The Rabbit - All-Day Menu & Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in Canterbury

They score high on the aesthetics, ambiance and presentation. However, they fail at service & food. Truffle fries were basically plain fries served with truffle sauce from a bottle. Beef tacos/wrap were ok but the sauce way just way too sweet. Again didn’t seem it was a home made sauce, more like something from a bottle from the supermarket one would use for home-cooking. Chicken porridge was tasty & hearty but the rice wasn’t a congee like consistency. Cooked rice with broth isn’t porridge. The one good meal was the vermicelli salad. Pretty authentic and true to it’s origin.

Service aspect has room for improvement. Staff looked they needed a couple more hours of sleep before starting their shift. Especially the staff at the register. Either he woke up on the wrong side of the bed or he has a face that screams hospitality isn’t my thing or he just wasn’t happy serving us. I’m leaning towards the latter.. All in all, it was a rest / recharge stop for us after 3 hours on the road, sleep deprived and needing a reprieve. While this is the last big town / city before heading out, the Rabbit sadly didn’t showcase Ashburton as a welcoming town. Pity. We found more warm local hospitality in the much smaller towns than we did here. Do better guys, you have the potential of being so much better...

Wow – what a gorgeous find on a day trip through Ashburton!

The pink entrance caught our eye right away – intriguing and inviting with the vibe of a cocktail and dessert bar. Stepping inside, I was instantly drawn to the bougie rich blue velvet stools and the lush greenery from the indoor plants – such a perfect aesthetic.

The display cabinet was a showstopper, filled with delicate and intricate sushi options, each one looking like a piece of art. But it was the dessert cabinet that truly lit up my face – beautifully crafted treats, each telling its own story.

We were warmly greeted by a staff member who handled our order quickly and kindly. The coffee was absolutely on point – a real credit to the barista. The sushi we tried was fresh, flavourful, and thoughtfully presented.

I chose the Red Apple (white chocolate mousse with green apple filling) – and wow, it truly felt like biting into Snow White’s apple in a fairy tale.

We’ll definitely be back. A unique and memorable spot worth...

Every dish is made with high-quality ingredients, and it truly shows in the flavor and presentation. The chefs and owner are passionate about serving exceptional food and ensuring that every customer walks in happy and leaves satisfied.

Each item on the menu is thoughtfully created and consistently delicious. The team is incredibly professional, and the cafe itself is always spotless — a clear reflection of the pride they take in every aspect of the business.

Highly recommended whether you’re stopping by for a coffee or a full!

I also had the pleasure of working at Rabbit in Ashburton for a short time, and I can confidently say that the food here is absolutely delectable and made with quality...