Christchurch - New Zealand Restaurants

The First Cabin, located in the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, perfectly captures the essence of the Newport Harbor with its panoramic bay views. The menu offers classic Californian cuisine, with dishes such as creamy lobster bisque and beef tenderloin. Complimented by a wide selection of more than 600 wines, including vintages from around the world, The First Cabin received praise for its wine collection with awards from both Wine Spectator and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Chef Josef Lageder uses only the freshest ingredients the season has to offer for the menu, and even offers a special wellness …

Located on Alamitos Bay, McKenna’s is scenic and serene as diners overlook the peaceful Pacific while delighting in fresh seafood and succulent prime steaks. Although it resides in the midst of bustling Los Angeles, the tranquil eatery allows guests to experience the al fresco ambiance of sailing lofts as the fresh breezes roll in from the picturesque horizon cooling the grand deck. Lighting up the stage five nights a week, eclectic vocal, guitar, and jazz add smooth harmonic vibes to the relaxed atmosphere, entertaining patrons as they choose from a diverse menu with dishes such as the delicious Hawaiian Ahi …

Gemell’s Restaurant has been serving the citizens of Dana Point fine French cuisine for over a decade. Owner and Executive Chef Byron Gemmell is one of Orange Counties culinary elite, and his namesake restaurant reflects his depth of experience and knowledge with the dishes the serves that keep guests returning time and again. Patrons rave about the Lobster Bisque, Lamb, and Chocolate Soufflé, but with a full lunch menu, and Sunday Brunch as well, the dinner menu is not the only star in Gemell’s sky. The cozy dining room is the perfect venue for a meal with that special someone, …

Nestled in Dana Point Harbor overlooking the yachts and docks is Harpoon Henry’s. This seaside restaurant provides diners with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while offering classic seafood entrees. Many Dana Point locals enjoy munching on favorites like Beer Battered Fish and Chips or Coconut Shrimp while sitting under the warm California sun on its expansive patio. For more lavish diners, Harpoon Henry’s inside dining warms guests with a fireplace and upscale plates like Mahi-Mahi Macadamia, sauteed with Macadamia Nut Crust under an Orange Mango Sauce. Not only does the surrounding Dana Point Harbor provide ample people watching, but …

A premier full service dinner house since 1965, The Rusty Pelican is a Newport Beach landmark. The charming waterfront cottage features fresh seafood prepared in innovative ways, with dishes like "The Flagship”, a fresh brandy-herb marinated piece of mahi mahi dusted with cajun spices and Kentucky bourbon sauce. Serving lunch Monday through Saturday, a Sunday brunch, and the ever-popular weekday Happy Hour, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs lounge, The Rusty Pelican is a great place to take in the sights of the harbor. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its skylights and cathedral ceilings, and waterfront …

Opened in March 2005, Ocean and Vine is located in the gorgeous Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, next to Santa Monica pier. The swanky lobby sets the scene for an upmarket experience. The split-level, low-ceilinged room is attractive; the top level is dominated by a steel chimneyed fire pit, with striking artworks adding to the ‘wow’ factor. The cuisine, from Head Chef Robert Trester under the watch of Executive Chef Gregg Wangard, is Californian; each dish a showcase of local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes are near-faultless, and although prices are high, it’s worth coming here for a splurge or special occasion.

Rogelio and Janet Huidobro opened the first Café Sevilla in 1987, honoring their homeland with a Spanish restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. After finding additional success in Riverside, they launched in downtown Long Beach in 2006. Mid week, the old-world setting draws business types. Weekends attract a younger crowd for upstairs dancing and dinner shows. Café Sevilla specializes in pans of paella and traditional Spanish tapas. The reasonably priced wine list is especially strong on full-bodied Spanish reds like Tempranillo and Torre Oria.

Tucked amid the beautifully landscaped grounds of Heisler Park just steps from the Pacific, the stunning location of Las Brisas in Laguna Beach is worth a trip in itself. Once you arrive, prepare to be swept away not only by the gorgeous ocean views, but by a romantic setting, gracious service, and an enticing menu of Mexican Riviara cuisine. Chef Aurelio Sanchez’s menu is a treasure trove of culinary history, with recipes culled from the 3,000 miles of Mexico’s west coast. Specialty dishes include feisty Camarones Tampiquenos, prawns sautéed in spicy chardonnay-garlic sauce, and Tostones de Tenera, veal medallions topped …

Tanzore fuses traditional Indian culture with artistic modernity, creating a bold, brilliant ambiance full of energy and zeal. The upscale setting offers guests the choice of indoor patio, sleek lounge, or the luxurious white-marble bar, as well as the main and private dining rooms. One can never go wrong by trying one of their Tiffin to-go lunch boxes or their unique desserts such as the cinnamon poached kashmir pear. Diners are surrounded by an assortment of Indian beats, big screen Bollywood cinema, and native dancing. Who knew eating could be so fun and exciting!

