Foodie tips when visiting Christchurch

Black Estate winery in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury.

Lisa Levy, of Inati restaurant, shares her tips for foodies visiting Christchurch
New Zealand.

Right now, it's a special time to visit Christchurch. Slowly but surely, New Zealand's garden city has blossomed with new bars, restaurants and shops opening regularly. Since the rebuild, the hospitality scene has come alive. There are very committed, like-minded people in Christchurch who want to see it recognised as a world-class food destination.

Although some old favourites have relocated since the earthquakes, new spots have popped up in the city centre and outskirts. Regardless, Christchurch has reinvented itself after very challenging years.

Here are some recommendations for visitors to taste the best of the vibrant dining scene:

For coffee: The Anchorage is a boutique coffee roastery and espresso bar on Walker St in Christchurch central. Owned by Ed Tanner, who also founded the Sailor's Son coffee roaster (run at the rear of the building) the Anchorage serves some of the best brew in Christchurch and the spot smells equally amazing. The Sailor's Son coffee is well-regarded and for good reason: they're passionate about what they do. You can watch Ed roast his beans and learn about their origins.

For brunch: Head to Miro, a newly opened stylish spot in the old Caffe Roma building on Oxford Terrace — a former Christchurch Institution. The brainchild of Francesca Voza (Francesca's Italian Kitchen), Miro is a beautiful spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch and anything in between. Grab a spot by the fire and settle in.

For lunch: Little High Eatery is Christchurch's newest and most unique dining spot with eight local and family-run restaurants on 181 High St. This little conglomerate of eateries is a great place to go with friends or family for an easy, relaxed meal.

For icecream: You can't go past Rollickin Gelato on New Regent St. This spot serves the best in the central city — icecream made with local, organic ingredients and seasonal unique flavours. Further out, try Sumner's Utopia Ice.

For a day out: Head to the wineries in Waipara and North Canterbury — Pegasus Bay, Black Estate, The Boneline to name a few.

For some retail therapy: Check out the new shopping precinct in the city, The Crossings, it's great to have new and different shops.

For dinner:

The degustation menu at Roots Restaurant in Lyttelton — the only three-hat restaurant outside of Auckland — is a must.

Lisa Levy, of Inati. Photo / Supplied

The Restaurant Association of New Zealand and Eat New Zealand are presenting the country's inaugural food and hospitality hui — a two-day gathering of local and international leaders in food and hospitality.

The event runs from October 24-25.

For tickets, go to eatnewzealand.nz/events/hui.

Lisa Levy is Christchurch Branch President for the Restaurant Association of New Zealand.