Riverside Market

What a great place for an incredible variety of food! Love this place cause you can grab a pizza, followed up with sushi, have a whiskey tasting, then eat some of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever had. It’s reminiscent of the legendary Chelsea Market in New York City. I definitely plan to return here whenever I’m in Christchurch.

We were in Christchurch for a couple days and we love this Riverside market for our lunch place! Plenty of options to choose from and got everything from snacks, mains, desserts, and drinks. There are wine tasting down in the main hall, coffee and pastry shop in the food section and a couple local produced on the ground floor. As a food hall, great seats with view on the upper floors and a proper bathroom available right next to the market office on the second floor. We loved that we can eat different things and sit and enjoyed it together. We tried Raman from Cluck Cluck Slurp, Dosa Kitchen, Chicken Empire, Sushi train, Great Pastry shop, Empire coffee. Definitely a recommendation to visit for meals!

Riverside Market in Christchurch is an absolute gem! 🥕🍞🍜 From the moment you step in, the vibrant atmosphere pulls you in—buzzing with locals and tourists alike. The indoor market is beautifully designed with a mix of rustic charm and modern vibes. The food options are incredible—everything from fresh produce and artisan bread to gourmet burgers, dumplings, coffee, and even Greek and Indian street food. Perfect for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal. I especially loved the variety of local and international flavors under one roof. There are also boutique stores, specialty groceries, and unique gift shops spread around the market. Everything feels well-curated and high quality. Plus, it’s right by the Avon River, so the outside views are a bonus. Great spot to chill, meet friends, or just explore on your own. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Christchurch!

A nice place to visit to get a variety of food and drinks. Came on Friday evening thus not many retail shops opened, but food selection is not short of choices. There are also neighbouring restaurants that you can dine in or simply takeaway.

I absolutely loved Riverside Market in Christchurch. I’ve been to markets like this all over the world, but this one has just the right vibe. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and full of energy. A heads-up, though—during peak lunch hours, it gets very busy. Luckily, there’s a large seating area right outside, which makes it easier to find a spot to enjoy your food. What makes this market so special is the incredible variety of food available. You’ll find everything from artisan coffee, Asian restaurants, and Greek food to mouthwatering dessert spots. The best way to experience it, in my opinion, is to grab small bites from different vendors so you can try a bit of everything. Some restaurants take longer than others to prepare food, so it’s a bit of a luck game, but it’s worth the wait. If you can, try to avoid peak hours—it’ll make the experience even better. Interestingly, Riverside Market is located in the heart of Christchurch’s central city and has become a symbol of the city’s revitalization after the devastating earthquakes of 2010–2011. It’s part of the effort to bring the community together and breathe life back into the area. Whether you’re a foodie or just love great vibes, this market is a must-visit!