Cook'n with Gas

Cook'n with Gas Review

You'll have to book ahead to get into this excellent bistro, at this writing the closest you can get to the centre of town. Canterbury foods get the treatment in the sturdy old house (once the university chaplain's home) with rabbit, lamb, and whitebait on the menu. To go truly local, try some James Cook Spruce Beer—a modified version of the beer first brewed by the captain in Dusky Sound in 1773, from rimu and manuka tree twigs—which is reputed to have six times the antioxidants of mere vegetables. There's also Weka Native Lager, the Oyster Stout (made with real oysters), and many other boutique beers and local wines. The rooms are themed—try the 1950s room, perhaps as you tuck into exquisite Stewart Island oysters or a tender venison medallion; not to mention the cold smoked salmon or the baked grouper. It's directly opposite the Arts Centre and you can book up to 10 days ahead online.