their old premises from the Christchurch earthquakes, C1 espresso is still as popular and quirky as ever. With features such as the toilets hiding behind a sliding bookcase and some food sliders delivered to your table through their pneumatic tubes.. this place will have you hooked. The breakfast menu has a good range of options to suit everyone, from a classic fruit plate or muesli, or onto something more hearty like their 'Super Choice Bro'  and breakfast burger. While this place gets busy during the day, bookings aren't necessary but it might pay if you want to reserve a table. Great outdoor seating areas available also. Street /pay display parking available. Close to city bus exchange. 

Check out their menu and drinks by following the link: http://www.c1espresso.co.nz