With its stunning ocean vistas, island décor, and fruity cocktails, Duke’s Malibu is a relaxing paradise. Duke’s is popular with both tourists and locals, providing a laid-back escape from the flurry of everyday stresses. Named after surfing and swimming legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, this Malibu homage brings Duke’s distinctly Hawaiian legacy of island fun and beach culture to the spectacular Malibu coast. With their feet buried in the sand, and their bellies full of the freshest seafood, diners at Duke’s satisfy their wanderlust for tropical getaways without having to stray far from the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Canelé’s pedigree will impress those on both the east coast and the west, with Chef Corina Weibel hailing from Campanile and Lucques, and General Manager Jane Choi hailing from Balthazar and Pastis in New York City. Together, they have created a charming and intimate space, where simple, unfussy bistro food and a reasonable and carefully selected wine list team up to offer guests a flavorful respite. Think comforting dishes such as roast chicken with sweet corn, potatoes, and summer squash; seared beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, pommes frites, and creamed spinach; and salt-roasted branzino with parsley, celery salad, and capers. …

Taste in West Hollywood offers diners a California spin on down home American comfort food. Lunch features soups, salads, pizzettas, sandwiches and burgers, as well as pasta entrées. Dinner pares down the overall menu options, but expands upon main courses to include items such as Lobster & Brown Butter Risotto, Grilled Salmon, and Crispy Parmesan Chicken Paillard. Brunch, served on the weekends, offers a la carte items like Huevos Rancheros and Brioche French Toast, while a Prix Fixe menu allows diners to choose from a two-course menu for a flat fee. Every Thursday, Taste offers the “Farmers’ Market Dinner,” where …

Santa Monica Beach sprawls out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Catch’s elegant dining space, and serves up awe-inspiring sunsets nightly. The restaurant’s crisp décor incorporates colors one might find along the beach, and marries them seamlessly with the glistening mother of pearl sushi bar that invites diners to stay a while and indulge on the exquisitely fresh seafood selections Executive Chef Michael Reardon proudly showcases. Land and sea converge on the menu to offer an invigorating array of flavor. The Octopus Salad is and ode to the sea’s vibrant fare and the Hand Made Ravioli are a hearty gesture …

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did …

Executive Chef and Owner Akasha Richmond maintains the highest standards for both her culinary skills and the quality of ingredients she uses. Her distinctive New American cuisine menu highlights bold flavored comfort food that prizes sustainable and organic produce and meats. Many local purveyors throughout the region source the kitchen, and help to fuel visitors’ passions for thoughtful food. Small plates like the Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders invite guests to mingle around savory delights, while entrée selections like the Star Anise Braised Short Ribs and the Meatloaf may insist on not being shared. The unique specialty drink menu and fresh …

With wide sweeping views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, The Penthouse sits atop the elegant Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. The menu features a range as wide as the view. Breakfast dishes such as the Chef’s Daily Selection of Crêpes, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Moroccan Eggs showcase that this is not a run of the mill operation. Lunch plates include Wood Oven Flatbreads, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and entrees like the Pappardelle, Spicy Tomato Capellini, and Jidori Chicken Breast. Dinner offers Charcuterie Plates, hot and cold first courses, main courses including beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes, …

Beacon stands as a go-to destination for innovative Asian cuisine that seamlessly marries traditional technique with visionary flavors. Chef Matsusaka utilizes years of experience as both a classic and avant-garde chef to create a menu that is equally inviting as it is adventurous. Dishes like the Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad and the Miso Braised Shortribs shine in the stark yet comforting décor of the restaurant’s main dining space. Bare cement walls stand tall along floor-to-ceiling windows that wash the entire space in warm light, while the outdoor patio provides a relaxed and lively spot to savor the fine Asian …

Gaze out over the waters of Marina Del Rey, and nestle in for a rousing seafood-inspired dining experience at Shanghai Red’s. The restaurant’s Polynesian, Victorian, and contemporary architectural elements complement the similarly diverse and refined menu, and the welcoming lounge and cocktail patios invite guests to linger a while and truly savor the reprieve. Weekends are reserved for an award-winning champagne brunch that boasts both traditional brunch items and a selection of ethnic specialties; nightly delights include dishes like the Spicy Ratatouille Pasta, the Blackened Swordfish Steak, and the Sizzling Top Sirloin.

Downtown receives a touch of dining genius with the establishment of Bottega Louie. This traditional Italian café and gourmet market invites visitors to linger a while over hand-crafted pastries, specially coordinated entrée dishes, and stone oven pizzas; then they may humor their own culinary inspirations by perusing the market’s selection of artisanal cheeses, infused oils, pastas, meats, and other hard-to-find items. Head Chef Sam Marvin takes care to ensure his menu pleases the most discerning palates: Pasta dishes are served in slightly more petite portions to encourage patrons to sample any of the many tasty side dishes.

Gordon Ramsay lends his name and influence to the London West Hollywood’s newest fine dining addition. Channeling the celebrity chef, Executive Chef Andy Cook combines the sublime pleasures of haute cuisine with the freshest California produce for an approachably refined taste. Diners can choose from an array of a la carte options, or can place themselves in the capable hands of Chef Cook’s team by opting for market specials and tasting menus that highlight the best of the seasons. The décor acts as an excellent platform for showcasing the menu, blending opulent gold and crystal with comfortable banquettes for an …