Mediterranean Foods Trattoria & Deli — Restaurant in Christchurch

We arrived 30 minutes before our lunch reservation and decided to shop in the deli where we spent just over $200. When we went up to the restaurant desk to be seated we noticed a large sign with a deal offering a 5% discount in the deli if you dine (and spend at least $50) in the restaurant. Now, as there was no sign at the deli counter advertising this deal when we paid our $200, we asked the restaurant staff if we could redeem the 5% against our meal. That was an emphatic NO - you have to dine first and then shop to get the discount! So, can someone responsible at Mediterranean Foods explain the logic between offering the discount for eating first and then shopping at the deli as opposed to shopping first and then eating at the restaurant please because none of the staff could? When we asked to speak with the manager, we were told there was no manager working....How they managed to serve alcohol without having a manager on duty, I don't know. We also got very average service overall from the restaurant staff as well. It doesn't make any sense to offer the deal but only if you dine and shop and not shop and dine. The whole episode left a really bad impression on us and we will not be back or recommending this place to anyone. We've be dining at this place for years when we visit Christchurch but no more. The place is well past its Best By date. Avoid, there's now more choices available in Christchurch.

Post script to the total BS reply received from the owner of Mediterranean Foods to my initial review.

1. There was no prominent signage in the deli, period. There was nothing on the counter and the only sign at the entrance to the deli was on the entrance door that was propped open with a rock so you couldn't see the sign at all (see photo).
2. No one offered and we never accepted a free Gelato to the value of $20 - that is a complete fabrication - it never happened.
3. My $200 spend is not 'claimed' as you phrase it - it was actual (see photo).
4. When I asked to speak with a manager I was emphatically told there was no manager working that day - that was a flat out lie by your staff member.
5. Why should any customer have to concern themselves with the order in which they dine and shop at your establishment in order to take advantage of a discount offered? Every single retail or service establishment has the ability to adjust the pricing of their products at the point of sale. Trying to claim that you have to print a voucher at the point of sale in the trattoria is a ridiculous excuse.

Finally, you need to take some responsibility for the failures in your discount marketing model. You also need to have a little more of a conciliatory attitude when dealing with complaints about it. The whole model is simply wrong. Frankly, I couldn't care less about the $10 discount - what annoys me is the inflexible and ridiculous "rules" around a marketing model that is ultimately designed to encourage customers to put more money in your till but, they get penalised if they put their money in the wrong till first of all. More importantly you need to take some control of your plainly lying and rude and unhelpful staff. They lied to you about offering us a gelato dessert and they lied to me about the fact there was no manager available on the day to talk with me. I think your reply is one of denied responsibility for the appalling service offered and also denial that you might just simply be doing things wrong. If the staff get their direction from you then I can understand why they acted the way they did. Other reviews appear to support the staff attitude...

If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors with no fuss and all heart, Mediterranean Food Trattorias and Deli hits the spot. We popped in for a casual meal and left genuinely impressed.

🥓 Formaggi e Salumi Platter A generous, well-balanced spread of premium cold cuts and cheeses. The prosciutto was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, the salami packed flavor, and the gorgonzola was luxuriously creamy. But the unexpected star? The bread and chutney on the side — warm, crusty, and paired with a tangy-sweet chutney that brought everything together. A simple touch that elevated the whole board.

🥔 Gnocchi Deli Patate Soft, pillowy gnocchi in a rich, velvety sauce. It struck that perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. Definitely one of those “don’t talk to me, I’m eating” dishes.

🌊🌲 Mare e Monte Pizza A bold surf-and-turf combo that actually works. The mix of seafood and earthy mushrooms was packed with umami, and the crust — thin, chewy, and perfectly blistered — gave it real Naples energy.

🍴 Overall: A relaxed, unpretentious spot that delivers serious flavor. From the humble chutney to the pizza that punches above its weight, this place knows what it’s doing. We’ll be...

I am transported to the Mediterranean Coast in Italy as I walk through the entrance to the Mediterranean Food Company. The Italian Flag flies high in the sky as the rustle of the bush branches and bird song serenades the outdoor dining area. I drink the cool water provided at my table, instantly cooling me down after a long day at the scammer call centre. Excitement floods everywhere in my body, from the head to toe as the pizza arrives on my table. I dig in with no hesitation. The cheesy base melts right into my mouth, giving me the taste of exotic cheeses. Italian rolled pancetta and prawns present in my pizza subtly complement each other, creating an authentic Mediterranean taste like no other. The mushroom, together with the white truffle oil adds an exorbitant tone to the pizza. The crust of the pizza is thin and crispy, but slightly burnt in some places. Eating the burnt areas gave me cancer. The pizza got me bricked up. Giggity-giggity-giggity-giggity Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang Walla walla, bing bang Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang Walla...