Outdoor dining in the Botanic Gardens
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Curators House Restaurant

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A Spanish culinary gem nestled in the historic home of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens' curator, offering a unique dining experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Outdoor dining in the Botanic Gardens

Curators House Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Spanish culinary gem nestled in the historic home of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens' curator, offering a unique dining experience.

"Experience authentic Spanish cuisine in a magical setting amidst the Christchurch Botanic Gardens."

TIP

Book in Advance

Reservations are recommended to secure your table at this popular dining spot.

Dine Indoors or Outdoors

Enjoy garden views in warm weather or the cozy indoor fireplace during winter.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Spanish

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+64 3 379 2252

Address

7 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spanish Cuisine in a Garden Oasis

Spanish Cuisine in a Garden Oasis

Authentic Spanish dishes served in a charming 1920s house within the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Tapas for Sharing

Tapas for Sharing

Indulge in a delightful array of shared tapas plates, perfect for sampling diverse Spanish flavors.

Google Review
Al Fresco Dining with Garden Views

Al Fresco Dining with Garden Views

Enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio surrounded by the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Where is that? Where is The Curators House? Rolleston Avenue on Hagley Park is where you will find this masterpiece. And at night it is simply magical! #christchurch #chchnz #the03nz #ccity #chch #chcheats
@chchbarguide
3 likes • 316 views

Book in Advance

Reservations are recommended to secure your table at this popular dining spot.

Dine Indoors or Outdoors

Enjoy garden views in warm weather or the cozy indoor fireplace during winter.

Try the Lamb

The Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder is a highly recommended specialty.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance

Reservations are recommended to secure your table at this popular dining spot.

Dine Indoors or Outdoors

Enjoy garden views in warm weather or the cozy indoor fireplace during winter.

Try the Lamb

The Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder is a highly recommended specialty.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners consistently praise Curators House Restaurant for its outstanding Spanish cuisine, exceptional service, and the charming ambiance of its location within the Botanic Gardens. While many highlight the tapas and lamb as must-tries, some reviews mention the need for minor updates to the building's decor and inconsistent friendliness in service.

"Absolutely divine eaterie in botanic garden. Set in a countryside atmosphere with all the flowers around.
Christchurch.
Started with veg board and cheese charcuterie and a glass of white reisling wine.
Absolutely beautiful. Loved it so much that we went
back for dinner ."

ORje Temel

"We went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Service was excellent, the space was quite cosy inside. Appetiser was of a generous portion. The lamb was very nice, not sure about the chicken paella."

pingannz

"I’ve had only the best experiences here. The most beautiful restaurant with delicious and authentic Spanish food. The staff are so kind, knowledgeable and efficient. Highly recommended!!"

Sierra Vance

What People Like

Authentic Spanish food
Beautiful Botanic Gardens setting
Excellent service

What People Dislike

Building decor needs updates
Forced friendliness in service

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is located within the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, accessible by car or public transport. Parking is available nearby.

Yes, Curators House Restaurant has outdoor seating with beautiful views of the Botanic Gardens, perfect for enjoying on a warm day.

The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New Zealand30 of the Best Restaurants in Christchurch

Popular dishes include the Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder, various tapas, and the Spanish Paella.

The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New ZealandGoogle Review+1

Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve a table in advance, especially during peak times.

The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New Zealand

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, such as tapas and the 'Curator's Garden' dish.

The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New Zealand

Information about Wi-Fi availability is not provided in the data sources.

The dress code is generally smart casual, suitable for a garden setting.

The restaurant is noted for its personal touches, including surprise desserts for special occasions, making it ideal for celebrations.

Mentioned in

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The Best Of Fine Dining In Christchurch New Zealand

Curator’s House is a Spanish restaurant set in the original abode of the curator of Christchurch Botanic Gardens. With a chef that hails from Barcelona, you know you can trust this establishment to produce an array of authentic dishes, from traditional Cordero Asado (slow-roasted lamb shoulder) to Spanish Paella, among various tapas and mains. In the warm days you can dine al fresco with lush garden views while in winter an indoor fireplace and private rooms will keep you cozy and content.

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Here you can dine in a 1920s Tudor-style house, looking out on the Botanic Gardens and the Peacock Fountain, or take a garden table and be part of it. The menu has tapas selections and a good variety of seafood, with owner–chef Javier Garcia producing authentic Spanish cuisine evoking an old-world atmosphere. Try the Cordero Asado (slow roasted alpine lamb shoulder) or something a bit lighter like the Spanish Paella served in its pan.

