185 reviews
#23 of 1,094 Restaurants in Christchurch$$ - $$$, American, European, Vegetarian friendly+64 3-261 6171+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Thu
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Fri
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Sat
4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
American, European, Fusion, New Zealand, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Does this restaurant offer outdoor seating?
Details
About
Located in Stranges Lane in Christchurch, Soul Quarter has been designed to create a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere. Summer dining is open to the sheltered courtyard while evening and winter dining is candlelit with the fire on. Our talented chefs have designed a modern Louisiana, French style menu with South and Latin American influences. The menu celebrates local, fresh and seasonal produce with incredible flavours and plenty of gluten free, vegan and other dietary options. Our front of house team are friendly, attentive and go out of their way to provide excellent service and a great dining experience. The lit up bar has a carefully selected wine and craft beer list with some of the best wines that our region has to offer and impressive champagnes. We specialise in our in-house designed cocktails, created with fresh, seasonal ingredients and our team's extensive international cocktail experience.
CUISINES
American, European, Fusion, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
185 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
16
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
6
McVicarnz
Christchurch86 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
We started with chorizo & quest fondue and chicken parfait both were delicious. My husband had Ribeye with mixed greens and baby beets perfectly cooked. I had Venison with flan potatoes and minted baby peas. Great service, very attentive staff. Would recommend.
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah A
Congratulations on the anniversary, we appreciate you coming to share it with us! Thank you for your excellent review!
Written 31 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elocker
Auckland31 contributions
May 2021 • none
My wife and I visited Soul Quarter after 10 days of travelling through the South Island. The Soul Quarter was the perfect way to end our trip. The warm, slightly moody ambience when you walk into the restaurant promises a rich, satisfying culinary experience is on its way. And you won't be disappointed.
I was only going to have a main but then read about the Vension Ravioli starter. It was absolutely delicious and even my wife, who is not a big fan of venison let alone a bone marrow bordelaise sauce, wouldn't leave my plate alone.
The ravioli inspired me to try the Venison rack. I've eaten venison many times over the years but never on a rack. After this, it will be the only way I eat version again. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The potato & pecorino stacks were perfectly sized accompaniments and it is worth ordering this dish for the sauce alone.
Finally, the service is attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. We had to listen to one of the team placate a quite unreasonable woman on the table next to us. We were super impressed with how calm and patient the maître d was.
We'll certainly be back to Soul Quarter next time we visit Christchurch.
Written 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah A
It was an absolute please to have you in! We are so happy to hear that the loved and care we put into everything we have to offer and do here is noticed! Looking forward to seeing you both next time you are here in Christchurch.
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helene P
Darfield54 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We celebrated my birthday at Soul Quarter on a cold Saturday night. The table wasn’t ready at the time we booked so we had a drink in the bar. We had the place to ourselves. What a lovely atmosphere & friendly service. Comfortable seating & warm & no noise! When we were ready we went in to the restaurant & were seated at a great quiet table upstairs where we could hear each other. The food was great I had the duck which was juicy & delicious. Two of our party had the fish & one had the beef ribs. Great service & excellent wine. Quite small portions but we had entrees & dessert so were well fed definitely. I would certainly recommend Soul Quarter especially if you are looking for a more fine dining experience in a less formal setting & we will definitely be back.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally C
Melbourne1518 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
I was keen to try this restaurant as concept and menu offered sounded interesting and different. I booked for a party of 6 for our last night in Christchurch.
We were greeted by nice waitress, given drinks menu and proceeded to select the wine for dinner. The first bottle selected was not available, which was a bit frustrating. Another bottle was selected and that was also not available. We were pretty cross by now that the drink menu was misleading in what was on offer. We suggested that the 3rd bottle selected be charged at the price of the 2nd. No go – didn’t bode well for the rest of the night!
All but one of us decided on an entrée followed by main Meals were pretty slow to come out but they had a very large party of patrons upstairs so we gave them some leeway. The grilled camembert was raved about and I enjoyed my salmon & white fish ceviche.
Mains for were venison rump and the almond crusted fish of the day. Both meals very nice and tasty. One of our party who had not had an entree had to wait for her main meal for some time after we had all been served. It was lamb ribs – very fatty and she didn’t enjoy it at all.
Overall it was a bit of a disappointing night - there was some outstanding flavours but with very slow service to the table and a drink menu missing what is meant to be on offer it coloured our experience
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cantabrian384
7 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Not recommended for larger groups. Terribly slow service. Booking was for 6.30pm and the first drink wasn't served for over 30min. The entrée didn't come out till just before 9pm and i left before mains because I was completely over the waiting. The scallops were cooked well but the choice of curry butter bisque was poor pairing. It was unbalanced with too much tartness in the curry it basically ruined the star of the dish. Presented well but I would expect that when it took nearly 3 hours to make. I am sure that others may have had a good experience at this restaurant but I certainly would never go back again let alone book with a group of friends. Save your money for somewhere else.
