About Us

Eat

The years our chefs have spent honing their skills in kitchens and savouring great food have instilled in us the importance of striking a perfect balance between cooking and dining. At The Square, our goal is straightforward: to serve fresh, seasonal dishes that focus on quality, not gimmicks. We prioritise the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavour and authenticity.

Drink

A fantastic meal often goes hand-in-hand with a good drink (or two.) That’s why we’ve put together a wine list that’s both approachable and adventurous, featuring some of the best bottles from New Zealand winemakers. No stuffiness here – our team is happy to help you find something that suits your mood and price point. We also mix some killer cocktails and have great New Zealand beers on tap.

Enjoy

Most of all, we want you to have a wonderful time with us. Whether you’re an old friend or brand new, our goal is more than just feeding you. We want you to feel right at home, with genuine Kiwi hospitality that leaves you walking out the door happier than when you arrived.

  • Along with the attentive service, we really enjoyed the food here at The Square. I ordered the perfectly cooked chicken with a side of seasonal greens. The gin cured salmon was really good too.

    C De Leon, Aug 2026

  • Lovely restaurant. We had a table overlooking Cathedral Square so we could watch the comings and goings. Lovely food & atmosphere.

    K Smith, Aug 2026

  • Lovely ambiance in the restaurant, good service, food was great alongside the presentation. Cocktails were interactive which was entertaining.

    G Tobeck, July 2026

  • Great atmosphere with excellent food & service. Would recommend.

    T Koh, July 2026

  • Beautiful food and really good service. I'd definitely go back.

    T Mulqueen, July 2026

  • Thank you for an amazing dinner last night ! We loved our food and especially enjoyed our two waiters - Starting with Yehia who was just so helpful and friendly and then switching to Yuta who beamed with pride when we told him how much we loved the food . You are in our top 5 restaurants on first table now !! We’ve been trying every restaurant in chch for two months now in lieu of a vacation . My father was especially pleased to see one of his vineyard wines being sold - McArthur Ridge Brassknocker. You should try their Pinot Gris and Rose too :) Far better than the Pinot Gris you have on offer . Yehia gave dad a sample of one of yours to try before he ordered but he didn’t like it . Anyway thank you ! We really were impressed . Comfy chairs , lovely relaxing ambience & awesome food .

    M Mcvicar, Jul 2026

  • Fantastic Food & Fun Cocktails at The Square (Minor Policy Catch!)** Had a wonderful meal at The Square Restaurant in the Novotel. The food presentation and flavours were top-notch almost across the board! We started with a delicious roasted peaches dish served over smooth, creamy stracciatella with toasted nuts and grilled bread - a fantastic mix of textures and flavours. For mains, the honey and miso short rib served with potato gratin was incredibly tender, rich, and beautifully glazed. The spaghetti with espelette pepper, garlic, and citrus was a bit of a let down, and lacked seasoning. They did offer as much grated Parmesan as we wanted and in hindsight we should have grated more. We added extra salt and pepper and that helped. The drink presentation was a highlight. Trying the "Citrus Bloom Spritz" interactive cocktail tray was super fun - it comes with a step-by-step card to mix your own gin, elderflower, orange juice, and sparkling wine with fresh rosemary! The pink cocktail topped with freeze-dried fruit was equally delicious. The portions are quite generous, but be aware that they strictly do not allow you to take leftovers home due to restaurant policy. Make sure you arrive hungry so none of that great food goes to waste! Overall, a brilliant dining spot right in the heart of Christchurch with impressive presentation and great service. Would definitely recommend!

    Jason W, Aug 2026