What should I order at Casa Publica?
Casa Publica
Guacamole
One of the most repeatedly praised items; reviewers say it should be ordered and note that it is made fresh tableside with avocado, herbs, lime, and other ingredients.
Pork Bites
Highly recommended for being the best some reviewers have tasted, with especially strong praise for the chili caramel pork belly bites and the crispy, well-seasoned preparation.
Tacos
Mentioned multiple times as a standout, with reviewers praising both the pork tacos and tofu tacos for great flavor and overall quality.
Margarita
Called perfect, fresh, zesty, and beautifully balanced, making it one of the most positively singled-out drinks in the reviews.
Peruvian Ceviche
Recommended for its fresh, well-balanced flavors; one reviewer specifically highlighted the Peruvian fish ceviche as a favorite dish.
Lomo Saltado
Described as delicious and cooked to perfection, making it a clear favorite among the main dishes mentioned.
Polenta Fries
Called an absolute standout alongside the tofu tacos, suggesting they were especially memorable and well received.
Chicken Skewer
Praised as amazing and part of a group of dishes that reviewers said were among the best they tried.
Peruvian Lamb
Mentioned as amazing and part of a highly recommended set of dishes, with strong praise for flavor and overall execution.
Feijoada
Recommended as part of the best Brazilian-style combination at the restaurant, with a reviewer saying it was amazing and culturally authentic.
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 11 PM |
| Friday | 12 PM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 12 PM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 12 to 10 PM |
About Casa Publica
Classy tavern & cafe offering elevated South American dishes, live music & 100+ rum varieties.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Casa Publica known for?
Casa Publica is best known for its guacamole, which reviewers repeatedly call a must-order, along with cocktails and rum flights. The South American menu also gets strong praise for ceviche, lomo saltado, and pork bites, and the place is especially popular for its lively music-and-drinks experience in Christchurch.
What dishes are most recommended at Casa Publica?
Reviewers most often recommend the guacamole, Peruvian ceviche, lomo saltado, pork belly bites, tofu tacos, and polenta fries. Other dishes that come up as standouts are habanero potatoes, chicken skewers, Peruvian lamb, beef espetinho, and the chef special, with several comments saying the portions are generous for the price.
What is the atmosphere like at Casa Publica?
The vibe is described as lively, stylish, cozy, and romantic, with comfortable tables, good lighting, and live music on some nights. It suits groups, couples on a date, and solo diners, and reviewers mention that the space works for chatting without having to shout, especially in the indoor and outdoor seating areas on New Regent Street.
Is Casa Publica good value, and what is the price range?
Casa Publica is in the NZ$30 to 90 range, and multiple reviewers say the food is good value for what you get. Comments mention generous portions, a chef dinner course that felt substantial, and dishes like pork ribs, chicken espetado, and ceviche being satisfying without feeling overpriced.
When is the best time to visit Casa Publica?
Dinner is a good time if you want the full cocktail and live music atmosphere, but one review notes that live music may not happen every night, such as on a Monday. Reviewers also mention that reservations are recommended, and that even on busy evenings the staff can seat solo diners quickly, including at the bar or window tables.
Is parking available at Casa Publica?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Casa Publica have vegetarian options?
Yes, Casa Publica offers vegan options.
Is Casa Publica kid-friendly?
Yes, Casa Publica is good for kids.
Restaurants like Casa Publica in Christchurch
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city