Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar
Review
About
Travelers' Choice
2024
Sophisticated, sociable and relaxed, Fiddlesticks Bar & Restaurant is Christchurch's newest retreat. This distinctive centrally located restaurant and bar provides an inviting atmosphere in which to while away some time. Watch the street side activity while soaking up the ambiance in front of a roaring outdoor fire in our well sheltered courtyard, or join friends in one of the intimate dining spaces.Providing in-season, sensational local fare, the talented kitchen crew offer up a menu of beautifully cooked tasters and intriguing meals. Open from 8am for coffee and pastries, with a full menu served from 11am, or from 9am for brunch on weekends - Fiddlesticks is the perfect place to kick back and unwind in the heart of our city.
Features
CUISINES
European, New Zealand
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Dog Friendly
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Television
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Contribute
4.4
1,776 reviews
Excellent
1,033
Very good
545
Average
134
Poor
43
Terrible
21
Iwishtotravelmore
Christchurch41 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Another excellent night out at Fiddlesticks. Service here is superb, decor is nice - comfy seats and they don't cram the tables. Started with the Line Five and Chili Mango cocktails - we both loved our choices. To start we shared the breads with peppercorn butter - we will be back for this alone - would be good to just pop in for drinks and nibbles as delish. We shared Prime Cuts for the main - steak, roast potatoes and greens all cooked well. Lots - so we were able to take some home for the next day! But still room for pudding - we ordered the parfait and the espresso cheesecake. But as it was my birthday they so kindly brought me what I think was their small but perfect sweet treat with a candle - such a lovely thing to do - a nice surprise and super rich and delicious - will def have this next time too. The parfait was lovely too ( had to take the cheesecake home as full by this stage - but delish too) . This restaurant is superb - and seemed to be popular with a diverse crowd - we saw other couples of different ages, a work group and an aged birthday group and all looked as happy as we were. Will be back.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi Iwishtotravelmore,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know about your absolutely fabulous night at Fiddlesticks. We really appreciate the time you made to do this!
We are so pleased to know you had a great time at our little spot. Please know your feedback will be passed along to both the Chef team as well as our Front of House crew!
We look forward to welcoming you back to Fiddlesticks for another fantastic meal, soon!
Kindest,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written October 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MikeyJP17
Goudhurst127 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Popped in here because it was close to where we were staying. Had excellent Fiddlesticks Fish (Brill) beautifully cooked with an attractive range of accompaniments including prawns; the carrots with humus were also very tasty. My wife liked her different fish dish too. Good wine by the glass. We finished by have a glass of wine at the bar and were well attended by the young (English) barman. This is clearly a popular venue for locals.
Written November 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi Mikey,
Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know about your recent meal at Fiddlesticks. We're so pleased to know you enjoyed the food and service when you dined with us.
We hope to see you again the next time you visit Christchurch!
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written January 5, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heiko M
Canterbury Region91 contributions
May 2024 • family
Great atmosphere, tasty & fresh prepared food and friendly, attentive & efficient service. Not yet perfect (I was tempted to give them five stars) ... but close to. I guess the 4.5 rating feels quite right.
One easy thing to improve ... while I know that the Christchurch water sucks (chlorination) - would it be possible to filter that water before offering it to guests? The chlorine spoils the culinary experience
Written May 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flabuf
Sarasota447 contributions
Feb 2025 • solo
Fiddlesticks came to me recommended by the managers of the motel at which I was staying, so I decided to head there for lunch and try their lamburger. (Which turns out to be pulled lamb shoulder rather than some sort of chopped meat like a hamburger, which was fine. ) The decor is nice, the price is not totally unreasonable, and my lamburger beautifully presented. On the other hand it was underwhelming as far as flavor was concerned. Perhaps this is because there was none of the pickled red onion, beet root slaw, or even harissa mayo, that was supposed to be on the burger. All in all it was underwhelming.
That said, my server was nice, the service fast enough, though they did forget my grass of wine, this in spite of there being almost nobody else in the restaurant.
Understandably, we all have bad days and perhaps this was one of those. I would try it again, but hesitantly.
