Chiwahwah Restaurant & Bar – Christchurch

Chiwahwah Christchurch.

We have visited Christchurch many times since living there. This time around, after enjoying a scenic walk on the banks of the Avon River we decided to explore the vibrant restaurant scene on foot. We had already decided to try out some authentic Mexican cuisine from the newly opened Chiwahwah Restaurant & Bar located at 136 Oxford Terrace. Here is our take on this amazing eatery.

Bookings:

You can make online bookings for lunch or dinner through the restaurant’s website. For tables at the bar and outdoor courtyard area you can casually wander in without having to pre-book. Luckily for us we were early enough to be able to walk in without a booking.

Making a reservation at Chiwahwah is straightforward through their user-friendly website. You can effortlessly secure a table for lunch or dinner without registration. Bookings can be made up to a month in advance, accommodating both spontaneous outings and planned celebrations. For those interested in special event bookings or group deals, the site offers dedicated options, ensuring that every dining experience can be tailored to occasion needs.

Décor:

The restaurant is situated on the ground floor of a modern building. The façade looks inviting with lots of potted greens and a wrought iron bird cage hanging near the entrance. The interiors are modern with a lot of wood-work, Indian handicrafts and indoor plants to give a chic yet ethnic feel. The intricate rustic ceiling work, the beehive like light installations- lends a distinct Mexican vibe to the setting.

The décor carefully marries modern design with rich cultural elements. Warm-toned woods are paired with accents of bold Mexican hues like terracotta and turquoise. These colors complement detailed Indian handicrafts, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The establishment takes pride in handcrafted, rustic furniture that enhances the eclectic feel, with each piece telling a story of tradition and modernity.

Food:

For appetizers I choose Fried tobacco squid with tomato and garlic while my partner picked  Smoked beef rib with a dash of cumin onion, sour cream and spiced nuts. For the main course I chose Chiwahwah’s famous Mexican fried chicken with assorted herbs and slow cooked Baby pork ribs marinated in onion, garlic and spices- for my partner. The menu variety is diverse and the food is good enough to transport you to Mexico in spirit. The meat dishes are perfectly cooked with the right amount of tenderness, texture and burst of spices.

Chiwahwah’s menu caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. Alongside meaty delights, they offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, like zesty avocado tacos and plant-based enchiladas, ensuring every palate is satisfied. Gluten-free options are also available. They present changing chef specials that highlight seasonal produce and authentic spices, providing reasons to return and explore new flavors with each visit.

Drinks:

The drinks menu offers a wide assortment of Wines, Cocktails and Beers. Alternately you can choose from a selection of Rum, Vodka, Whiskey, Gins or Tequila shots. While I ordered a ten years old Barros ( 60 ml) to go with my food selection my partner chose A Cuban classic Mojito- Granny Smith.

Chiwahwah is celebrated for its signature cocktails. Try the Spicy Margarita, which blends tequila with chili for a fiery kick. Their extensive wine list features selections from local vineyards as well as international favorites, perfect for both casual evenings and special occasions. The craft beer lineup offers brews from renowned breweries, ensuring every drink enhances your meal.

What we love about the place?

Well everything. Right from the ambience to the food offerings and the generous portions served. The service is prompt even with a full house and the attention to detail like the skeleton themed  graphics on the menu, the hanging lights- just makes this a place you want to visit for a great experience.

The staff at Chiwahwah are known for their friendliness and professionalism. Well-versed in the menu, they offer insightful recommendations to enhance your dining experience. Service is prompt, even on busier nights, and the team maintains a warm and attentive demeanor. Recognized with high customer satisfaction ratings, Chiwahwah prides itself on delivering an excellent service that complements its culinary offerings.