Ciao

The story

Ciao Christchurch: European Dining in The Welder Precinct

The kitchen approach

Ciao establishes a European cuisine hub at 24 Welles Street in Christchurch. The kitchen builds its menu around seasonal ingredients that shift with local growers, favouring contemporary takes on familiar recipes over rigid tradition. An ever rotating wine list drawn from both Europe and New Zealand runs alongside the food. Small pasta dishes and simple Mediterranean starters anchor the daily service.

Shared plates and seasonal picks

Guests gather around communal tables for house made focaccia served with parmesan butter or marinated white anchovies dressed in lemon and olive oil. The crudo station features Akaroa salmon paired with green chilli, capers, and fresh parsley, while the hot kitchen turns out mushroom gnocchi coated in truffle mascarpone. Spiced tomato rigatoni offers a plant based alternative finished with basil and pangrattato. Evenings often close with dark chocolate cremeux whipped with olive oil and sea salt.

The room and wine selection

Located inside The Welder precinct, the space functions as a neighbourhood wine bar where locals drift through for morning espresso or late afternoon glasses. The layout encourages conversation, with an open counter and compact dining area suited to groups sharing multiple plates. This steady stream of regulars helped secure a 2026 Destination recognition from the Cuisine Good Food Guide. The award highlights how consistently the kitchen balances simplicity with quality across every season.