Written February 17, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi flabuf,
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the atmosphere and presentation of your meal, but we’re really sorry to hear that the flavors didn’t meet expectations.
We appreciate your understanding that off days can happen, but that doesn’t excuse the slip-ups. We’d love the opportunity to give you a much better experience next time and truly appreciate your willingness to give us another shot.
Hope to see you again soon!
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written February 24, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mandy B
Pinner70 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
Saw good reviews on trip advisor do just turned up.
Good advice from server re selection - we chose 3 small plates and a side - chicken liver parfait was very good and the crackers were great . disappointed that cauliflower satay dish was deep fried as this wasn’t mentioned in the description. Chicken dish was good and salad was delicious
Nobody asked how we were enjoying the meal - this seems standard though in NZ.
Overall happy customers
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi Mandy,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your recent experience at Fiddlesticks! We are so pleased you had an overall fabulous time with us.
We will take your feedback on board and utilise it to improve our food and service in the future.
We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Written December 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chloë P
Takapuna30 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Lovely chilled atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. Myself and my dad visited Fiddlesticks on a Sunday evening when many other places were closed for dinner. So happy we booked here though! We shared the nibbles of olives, paprika popcorn etc to start which was delicious. Both had the very tasty and fresh fish and chips for our mains. A lovely wine list too! Really enjoyed our evening here.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi 913chlo_p,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so pleased you and your dad had a fabulous time and were looked after well by our incredible team.
We can't wait to see you back again soon!
Written December 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ScottB
Shepparton84 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We went to celebrate our wedding anniversary which we made notes of in the booking and staff didnt even mention it during the evening so was mildly disappointing. The mains were quite tasty but a side of vegetables was just pumpkin only which was a bit unexpected thinking it would be a mix of veggies at least. The deserts were lacking in flavour so also disappointing and then while eating desert the kitchen started blasting exceptionally loud hard rock music so it was hard to even hear each other talk in the restaurant section where we were sitting close by so we left and wondered if this was there intention all along! Wouldnt go back personally.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi SDRJB,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know of your recent experience at Fiddlesticks. We appreciate any and all feedback from our guests.
It seems as though we have dropped the ball on this occasion, please accept our sincerest apologies that your meal and service was not up to our normal standard.
Please know our seasonal veg does change daily and is usually a dish consisting of one or two veg options and is usually explained by our staff on your arrival - i'm sorry if this was not done at your table. I will pass your additional feedback regarding the food directly onto our Executive Chef.
We would love to welcome you back at Fiddlesticks again - if you could please let me know directly at erin@maestrohospitality.co.nz I will ensure you and your guests are looked after properly.
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written July 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda G
24 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Brilliant choice we made for our last night of our holiday in Christchurch.
We hadn't made a reservation as it was a Wednesday evening so didn't think it would be a problem getting a table @ 7.30/8pm...how wrong were we.
However we were asked to come back in 25 mins and that would give them chance to clear some tables...(so we nipped to Peacocks, near the Art gallery over the road for a glass of fizz, very nice too)
Back at Fiddlesticks
We started with the satay cauliflower & parfait...absolutely delicious.
We then both chose the fillet steak, cooked perfectly & the duck fat potatoes were amazing. Reasonably priced &
very friendly staff.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun Halliwell
Thanks for a great review and we're stoked that we could make your last night a memorable one.
Will pass your kind comments onto the team
Safe travels and hope one day we'll see you again soon.
Written November 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
roberto2451
Christchurch3 contributions
Apr 2023 • family
My wife her brother and his wife and I dined at Fiddlesticks on Wednesday 12th evening for my wife’s birthday.
The service was outstanding and we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening there. The food was - as always - next level and we couldn’t fault anything that night. Although we hadn’t been there for a few months the new menu was comprehensive and catered for all tastes.
The wait staff were very knowledgeable and very prompt and very polite with their service.
This is our most preferred venue to dine in in the city and. We will be back again soon for another celebratory evening
Please pass in our grateful thanks to the staff for their service and to chef and team for fantastic meals
Thanks and we look forward to going back again soon
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi roberto2451,
Thank you so much for posting about your recent meal at Fiddlesticks. Our staff love reading feedback such as this and were so happy to know that you enjoyed your meal and service.
