Carlton Steakhouse - Christchurch

Pretty awesome decor and vibe going on. Place was pretty full on a Wednesday, which was surprising. Good selection of beers on tap, with reasonable prices (less than some other places, actually). Ordered the 250g rump. It came out cooked to my selection very well. The potato and salad complemented the meat very well very delicious dish.

A really great pub for hanging out with friends. They have a wide selection of beers on tap. The restaurant is excellent, and the service is attentive without being intrusive. Make sure to try the pig belly; it's outstanding!

We celebrated a birthday with a large group and were seated in a nice private section. The waiter was very friendly. Each of us ordered a mix of bar snacks and items from the restaurant menu. Due to our group's size, the food was served in two rounds. The children's chicken bites were generously sized and cooked perfectly. I ordered Argentinian-style empanadas and waffle fries, which were both delicious. The seafood chowder looked fresh and was creamy and flavorful, while the pig belly bites were perfectly sized for a quick snack. The salmon was boiled to a lovely pink, ensuring it wasn't dry at all. Overall, it was a beautiful venue for a birthday dinner.

Interestingly, both my husband and I chose the Sunday roast—he went for the pork, and I opted for the beef. I also ordered a side of cauliflower bake, spurred on by my husband’s encouragement, despite him usually discouraging unnecessary spending. I have to say, every bite was a joy, akin to indulging in Gordon Ramsay’s best culinary creations. It had been ages since I enjoyed a roast that wasn’t prepared by me, making it a real treat. The beef was superb—three thick slices cooked to medium-rare perfection, tender rather than tough as you might expect. The dish was complemented by roast potatoes, pumpkin, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing (which is a bit unconventional with beef, but I wasn’t complaining), and a rich jus. The pork crackling didn’t quite hit the mark, but honestly, my waistline didn’t need it anyway. The cauliflower bake was small and a touch bland, but that was irrelevant. The roast dishes were priced at $25 and were absolutely outstanding. It’s also worth mentioning that the service was incredibly friendly, quick, and efficient. So much so that I managed to sneak in a second glass of wine without my husband even noticing. Great job, team!

The food exceeded my expectations, and my guests loved it as well—they even said it felt like they were "on top of the world." There might be a bit of a wait if you're not in a rush, but the service is excellent. Overall, it’s a delightful spot to enjoy a great steak.