Restaurant
LONDO
Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
Find LONDO
Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout LONDO
Twenty seats, one open counter, and zero pretension along Papanui Road. Diners in Christchurch book the bar counter to watch a tight crew turn out confident, unfussy cooking. The multi-course set menu delivers real substance—no delicate micro-bites leaving you empty. A daily crudo balances against grilled mandarin and cucumber, while roasted New Zealand oca arrives dense with rose vinegar and crisp breadcrumbs. Regulars note the kitchen's knack for unexpected pairings, from king crab alongside crisp celeriac to fresh anchovies wrapped around strawberries. The natural wine list matches every plate, right down to house-made sourdough and a quiet finish of lemon verbena pavlova.
- Kitchen Counter Dining: A 20-seat room where counter perches put guests right across from the culinary crew.
- Substantial Set Menu: A structured seasonal progression focused on generous, satisfying portions rather than light tastings.
- Focused Wine Pairings: Curated boutique New Zealand and natural pours paired with inventive local dishes.
What's On at LONDO
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
The LONDO Experience
Why diners choose LONDO for intimate counter dining and generous tasting menus
Generous Multi-Course Progression
A structured multi-course offering crafted with seasonal ingredients ensures an indulgent progression where diners leave genuinely satisfied.
do the set menu (but come hungry because it’s a ton of delicious food)
Mallory Burke Abundant Portions Without Pretense
Unlike minimal degustation micro-portions, the dishes deliver substantial volume while maintaining high culinary refinement.
Absolutely delicious chefs menu with generous portions.
Annie Y Direct Chef Counter Immersion
Diners seated at the bar counter enjoy an interactive view of the chefs assembling dishes with focused technique and hospitality.
it's incredibly fun to watch the chefs work their magic up close!
Jessica Chang Intimate Open-Kitchen Engagement
Observing food prepared from scratch while conversing directly with the team creates an engaging, conversational rhythm.
so cool to be able to watch your food getting prepared with such care and precision while chatting away.
abby holliday Genuine Care Without Stiff Formality
The compact room and dedicated small crew provide genuine warmth and hospitality without the stiff formality of fine dining.
the warmth and care they brought to the evening was genuinely special.
Samantha Lee Relaxed and Friendly Atmosphere
The kitchen balances elevated gastronomy with an approachable ambiance where guests feel completely at ease.
These guys do food elegance in a relaxed and friendly manner.
Stephen Esposito
Most popular items
Signature courses and formats most celebrated by diners
Set Menu
do the set menu (but come hungry because it’s a ton of delicious food)
Mallory Burke Raw Fish
Raw Fish: Incredibly fresh catch of the day. The slightly acidic sauce perfectly elevated the natural sweetness of the fish, while the grilled mandarin segments and finely diced cucumber added a beautifully harmonious and refreshing texture.
Jessica Chang Pasta
Very good pasta at Londo, perfectly cooked with a lovely bite and a well-balanced sauce. Confident, unfussy cooking.
Chester Lau 55 Days Aged Ribeye
Main 3: 55 Days Aged Ribeye
Jessica Chang
Other favorites
Accompaniments, beverages, and desserts that complete the dining experience
Sourdough Bread
la sourdough est un incontournable, une perfection !
Madeleine Levy Lemon Verbena Pavlova
Dessert: Lemon Verbena Pavlova
Jessica Chang Kentucky Times Cocktail
The cocktail was Kentucky Times ( a bouvardier with amoro)
David Cleavinger Roasted Yams
Roasted Yams: A super creative dish! Unlike the Asian yams we're used to, this dish features New Zealand yams (Oca)—finger-shaped with a wonderfully dense, creamy texture. Roasted to perfection, it was paired with a white garlic sauce, rose vinegar, and topped with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
Jessica Chang
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful service details and personal hospitality at LONDO
Front-Row Counter Dialogue
Guests seated along the kitchen counter can watch the small culinary team plate each dish up close and converse freely with the chefs as they work.
House-Made Gluten-Free Bread
For guests with coeliac disease or gluten intolerances, the kitchen bakes and serves dedicated house-made gluten-free bread.
Direct SMS Booking Coordination
Front-of-house staff coordinate tables and reservation updates directly via text message when busy during dinner service.
Detailed Dish Storytelling
Service staff deliver in-depth table spiels detailing ingredient origins, pairing concepts, and the background of each dish.
Before you head over
Practical advice to maximize your intimate dining experience at LONDO
Reserve Well in Advance
The dining room accommodates only about 20 guests, making advance online reservations essential to guarantee a table.
Request Bar Seating
If available, opt for counter seating along the bar to watch the chefs prepare dishes and chat directly with the kitchen team.
Arrive with an Appetite for the Set Menu
The structured set menu features substantial, hearty courses rather than micro-portions, so plan your appetite accordingly.
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