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashraff N
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • none
Yet another great dinner at the Soul Quarter. Perfectly cooked and beautifully presented meals complimented with friendly and attentive service made our night more enjoyable. The AGED RIBEYE ON THE BONE was cooked to perfection with rich blue cheese and cream jus was a star dish that we would love to have in our next visit. We would like to recommend this place for all those who wants to have a decent meal in the centre of the city in a cozy ambiance.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhi Mason
Christchurch2 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
This has quickly become one of our favourite spots. We recently dined here for the second time (the first time being their third month open) and we can simply not fault this restaurant. Both times we have dined here we have had service that was second to none (most recently our servers were Ira and Lea) and to food was outstanding + a fabulous wine list that sent us over to their bar next door for drinks after dinner. We had excellent service their again from their bar manager Constance, and the owner Seth. The venison ravioli and braised short rib are 11/10 and we will absolutely be back!
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WingerJack
Christchurch502 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
On a cool Sunday evening with only us in the adjoining Cascade Bar, we thought there would be no difficulty getting into the restaurant. Wrong. We were lucky to get a table. This restaurant has developed a reputation for excellence for good reason. Great staff - who also double up in the Cascade Bar. The duck pate was moist, sweet and just perfect. The duck main was cooked to perfection - pink all the way through. The other order was for braised beef short ribs. The chef had run out of this option. Instead I got a beautifully moist, perfectly cooked, tender piece of rib-eye on the bone. The accompanying sauces and vegetables were perfect complements to the main ingredient of the meal. This standard is as good as it gets. Highly recommended.
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
palmy62
Canterbury Region27 contributions
Dec 2023 • business
Arrived for 6.30pm booking for "Trust the Chef". Was told they were busy (small restaurant/ not full) and it would be a 2-hour "experience", which we were fine with. Our last dish arrived at 9.30pm and by then we really couldn't be bothered. The soup and beef dishes were nice but the pork belly was an undercooked lump of gelatinous fat with next to no meat, Yorkshire puddings burnt to a crisp and some of the other food was just plain weird. All this for $75 per head and no dessert included. Service was very slow and they didn't even come around offering more drinks while we waited. It was an experience for sure, but not a good one!
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussieroundtheworld
Rockhampton22 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
The food was amazing & there was a great range of cocktails & wine. We had ceviche & carpaccio for entrees followed by venison & lamb for main course. The venison & lamb were both cooked perfectly & well matched with the vegetable accompaniments. Managed to fit in a rhubarb crème brûlée for dessert which was also amazing. The service was great & all the staff were very attentive & friendly. The decor in the restaurant creates a great mood. The music was at a level where it could be enjoyed but didn’t stop conversation.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 21 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip19429673146
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • none
The team at SOL were amazing, all protocols of L2 were followed but we still had an amazing time with over 35 people for a seated lunch. The menu variety was incredibly diverse for such a large group.
Thoroughly recommended
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy R
270 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
Whoool everything was exceptional!! The menu was filled with many, many choices of new and fresh dishes to discover. So much so we couldn't decide what to order so agreed to share a taste of each others. All meals, entrée, main and desserts were cooked to prefection, ingredients were fresh and super tasty. The presentation was refreshing, colorful and the size of all meals were good. Staff were friendly and helpful and made the evening enjoyable by explaining the menu when required. The atmosphere was relaxing. Cocktails were excellent as well, nice to try new flavors and not the basic options offerd everywhere else. We will definitely return but i suggest booking as it was very busy.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KaeBohlin
Stockholm7 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
This was a very anticipated visit as I had heard and read good things about this place.
Our entree never arrived - it was put on the wrong docket as the nice waitress later explained. They made up for this by not charging for the bottle of sparkling water.
The beef and venison for mains were both overcooked.
The souffle was more of a fudge brownie in a bowl, with overpoached pears on the side.
On the bright side, the actual restaurant was cosy and they played nice music.
I would probably come back for drinks but not again for food.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele M
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Just got back from a rather disappointing meal. Booked a table online and it wasn’t there when we arrived. 5 pm only one other table of 4. I had scallops entree and osso bucco which was pretty good .i give that a 9/10.
The two men in our group ordered olives and lamb rump which was tough , raw and full of grissel. 4/10
The olives were warmed and served with nuts - 7/10 nothing special though .
The main plates were cold - basic restaurant etiquette-plates should be hot. The other person in our group had octopus which he gave a sad 4/10.
The octopus was overcooked but the Harrissa and potato were nice .
He ordered steak which was tough. 6/10
At these prices you’d expect much better.
Our waitress was lovely and attentive . The maître d was a bit surly and didn’t even say goodbye when we left .
The music was thump thump nightclub music which I found stressful and unenjoyable especially as we had our 87 year old father with us for his birthday .. Not what I was expecting. We won’t be going back . Don’t waste your money . Decor is very nice . Love the stained glass windows . $233 for 3 people
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayden
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • none
Made a booking for 7pm a few days in advance as this is the #1 ranked place in chch, confirmed the booking via email on the day. We turned up at 6.55pm
We were taken to our table at 7pm upstairs in what is quite a nice venue, asked if we were ready to order (we were not as we just received out menu's and sat down) and was told she would come back. That was the last we saw of our waitress.
2 other tables arrived after us, had their drinks and food orders taken by the same waitress, but they never came back to us even after making eye contact after serving the other customers, the universal "hey, we are ready to order".
We walked out at 7.28pm. The same waitress did tell us to "Have a good night" though, seemingly unaware that we were even there.
Absolutely unreal service.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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