Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar — Restaurant in Banks Peninsula Community

Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Lyttelton. With its inviting atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the art of woodfired cooking, this establishment has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Upon entering Arbour, you're greeted by a warm and rustic ambience. The decor strikes a perfect balance between modern and cosy, with wooden accents soft lighting and indoor plants that create a relaxed vibe. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the skilled pizzaiolos at work, adding to the overall experience. Also on the walls, you will find some original works of Bill Hammond, one of New Zealand’s leading artists, was a legendary figure in the port town. The star of the show is undoubtedly the pizza. Each pie given a Te Reo name is crafted with care, featuring a thin, crispy crust that is cooked to perfection in the woodfired oven. The selection of toppings ranges from traditional margherita to more inventive options like smoked salmon and capers. Each ingredient is fresh, and the flavors are well-balanced, making every bite a pleasure. The seasonal ingredients shine through, and the presentation is always appealing. For those with dietary restrictions, there are ample gluten-free and vegan options available.

The bar at Arbour complements the food beautifully, offering a curated selection of local wines and craft beers. Cocktails are also on the menu.

Service at Arbour is friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The staff is genuinely passionate about the food and drinks. Their enthusiasm contributes to the welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Overall, Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar is a must-visit spot in Lyttelton. Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends or a cozy dinner date, this place delivers on all fronts. The combination of exceptional food and a great drink selection, and attentive service makes for a memorable dining experience. I for one can't wait to return and try more of their...

I absolutely loved everything about my visit here. I went for a Friday lunch and it was an awesome experience.

To start with when you walk in you see this beautiful space with a wicked bar made from what I was told is an upcycled lyttleton fishing boat. The plants in there are incredible.

We were immediately greeted by friendly staff who were attentive and helpful.

The food came out quickly and tasted amazing. We had a view of chef making our pizzas which was nice. We tried the matai, kauri and ngaio. All of them were spectacular. The beef meatballs on the kauri were massive and the ngaio vegan sausage was delicious. I will definitely be returning to try the full menu over a few visits. HOT TIP: if you like hot sauce ask the waiter and they will bring a selection over.

It was a bit hot in there with the afternoon sun coming through the opaque roof and the table was wobbly. But hey, when those are the only two issues you know that it must be amazing to nit pick stuff like that.

All in all it was the perfect experience all round. Thanks to everyone at Arbour Bar. My new favourite...

Five of us booked for lunch on a Saturday. We had heard that this was the go-to place for pizza and wanted to check it out for ourselves - we were not disappointed. We ordered four pizzas (Matai, Nikau, Mamaku and the Daily Special (Teriyaki chicken) plus garlic bread. Pizzas were all excellent, with crisp bases, light airy dough on top and good quality toppings. Seated inside, we could see the pizza chefs hard at work at the woodfired oven - this makes for a great atmosphere. Garlic bread came as a kind of small pizza, so perhaps this was a wee bit of pizza overkill. Good drinks list, including Cassels beers on tap and a Three Boys hazy as a guest beer. Great staff who are professional and genuinely friendly. Our first visit but hopefully not our last. Tip: may pay to book a table, as it's a (deservedly) popular venue. Another tip: if going for Saturday lunch, may pay to book for 12.45 or 1pm (like we did) after the market closes and...