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Colombo | Great Wall Restaurant | Volstead Trading Company | Cafe Sismo | Mosaic by Simos Deli | Southern Asian Restaurant 潮州餐馆 | Christchurch Tramway Restaurant | Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar | C1 espresso | MoriMori Izakaya | Carlton Bar & Steakhouse | Ferrymead Tony's Teppan Yaki Restaurant | The Serious Sandwich | BurgerFuel Riccarton | The Honey Pot Cafe | Lone Star Riccarton | Valley Inn Tavern | Curators House Restaurant | Benson Chinese Restaurant | Dimitris Greek Food Riverside | Van Dams Cafe | Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry | Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters | The Lotus-Heart | Caribe Latin Kitchen

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Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Curators House Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as delightful as the view. Specialising in Spanish cuisine, this restaurant serves up authentic dishes ranging from tapas to paella, each bursting with flavour and made from the freshest ingredients. The setting is both romantic and serene, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a leisurely meal amidst the beauty of nature.

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Curators House Restaurant is the epitome of romance; the iconic 1920s heritage house has a quaint courtyard overlooking the breathtaking botanic gardens. On colder nights, you can curl up by the roaring fire in one of the charming dining rooms as you feast upon the traditional Spanish cuisine. Curators House specialises in tapas which offer little tastes of Spanish gastronomy, perfect for sharing.

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The first stop was Curator’s House, a Spanish restaurant nestled within the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Set in a historic building, the restaurant offers a delightful outdoor seating area that overlooks lush, flower-filled gardens. The meal began with a tapas tasting platter, featuring dishes like succulent pork and beef meatballs in a rich mushroom sauce and crispy croquetas.

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The Curator's House is a Tudor-style venue framed by Christchurch's Botanic Gardens and Avon River. Boasting such a prime location, take advantage of The Botanical Gardens for your wedding photos whilst guests enjoy canapes and champagne on the beautiful grounds within the venue. Enjoy a delicious, fully catered meal with The Curator's House's high-quality waiting service.

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Mediterranean Café New Zealand Tapas Spanish Restaurants Wedding Venues Function Rooms Restaurant Venues Event Venues. The Curator's House is a well-known Christchurch restaurant open for lunch, dinner, and coffee. Located in the city's Botanic Gardens, the restaurant is surrounded by the lush lawns and native plantings of the gardens and has views of the Avon River.

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Consider Curator’s House, a Spanish-inspired restaurant located in the Botanic Gardens. Its rustic charm combined with mouth-watering dishes like their traditional paella create a dining experience that feels both intimate and exotic. The added bonus of being able to take a romantic walk through the gardens before or after your meal makes this place truly special.

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Situated in the picturesque Botanic Gardens, the Curator’s House serves authentic Spanish Cuisine. Our chef from Barcelona creates truly tapas such as award winning Chorizo Garcia cooked in cider & Cloudy Bay Clams a la Marinera. Traditional Spanish main courses include Cordero Asado (Slow roasted alpine lamb shoulder) & Spanish Paella served in its pan.

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Also situated in the Botanic Gardens, the award winning historic Curator’s House restaurant offers intimate dining rooms and a tranquil enclosed garden courtyard for your wedding, right by the Botanic Gardens and Avon River. With wedding packages starting from of $110pp, the Curator’s House is a picture-perfect venue that’s still affordable.

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If you dream of a wedding within Christchurch’s iconic and gorgeous Botanic Gardens, the Curator’s House is for you. It sits in the centre like a crowning jewel in all its Spanish-inspired glory. With a charming, Tudor-style building, it has intimate dining rooms and a private garden shrouded in quiet beauty.

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A touch of Spanish heat and elegance within the Botanic Gardens. Traditional Spanish cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients supplemented with produce from the home garden creates a spectacular summer al fresco experience. In winter a cosy fire adds glamour to the chill of Christchurch evening.

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Curator’s House: Situated in the stunning surroundings of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the Curator’s House is a charming and historic venue. The venue features beautiful gardens, a conservatory, and a stylish restaurant, offering an elegant and intimate setting for weddings.

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Top 10 Romantic Restaurants Christchurch

Curator's House Restaurant offers a romantic escape within Christchurch's Botanic Gardens. This Spanish-inspired gem specialises in tapas, paella, and locally-sourced lamb dishes. Indulge in mains like Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder or Seafood Casserole.

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(For what it’s worth, CNN seems inclined to agree.) Another must-try dining spot is the Curator’s House, which serves authentic Spanish fare in the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

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At the Botanic Gardens, the ever-popular Curator’s House Restaurant has tasty tapas and piquant paella on the menu. Try a Spanish sherry or gin as well.

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Curators House Restaurant (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide