The Lotus-Heart

A peaceful and elegant oasis in the middle of Christchurch. Staffed by sophisticated gentlemen and beautiful women dressed in traditional sarees and the gift shop is like a Christmas tree. Tried their burger, masala chai, chef special and delicious chocolate cake. One of the best meals we’ve had.

I absolutely loved my first visit. It's my daughter's favourite and I can see why, wonderful friendly service. Food was absolutely delicious. I had curry and it was excellent. I also had half of my husband's burger which was fantastic. Beautiful chocolate cheesecake to finish. The whole evening was superb.

Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The staff who served us were very helpful. Very clean environment (the most clean bathroom!). Food was delicious and beautifully served. One of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Christchurch. Loved the vegan sausage! Will definitely be there again.

A long-standing favourite of mine in Christchurch. Such friendly, low-key service, and outstanding food at great prices compared to other places. Almost too good to share, but they deserve your business.

Lotus Heart is our long time favourite and unquestionably best Vegan restaurant in the city. They only serve dinner Friday and Saturday evening and recommend to make a booking. There is a set a la carts menu, but I really recommend to try the special of the day. We have been there so many times but each time chef’s special is different and always amazing. Food is true art on the plate and overall amazing experience. I don’t know how they do it , but every time they can surprise. They do not serve alcohol but there are few alcohol free wine and beer options. It’s one of the most expensive restaurants in town, so only go there for special occasions.

Amazing food, amazing ambience. Must recommended for vegetarians and vegans. The people serving will also speak very quietly which actually shows the core Indian values. You can also do shopping there as they have some products which are quite good. We got Mysore sandalwood which is really good you can try that if you are going there.

Had a delicious lunch today; chef's special of Texas baked jackfruit/seitan brisket. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Friendly and kind service. And a peaceful atmosphere to eat and digest in. Highly recommend a visit.

The Lotus-Heart is an exceptional establishment in Christchurch, which includes a vegetarian restaurant, gift shop, and health food store. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I appreciated the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, which was evident in everything from the eco-friendly packaging to the fair-trade coffee and tea. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a satisfying and sustainable vegetarian dining experience. The gift shop at The Lotus-Heart is a delightful addition to the establishment, offering a carefully curated selection of unique and beautiful gifts made by local artists and artisans. I was impressed by the shop's commitment to sustainability, with many items made from eco-friendly and recycled materials. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and I found the perfect gift for a friend. The health food store is another gem at The Lotus-Heart, providing a range of organic and natural foods, supplements, and personal care products to support healthy living. The store stocks a wide variety of locally-sourced, organic produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. They also have a range of gluten-free products, herbal teas, and spices available. The store offers a selection of nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies to support a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, they offer a range of personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Overall, The Lotus-Heart is a must-visit establishment for anyone looking for a satisfying and sustainable vegetarian dining experience, unique and sustainable gifts, or natural and organic food and personal care products. The establishment's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident in everything they do, and it's no wonder that they have become a beloved institution in Christchurch.

A Vegan/Vegetarian heaven and a great place all together. The dishes are simply wonderful and rich, the decor and service are impeccable. It's all good, really. Very welcoming to any other dietary needs. Best place by far @ Christchurch.

Five star service, food, decor, the lot! We had lunch here recently with a large group, our friends booked ahead and the staff created a beautifully decorated table with so much colour and attention to detail I complimented it twice! The service was prompt, friendly and understanding. And the food? - Amazing! I had a rice pancake (dosa?), with curry; doesn't sound like much I know, but it was very large and very, very tasty. Full of flavour and served with 2 type's of relish. They offer a range of unique and equally amazing smoothies, I had a coconut kefir smoothie that I would gladly drink daily if I had the means. I tried 2 other's that friend's ordered which were equally delicious, unique and healthy. The place is decorated and designed with opulence - a gallery in itself. Plus, they have a music store, book shop, gift shop and produce for purchase. Hand's down the best restuarant I have been to when visiting Christchurch on several occasions over the past few years.

Great service, lovely atmosphere, AMAZING fresh food, and very kind staff. I love this restaurant! Many vegan / vegetarian options. Best vegan place in town :)

Ten stars if I could!! Awesome venue, friendly staff and the food was incredible!!! Generous portion sizes, well priced and soooo tasty!! Beautiful building as well. Four of us went, we all loved our dishes. Would live off their food if I could @sophiewelco

This is a truly beautiful find! Not only a restaurant but a music store and unique gift shop. I really enjoyed the nori roll and soup of the day. They make their own kombucha and raw desserts from scratch. Just an enjoyable experience all the way around.

What a wonderful place for vegan food with plenty of gluten-free options. The wait staff are so friendly and welcoming. Due to the earthquake in Christchurch, their location is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the effort to get there.

I can't believe how long it took me to come to this place. Having a number of food allergies and preferring to eat paleo, I saw on their website they had a selection of raw, vegetarian, gluten free and onion free foods. I thought it'd be worth a try. I took my sister and my boyfriend with me, both big meat eaters and my man is never keen for vegetarian food. It took us ages to order because there were so many options. Even I wasn't sure whether to try the superfood smoothie or the dosa with curry. I went with the dosa. It was so delicious. My sister had the nacho's and my man had the burger with vegenut pattie, he really loved it! We finished off with a raw cheesecake - yum! I loved it so much I took my niece and mum back a week later. I would recommend this place to everyone. Not only is the food great but you're surrounded by a great sense of calm as soon as you walk through the doors.

I almost want to cry when I enter The Lotus Heart in Christchurch. Why? Well,a couple of reasons but the main one is how to choose from such an awesome menu. Everything is made with love and the finest of ingredients in the spotless kitchen. I did struggle with not ordering the curry dosa - again. This time I had the dhal which comes in vegetarian or vegan options. I had the vege option. The Lotus Heart makes the best dhal ever. Simmered to perfection. They make their own kombucha and kefir on the premises as well. Afterwards I could not go past a slice of raw chocolate cake. Best raw desserts I've had. There is a terrific atmosphere in the restaurant and if you want to guarantee you leave somewhere with a smile, eat there. Afterwards you can wander into their music shop and bang a drum or two.

The best restaurant in South Island for Indian Vegetarian food. I wouldn't dare to try any other restaurants for Indian food.

If you are wanting the MOST DIVINE experience then this is the place to eat. What joy and delight this whole building is. The food has been prepared with such care and precision and looks so amazing it is hard to believe it comes from quite a small kitchen. The entire atmosphere is wonderful, the staff very professional and you just want to order everything off the menu which is why people just keep going back day after day. The research and time spent in getting each dish just right goes on behind the scenes and certainly shows in their presentation. Coming here is like entering a wonderful world of sheer bliss. Run by the Sri Chinmoy meditation centre, this restaurant certainly deserves high class credit for all their work they have put into their beautiful building, the small shops hiding away that bring dazzle and fun to the whole experience. Such well earnt beauty, may they succeed for many more years to come and leave such lasting memories to those who visit.