Canterbury Cafes

Christchurch’s cafes are some of the city’s hippest lounge spots and also some of its best restaurants.

Java Cafe (☎366 0195), at High and Lichfield St. The second story of Java looks out over the bustle of Manchester and High St. Multi-layered hot chocolate ($3) served in jam jars and the best breakfast in town ($10.50-14.50). Early Bird special bagel and coffee $5.50. Open M-F 7:30am-6pm, Sa-Su 8am-6pm.
C1 Espresso, 150 High St. (☎379 1917; www.c1espresso.co.nz). The best coffee in Christchurch. C1 serves a hipster set in an edgy industrial space. For a non-caffeinated option, try one of their smoothies ($5). Otherwise, choose a coffee ($2.50-5) or tea ($4) from their comprehensive menu. Open M-F 7:30am-10pm, Sa 9am-10pm, Su 9am-8pm.
Main Street Cafe, 840 Colombo St. (☎365 0421). The pumpkin and kumara balls ($13) will have even carnivores contemplating the meaning of tofu as they drink an organic beer ($9). Happy hour F-Sa 5:30-9pm. Th-Sa live band from 9pm. Open M 8:30am-3pm, Tu-F 8am-10pm, Sa-Su 9am-10pm.
The Coffee House, 290 Montreal St. (☎365 6066), near the Arts Centre. Situated near the Arts Centre and museums, The Coffee House is a great place to sip a cappuccino between cultural stops. Mains $15-21. Open M-F 7:30am-late, Sa-Su 8am-8pm.
The Bohemian Cafe-Bar, 256 Oxford Terr. (☎366 2563). Drop in for a cup of coffee ($3) or a pint ($5-7) on the patio and enjoy the riverview. The extensive wine selection is reasonably priced (from $7). Open M-F 7:30am-midnight, Sa-Su 9am-midnight.

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