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Restaurant

LONDO

Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand

Recommended by 41 people

Updated

Find LONDO

Unit 6/2 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand

Directions ↗
+64 27 340 8385
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantModern New ZealandRestaurant

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book a table in advance?

Reservations are accepted and strongly advised. The dining space is intimate with around 20 seats, making walk-in seating limited even though occasional walk-ins have been accommodated.

How substantial is the set menu?

Yes, the set menu features generous, substantial portions across multiple dishes that leave most diners completely full, so you will want to arrive hungry.

Where is the best place to sit?

Counter seating along the bar is highly recommended because it lets you watch the small culinary team prep food and mix drinks up close while chatting with the chefs.

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