About The Guardian Bar & Grill

The unmistakable buzz that fills the air at The Guardian Bar & Grill sets a lively yet relaxed tone soon after stepping inside. Rich wooden accents and dim lighting evoke a modern yet comfortably rustic vibe, drawing a diverse crowd whose conversations blend effortlessly with background music. Attention to detail in the ambiance complements the dining experience without overpowering it, encouraging patrons to settle in for an evening that doesn’t rush, whether lingering over cocktails or meals from the comprehensive selections visible in many detailed photos online.

Among the standouts on the extensive menu, carefully prepared mains showcase a balanced embrace of local ingredients and classic grill techniques, satisfying a broad palate without becoming predictable. The juxtaposition of hearty dishes alongside lighter, well-executed options reflects a thoughtful culinary direction that aligns well with contemporary New Zealand dining trends. While reviews often praise the consistency here, occasional notes about pace during busier hours suggest that the kitchen’s ambition sometimes tests its limits. Even so, flavors remain predominantly rich and generous, with attentive plating that matches the quality hinted at by those snaps regularly shared on photo galleries.

Interactions with staff unfold naturally; they demonstrate a solid familiarity with both the drinks list and the dishes, navigating inquiries and preferences with steady assurance. Such responsiveness plays a critical role in shaping diners’ impressions and helps maintain the venue’s reputation in a competitive Christchurch restaurant scene. Occasionally, the noise level can dip into a clamor during peak times, which might detract from quieter conversation. Despite this, the overall value proposition appears consistent with what many readers discover when exploring The Guardian Bar & Grill’s reviews—offering a reliable, engaging environment where both food and atmosphere coalesce into a distinctly local experience.

Business Info

Service options

Service options

+ Outdoor seating

+ No-contact delivery

+ Delivery

+ Takeaway

+ Dine-in

Highlights

Highlights

+ Great beer selection

+ Great cocktails

+ Great dessert

+ Great wine list

+ Live music

+ Sport

Popular for

Popular for

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Solo dining

Accessibility

Accessibility

+ Wheelchair-accessible car park

+ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

+ Wheelchair-accessible seating

+ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Offerings

+ Alcohol

+ Beer

+ Cocktails

+ Coffee

+ Happy-hour drinks

+ Happy-hour food

+ Quick bite

+ Small plates

+ Spirits

+ Wine

Dining options

Dining options

+ Breakfast

+ Brunch

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Dessert

+ Seating

+ Table service

Amenities

Amenities

+ Bar on site

+ Gender-neutral toilets

+ Toilet

+ Wi-Fi

+ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

+ Casual

+ Cosy

+ Trendy

Crowd

Crowd

+ Family friendly

+ Groups

+ LGBTQ+ friendly

+ Tourists

+ Transgender safe space

Planning

Planning

+ Accepts reservations

Payments

Payments

+ Credit cards

+ Debit cards

+ NFC mobile payments

+ Credit cards

Children

Children

+ High chairs

+ Kids' menu

Parking

Parking

+ Free of charge street parking

+ Paid street parking

+ Parking

Hour time open

Right Now :

  • Monday: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Order Now

+64 3 925 8266

817 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Reviews

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Saturday starts best with crispy, tasty bites—though I wouldn’t mind if the fish was a little bigger! More of my food finds in IG: @ida_chch

- Ida Chan -

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We had a fantastic meal at the guardian! The food was exceptional and service was great! The pricing was also very reasonable. They are doing a great job and if we were in Christchurch for more than 2 days we would come back in a heart beat!

- Barbara Savas -

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The Guardian Bar & Grill had a great vibe, even though it was pretty crowded when I went. The place was buzzing, but the wait for food and drinks wasn’t too bad at all, which was a nice surprise. The only letdown was the whipped cream on my dessert—it tasted a bit off, like it wasn’t super fresh. Not the end of the world, but definitely noticeable. Everything else was tasty and the staff were friendly. I’d go back again, just hoping for fresher toppings next time.

- Milan -

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What a find! Superb food in a friendly, cosy environment and reasonable prices - not easy to find in the city centre. We had salmon - delicately cooked, with delicious sauce - and a generous portion of barbecue ribs. Both had nicely-cooked veg or salad. A glass of red rounded it off nicely. Other diners had chosen to eat there prior to an event at the nearby town hall, which is a few steps away. The chef-patronne and servers were friendly and helpful, and genuinely delighted that we’d enjoyed our visit so much.

- Angela Vincent -

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Came here for a quick bite for our show in the Town Hall. The ambiance was nice, the food we ordered were both very tasty.

- Buena Perez -

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Under new management, this place has become a top choice for food quality, beer, wines, and both indoor and outdoor ambiance. It's a great spot for parties with a private and pleasant atmosphere. The Southern fried chicken and beer-battered fries are of excellent quality and reasonably priced. The hospitality is outstanding, and the owner is always present, making guests feel at home. It's suitable for both families and bachelors, with plenty of space to accommodate everyone. Parking is hassle-free with ample off-street options. Once you visit, you'll want to return. Both first-timers and regulars receive special discounts. A must-visit spot!

- Antony Joseph -

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Exceptional food, atmosphere, and service! The Guardian Bar & Grill is a real standout in Christchurch. The food was perfectly cooked, full of flavor and beautifully presented. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere strikes the right balance between classy and relaxed, with great music and a comfortable vibe. Excellent drinks selection too, especially the cocktails. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Christchurch. Highly recommend!

- Umair -

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Was so happy to finally take my girlfriend on a nice dinner date and we were really happy with the food, really nice spot, we used first table for a good discount, personally my favourite thing was the starter which was the fried chicken, super juicy and crunchy and a lovely sauce with it, the burger I had was great, added an egg, defo not necessary but celebrations call for it, and of if I was to get it again I’d have without mustard and ketchup. It got quite messy but it’s a big burger, chips were soooo fluffy and crispy, I’d take a bag of the stuff. And the lady had the chicken pasta which she found to be really nice and filling. Overall lovely place.

- Photography by Liam Anderson -

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