Restaurant
Inati restaurant
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Find Inati restaurant
48 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Inati restaurant
Inati is where Christchurch diners trade standard menus for front-row seats at the kitchen bench. Grab a counter stool to watch the brigade assemble shared plates across Earth, Land, and Sea—from duck trumpets and smoked creamed corn with lime pickle to savory porcini desserts. The crew takes your coat for a warm cupboard upon arrival, the bar team mixes drinks with custom barware, and the kitchen sends out a surprise progression of Kiwi kai that leaves dinner entirely in the chefs' hands.
- 'Trust Us' Tasting: Shared multi-course tasting menus spanning Earth, Land, and Sea allow diners to surrender menu choices entirely to the kitchen.
- Chef's Bench Seating: Front-row counter seating wrapped around the open kitchen lets guests watch plate assembly and talk with the culinary brigade.
- Heated Coat Storage: Attentive hospitality begins at the door, where coats are tucked into a heated cupboard or rack for the evening.
What's On at Inati restaurant
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Inati
Distinctive multi-course dining centered around an open kitchen counter in Christchurch
Front-Row Chef's Bench Seating
Diners can sit directly around the bustling open kitchen to observe plate composition and interact with the culinary crew as dishes are prepared.
such a fun spot to watch everything happen and chat with the team
Nicky Turner Immersive Kitchen Craftsmanship
The surprise multi-course tasting experience entrusts the meal entirely to the kitchen across Earth, Land, and Sea courses paired with wines.
you get to watch the chefs work their craft while you eat
Giuliana Reagan Heated Coat Storage on Arrival
Guests' coats are checked upon arrival and kept in a heated rack during dinner, adding a thoughtful touch to the evening.
They took our coats a d put them into the hot water cupboard which was a nice touch.
Matthew Stanbridge Attentive Dietary Accommodation
The culinary team accommodates individual dislikes, restrictions, and allergies seamlessly without sacrificing course progression or menu quality.
a staff member went through them without me needing to repeat them. Never have had that happen anywhere before!
Tinja Shared-Plate Celebration Menus
The menu is built around multi-course shared plates structured for couples and groups marking birthdays, engagements, and travels.
all dishes are designed to be share between two people, very innovative and tradition at the same time
Carl Y H Engaging, Welcoming Hospitality
Approachable, communicative chefs and service staff put first-time fine dining guests completely at ease throughout the multi-course meal.
The whole time the waiters (and even the chefs!) were asking how everything was going, and even made small talk about the dishes
Cinnabar
Most popular items
Standout dishes celebrated by diners across Inati's shared tasting experience.
Duck trumpets
Every dish was beautifully presented and delicious, but the tartar, duck trumpets, and dry-aged duck were truly remarkable.
Jason Ma Smoked creamed corn
My second favourite was the smoked creamed corn, lime pickle and curry oil. It was the first time I’ve truly experienced eating an elevated home-style classic dish.
Madi Burnett Dry-aged duck
The large plate was dry-aged duck with burnt orange, elderberry, and dukkah.
david chellappa Boeuf Nut
The “Boeuf Nut” is a must buy, though, it was on another level. Sweet and savoury, indulgent.
Cinnabar
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful details that elevate the dining experience at Inati
Heated Coat Storage
Guests' coats are taken upon arrival and placed in a heated storage rack / hot water cupboard for the duration of the meal.
Chef's Bench Conversation
Guests dining at the kitchen counter interact directly with the chefs, including the owner, discussing dish preparation, career backgrounds, and restaurant history.
Tailored Course Adjustments
Staff review pre-communicated allergies without prompting and spontaneously substitute or craft custom replacement dishes during multi-course surprise menus when personal preferences or dislikes arise.
Interactive Bar Craft
Bartenders welcome guests with custom mixology, explain unique tools, and answer questions as drinks are built in front of waiting diners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tasting menu work?
Inati offers multi-course chef tasting experiences—commonly 6 or 8 plates—served as shared courses designed for the table across Earth, Land, and Sea concepts, alongside à la carte selections.
What seating options are available?
Guests can sit at tables near the windows or directly along the kitchen bench surrounding the cooking area, offering a front-row view of the chefs plating and preparing courses.
Can dietary restrictions or dislikes be accommodated?
The kitchen can adjust dishes for specific allergies and ingredient dislikes, with staff reviewing dietary requirements noted prior to the meal.
How long should you allow for the tasting experience?
A full multi-course tasting menu typically spans about two to two and a half hours, with courses paced sequentially across the evening.
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