Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
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One of the worst meals I've ever eaten. We started with the fried chicken appetizer and it was so dry that the only thing that made it edible was the sauce it came with. Next we ordered the feast, and it included a salad, lamb, roasted onions, peas, stuffed mushrooms, and two sides that included duck fat potatoes, and another salad. The lamb was cold and flavorless. It seemed like the chef had no idea how to cook lamb. Both salads were boring and also flavorless, but the most memorable dish was the potatoes. The duck fat potatoes were the hardest, most dry dish of potatoes I have ever seen in my life. The were impossible to chew because they were rock solid. How on earth do you mess up potatoes?? They're the world's easiest food to cook. The portions were tiny for the supposed "feast" title. We both left so hungry, and had to order pizza later that evening to make up for it. I want to point out that before we got our food, the couple sitting next to us complained about their meal, so it wasn't just a matter of our taste buds. I will say that the waiter was very nice and the service was good, but I went for the food and the high ratings I saw on Google. It was also $95, including a drink each, and did not include dessert. So disappointed.
Tricia H.
00
TL;DR Well-executed daily specials and great service make Fiddlesticks a solid dining choice. Slightly too dark indoors and not the most convenient in wet weather due to parking. Full review Food: The daily specials were a highlight. The porchetta was flavourful and well-prepared, while the fish of the day—served with smoked salmon risotto—was an unexpected but very welcome pairing. The balance of textures and flavours in both dishes was spot on. Service: Service throughout the evening was attentive, professional, and well-paced. Staff were knowledgeable about the menu and made thoughtful recommendations without being intrusive. Ambience: The interior leans toward the moody and atmospheric, but it was a tad too dark for comfortable dining. A little more lighting would have helped showcase the food and create a more inviting environment. Accessibility: Not the most wet weather–friendly location. Parking nearby was limited and somewhat difficult to navigate in the rain, so be prepared for a short walk if the weather turns. Would I return? Yes—for the quality of the food and service. A great option if you’re prepared to overlook the minor inconveniences in ambience and access.
V L
00
We recently had a nice lunch at Fiddlesticks, finding this to be a cozy, nice venue dishing out quality meals. Opening Hours are 8am to late each evening. During our lunch we tried the BBQ lamb sandwich that was very good. The lamb was tender, succulent and tasted great with the bbq sauce. We also had the Daily fish special, a nice grouper fillet with an assortment of tasty greens. This was an intelligently constructed main with real flavour. For dessert we shared the Chocolate torte served with cherry compote and sorbet. We found the sorbet to tarty for this dessert but did really enjoy the torte with cherry compote. Overall, a pretty good dessert. In the end, we were quite happy with our lunch a Fiddlesticks. This feels like a quality restaurant option for those looking for places to dine at during time spent in Christchurch. Based on our experience, we'd gladly eat here again.
Brad
00
A restaurant that doesn’t quite get it right. Our lunch began with an Espresso Martini, which unfortunately, the waiter managed to jolt and she placed it down and spilt the cocktail all over me. I get that accidents happen, but the cocktail was not replaced with another despite now being less full than intended, and no gesture or discount on the bill! Not good service, and I now have a coffee stained top. For the actual lunch, we opted for a main and dessert. The risotto was pleasant, the brioche bun for the burger had to be replaced with focaccia as ran out of buns, but sadly the fries were very dry and crispy. The meal finished more positively, with two tasty desserts, but overall, customer service needs uplifting and food execution to be improved.
Adam Crook
00
Everything was so amazing! This is a popular spot (and we now see why!), so on a Friday night, all inside seating was taken by reservation, but they were able to accommodate us with outside tables (they have heaters). The staff was friendly and our 3 dishes were sooo good. The market fish was Warehou paired with a fried muscle cake, grilled fennel, and some fried kale. I cleared the plate it was so amazing. It also had a pumpkin sauce of sorts. The polenta sticks were fab too. You won’t get a bad dish here. This is definitely more of a fancy spot with smaller portions but amazing taste. If you’re in town, give it a try. Also, we’re from the USA, so remember when you’re done, you walk to the register and pay. They won’t bring the bill to you.
Scott Vleeschouwer
00
Fabulous place. This was a last minute catch up with a very pregnant friend on a very chilly morning. We rock up (she waddled), and we're seated in the most cosy dining area I've ever seen. The staff were friendly, incredibly hospitable, and knowledgeable. The menu was ... ok, if you're wanting plain ole Eggs Bene, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for meals where the chef has taken inspiration from 'normal' dishes, but was in a particularly avant garde mood when they were planning the menu, then book in. Our meals were delicious, and looked amazing. Making small changes (my friend asked for her poached egg to be hard, not soft and runny, which I'm sure would have horrified the chef) was no trouble. Definitely keen to go back soon.
Louise Denton
00
Nearby Attractions Of Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Quake City
Isaac Theatre Royal
Cardboard Cathedral
Hoyts EntX
Christchurch Tram
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4.7
(5.8K)
Click for details

The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
4.8
(2.6K)
Click for details

Canterbury Museum
4.6
(2.2K)
Click for details

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
4.5
(1.6K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Little High Eatery
C1 Espresso
The Rockpool Bar
Diner 66 Christchurch
Hikari Sushi Train
Kaiser Brew Garden
Casa Publica
Dux Central
Mexicano's
King of Snake

Little High Eatery
4.6
(2K)
Click for details

C1 Espresso
4.3
(1.5K)
Click for details

The Rockpool Bar
4.2
(1.2K)
$$
Click for details

Diner 66 Christchurch
4.1
(999)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Corner of Worcester Boulevard &, Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Map
Phone
+64 3 365 0533
Call
Website
fiddlesticksbar.co.nz
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(972 reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
Description
Stylish, popular place offering inventive dishes & an extensive range of beer, wine & spirits.
attractions: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, The Margaret Mahy Family Playground, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, Quake City, Isaac Theatre Royal, Cardboard Cathedral, Hoyts EntX, Christchurch Tram, BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch, restaurants: Little High Eatery, C1 Espresso, The Rockpool Bar, Diner 66 Christchurch, Hikari Sushi Train, Kaiser Brew Garden, Casa Publica, Dux Central, Mexicano's, King of Snake

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