Looking forward to welcoming you back again for another delicious meal again soon!
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written April 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jenpar225
Reading90 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
We chose this restaurant to meet with friends and found it to be very friendly, with a good choice of food and drink. We enjoyed the tarakeihi fish and chips which were very tasty. It was busy so we had to leave our table after 2 hours, but they found us seats in the bar. Highly recommended.
Written February 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi Jenpar225,
Thank you so much for your kind words and 5 bubble rating! We're so happy to know you enjoyed your meal and were looked after by our friendly service.
We look forward to welcoming you back again when you next visit Christchurch.
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written February 19, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill s
Bristol64 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Had dinner here after hearing several recommendations and they were not wrong.
We chose chicken and fish mains which were superbly cooked and presented in a friendly and efficient way.
The atmosphere is wonderful, although I do question having young kids running around and rather disturbing things.A ban on kids entering after say 7.30pm or so? Not all adults appreciate such interruptions.
That apart this restaurant is good value for money and well worth a visit.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErinMaestroHospitality
Hi Bill s,
Thank you for your kind words and your 5 bubble review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your meal and service at Fiddlesticks - looking forward to having you back again soon.
Written January 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pam M
Denver353 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
This is a fine-dining house with a very relaxed, pub-like vibe and we had a WONDERFUL dinner here! Unlike many restaurants in NZ, Fiddlesticks serves normal-size portions (most restaurants we visited served enough for 2 or 3)! My fish Main was served with roasted whole carrots and beetroot hummus … and a feta emulsion that still makes my mouth water! Our server was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Oh, and their house wine was delish!
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse
6 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
Great service, friendly and fast, beautiful decor and an upfront menu. The cocktails were amazing! The food was delicious and presented like a 5-Star Michelin restaurant! Our server, Jasmine, was super friendly and patient, polite and professional. She had multiple tables including a 15 top arriving shortly and was more than able to make sure our food was promptly delivered and picked up, drinks were served and that we enjoyed our meals.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin Duck
Hi smpotte,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know of your recent experience at Fiddlesticks. We are so pleased to know that you had a fabulous time with us. We think Jasmine is a great addition to our team and we're glad to know you agree!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written March 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim S
Benowa63 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
Outstanding dining experience from the moment we walked in. Staff were professional and welcoming. Our group of 10 sat down at 6.30pm, we had drink orders taken by 6.45pm and dinner orders before 7pm. We all had 2 delicious courses and we were out the door by 8pm, back at our hotel by 8.15pm in bed by 8.30pm! The food was beautifully presented, extremely tasty and above all, our meals were hot! Each plate was brought to the table extremely warm. No cold, soggy vegetables from standing under the warmers while the rest of our table’s meals were prepared. The prices are very reasonable for the outstanding level of service and food received here. We are bringing another group back next month and look very forward to it.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErinMaestroHospitality
Hi Kim S,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know of your recent experience at Fiddlesticks. We are so chuffed reading this, your kind words really made our day! Our team is so pleased to know you enjoyed every aspect of your experience and you were well looked after.
We look forward to welcoming you back again next month!
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written February 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VinceLedge
Clovenfords129 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
4 of us were here for lunch, atmosphere and service was good, decent beer and wine. We ordered burgers, steak benedict and the risotto. Risotto was very good and reasonable portion. The steak benedict was a very small piece of steak and small potato portion. The burger patties were nice, but the buns a bit overtoasted and with a small portion of chips.
So nicely cooked food overall but disappointing portions.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErinMaestroHospitality
Hi VinceLedge,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know of your recent experience at Fiddlesticks. We are delighted to know you were looked after well by our talented front of house staff.
Please know your feedback regarding your meals & portion sizes will be passed along to our Executive Chef.
Meanwhile, we look forward to having you back again soon to enjoy another meal with us!
Kind regards,
Erin Duck
Group Venue Manager
Written March 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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