Restaurant
5th Street
5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Find 5th Street
5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout 5th Street
Sydenham’s warehouse pocket holds Christchurch’s benchmark for inventive, zero-fuss dining. Inside, the industrial room hums with energy, running plates and shaking cocktails without pretense. Regulars point straight to the shareable spread—steak tartare balanced with sharp acidity, seared oyster mushrooms, and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. The insider play is pulling up a stool at the Chef’s Bar. Hand dinner over to the kitchen with 'Trust the Chef'—watching the line work the pass dish by dish. For pairs, medium plates can be ordered in half-portions to tour the board, right down to the triple-cooked potatoes.
- Interactive Chef's Bar: Grab a front-row stool at the counter for 'Trust the Chef', where the brigade prepares a customized lineup directly across the pass.
- Flexible Half-Portions: Medium sharing plates can be ordered as half-portions, allowing couples and solo diners to taste more of the menu.
- Warehouse Sophistication: Set in an industrial pocket off Colombo Street, pairing sharp kitchen craft with warm, unpretentious hospitality.
What's On at 5th Street
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose 5th Street
Reserve your table or counter seat at 5th Street for inventive shared plates, tailored tasting options, and vibrant hospitality.
Curated 'Trust the Chef' Omakase-Style Service
Secure front-row seating at the chef's counter and hand over menu decisions entirely to the kitchen team through their bespoke multi-course format.
they decide the set menu for you and it was all delicious.
TheDmc313 Interactive Chef's Bar Access
Direct counter seating enables real-time interaction with the culinary team, dish explanations, and effortless accommodation for dietary needs.
You can watch the food being prepared and discuss menu options directly with the chef.
Christopher Fletcher Customizable Half-Portion Sharing Plates
Couples and shared dining groups can order half-size portions of medium plates to explore a wider range of the flavor-forward menu without over-ordering.
medium plates can be ordered as half portions, making it perfect for couples who want to sample a wider range of dishes.
Kathy Tailored Dining for Varied Dietary Preferences
Flexible portioning allows mixed dining preferences—like pairing meat mains with several vegetarian dishes—to enjoy full menu variety seamlessly.
The waitress highlighted the fact we could get half size portions of the medium plates and I would recommend this if you want to taste it all.
SM Kennedy High-End Execution Without Pretension
A synchronized open kitchen and polished front-of-house team deliver refined culinary execution in an easygoing, relaxed setting.
best dining experiences we’ve had without pretension or fuss.
Mitchell Howard Standout Setting for Celebratory Evenings
Memorable food, creative cocktails, and attentive service make the industrial-chic Sydenham venue a dependable destination for key milestones.
Food was outstanding and made our anniversary so special!
ALETHA BARNARD
Most popular items
Standout dishes and dining formats most celebrated by guests.
Chef's Bar Experience
I highly recommend sitting at the chef’s bar. You can watch the food being prepared and discuss menu options directly with the chef.
Christopher Fletcher Lamb Shoulder
We ordered one large plate (lamb shoulder) and 4 of the medium plates which were all vegetarian. The waitress highlighted the fact we could get half size portions of the medium plates and I would recommend this if you want to taste it all.
SM Kennedy Oyster Mushrooms
A must-try is their oyster mushroom dish and make sure to top it off with a shared tiramisu dessert.
Ben Ch Steak Tartare
I was originally dubious about the steak tartare, but it turned out to be one of my favourites, who knew?
TheDmc313
Other favorites
Standout sides, crafted beverages, and desserts that complete the dining experience.
Shared Tiramisu
make sure to top it off with a shared tiramisu dessert.
Ben Ch Triple Cooked Potatoes
The medium size triple cooked potatoes were so scrumptious and also it was a generous helping so we only just managed to finish them between two of us.
SM Kennedy Mojito
Also, 5 stars for their mojito, its a winner.
TheDmc313 Local Cider
Got to recommend the local cider as well, as it was excellent
Mike March
Beyond the menu
From tailored tasting sequences to flexible half-plates, these deliberate hospitality details define the 5th Street experience—reserve your table or seat at the counter.
Bespoke 'Trust the Chef' Curation
Guests opting for 'Trust the Chef' at the counter can relinquish ordering decisions to the kitchen brigade, who tailor a multi-course sequence to personal preferences.
Flexible Half-Portion Samplers
Waitstaff offer half-portions of medium sharing plates, allowing couples and solo diners to sample a wide array of vegetarian and meat dishes without over-ordering.
Direct Line Dialogue with the Chefs
Diners at the counter engage directly with the culinary team, who discuss menu choices, answer questions, and explain each plate as it leaves the pass.
Attentive Dietary and Plate Adjustments
The kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions and custom plate requests on the fly, modifying sauces and side servings to ensure every diner is looked after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chef's table experience like?
Sitting at the chef's table or counter lets you watch the kitchen at work and interact directly with the chefs, who can explain dishes or prepare a 'Trust the Chef' / chef's choice set menu tailored to your preferences.
Can you order half portions to sample more dishes?
Yes, medium plates can be ordered in half-size portions, allowing duos, solo diners, and groups to sample a wider range of flavors without over-ordering.
Do you need to book a table in advance?
Reserving ahead is strongly recommended, as tables and counter seats frequently fill up quickly, even on weeknights. Bookings can be made online.
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