Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar

TL;DR Well-executed daily specials and great service make Fiddlesticks a solid dining choice. Slightly too dark indoors and not the most convenient in wet weather due to parking. Full review Food: The daily specials were a highlight. The porchetta was flavourful and well-prepared, while the fish of the day—served with smoked salmon risotto—was an unexpected but very welcome pairing. The balance of textures and flavours in both dishes was spot on. Service: Service throughout the evening was attentive, professional, and well-paced. Staff were knowledgeable about the menu and made thoughtful recommendations without being intrusive. Ambience: The interior leans toward the moody and atmospheric, but it was a tad too dark for comfortable dining. A little more lighting would have helped showcase the food and create a more inviting environment. Accessibility: Not the most wet weather–friendly location. Parking nearby was limited and somewhat difficult to navigate in the rain, so be prepared for a short walk if the weather turns. Would I return? Yes—for the quality of the food and service. A great option if you’re prepared to overlook the minor inconveniences in ambience and access.

Nice, cozy restaurant with friendly staff and great food. I tried the polenta fries with mushrooms ketchup which were delicious and the lamb shank. Both amazing and rich of taste. Wine selection is quite wide with some really good vintage grapes. Prices are in the mid range. If I could make a suggestion I would suggest to add the cheesecake to the dessert selection. But when back to the edge of the world I will definitely come back.

A restaurant that doesn’t quite get it right. Our lunch began with an Espresso Martini, which unfortunately, the waiter managed to jolt and she placed it down and spilt the cocktail all over me. I get that accidents happen, but the cocktail was not replaced with another despite now being less full than intended, and no gesture or discount on the bill! Not good service, and I now have a coffee stained top. For the actual lunch, we opted for a main and dessert. The risotto was pleasant, the brioche bun for the burger had to be replaced with focaccia as ran out of buns, but sadly the fries were very dry and crispy. The meal finished more positively, with two tasty desserts, but overall, customer service needs uplifting and food execution to be improved.

One of the best meals of our trip. Octopus starter followed by Blue Warehou (fish special)/lamb (all superbly cooked) and orange cake. Coeliac friendly with excellent cocktails and a great selection of wines. What’s not to like? 10/10

We had lunch here on 14 June 2025. The food was delicious and the service was attentive. It was a satisfying dining experience.

You like surprises? In hospo that can rub both ways. Im happy to report this is one of those surprises that makes this old hospo relic smile like a kid with a lollipop that mysteriously grows. The coffee and meals play a support role to the sparkling smiles and Christchurchian attitude of help and happiness, even on new years day. Even the fact that the summer fruits include canned peaches somehow doesn't tip me off my happy perch. It all works somehow, especially with the help of exemplary fennel and fragrant baby basil. The meals are constructed to order with uncommon care to detail. Do I sound happy? Yeah, I'm happy.

As reviewed by others, the place was excellent…. The food, the friendly staff …. Ordered 1. King salmon 9/10 2 ribeye to share 8/10. Meat was a little tough but still 7/10 Came with roasted potatoe n corn which was good value…. The corn was super sweet…

The atmosphere here makes you feel at home and the food is comforting and delicious. They were very accommodating when we brought in a little one at the last minute.