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The Great Escape Cafe in Christchurch

Discover The Great Escape Cafe in Christchurch Central City. Check menu, hours, reviews, and enjoy casual dining with vegan options and free street parking.

3.7 67 reviews Cafe American · Southern

2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

FoodPlacee Passport New Zealand · Christchurch · 80046
Verified

The Great Escape Cafe

Christchurch, New Zealand

Vegan Paella
Rating★ 3.7 / 5
CategoryCafe
Today 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Located at 2 Riccarton Avenue in Christchurch Central City, The Great Escape Cafe offers a casual and welcoming environment perfect for a variety of dining occasions. This cafe is known for its solid selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes that cater well to diverse dietary preferences.

With a rating of 3.7 across 67 reviews, visitors appreciate the quality and portion sizes, especially the popular Vegan Paella. The cafe supports both takeout and dine-in experiences but does not provide delivery service. Accessibility is well-considered here, featuring wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating to ensure comfort for all guests.

Gallery

Photos from The Great Escape Cafe

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This café offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or extended laptop work sessions, catering to a variety of tastes and needs in Christchurch.

Vegan & Vegetarian Options

Popular dishes like the Vegan Paella attract guests seeking delicious plant-based meals alongside quick, tasty bites.

Group Friendly & Family Welcoming

A casual setting that accommodates groups and is good for kids, making it ideal for gatherings and family visits.

Fully Accessible

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating ensure comfort and convenience for all visitors.

Convenient Daily Hours

Open every day from 9 AM to 7:30 PM, providing plenty of opportunity for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert.

Dine-In or Takeout

Options for both dine-in and takeout accommodate busy schedules and varied dining preferences without delivery.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Discover the best moments and ways to enjoy The Great Escape Cafe’s inviting space, ideal for a quick breakfast or a leisurely lunch in Christchurch.

The cafe offers a comfortable setting for individuals and groups alike, with ample seating and free street parking. Its menu features vegan and vegetarian delights alongside hearty hot meals, making it a dependable spot for work breaks, casual meetups, or family visits. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Coffee & Breakfast

Start the day with a fresh cup of coffee paired with vegan or vegetarian breakfast options in a relaxed atmosphere.

Working or Studying

Enjoy the casual and quiet environment that suits solo diners and those needing a comfortable spot to work on laptops.

Group Lunch or Casual Meetups

Gather with friends or colleagues for affordable and satisfying lunch options, including generous portions and fresh ingredients.

Quick Takeout Meals

Ideal for grabbing a wholesome quick bite to go, with a menu offering quality hot meals without the wait.

Reservation-Friendly Visits

Plan ahead with the option to reserve a spot, ensuring a smooth experience during busier times of the day.

Best for

Popular Breakfast Solo Dining Group Friendly Work Friendly Takeout Reservations Accepted Free Street Parking Vegan Options

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

TR
Tim Rogers 3 week ago

"Very tasty vegan paella. Rate all food served here highly."

T
Trollfire 1 month ago

"as of writing, it is 13.50 for a hot meal good quality and quantity for the price"

NS
Nigel Smith 2 month ago

"Clean in the middle of the hospital good selection of food and drinks"

MA
Mohammad Amer 2 month ago

"All their beef and chicken hot meals are now halal, which is fantastic!"

JK
John Kane 2 month ago

"Good food, reasonably priced, very basic. Staff cafe that the public can use as well"

JT
J Taylor 3 month ago

"The hot Main Meals are fantastic. Good value and great portions. Lots of veges etc. Stay away from the toasties and some of the cakes as when I had them on Sunday it was not fresh at all and was expensive. (This is the only reason it's not 5 stars)."

AS
Andrew Smith 4 month ago

"Hospital cafe food, but a reasonable selection from sushi, hot meals, sandwiches, pies, fruit, baked items."

GD
Gayan Dissanayake 4 month ago

"Good food, But not much varieties. Same menu every day. I had to eat for 14 days. I had enough those for my life. Still feel the taste. yuk !"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Tuesday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Thursday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Sunday 09:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Ideal for both quick stops and longer stays, this café suits morning to early evening visits with flexible dining times.

Weekdays & Weekends: 9 AM - 7:30 PM Breakfast & Lunch Hours Great for Groups & Family Visits Visitors Spend 20 min to 4 hr Reservations Accepted for Larger Groups

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to The Great Escape Cafe in Christchurch .

Address 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 364 0640
Area Christchurch
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about The Great Escape Cafe in Christchurch, including dining options, accessibility, and popular menu items.

The cafe is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Hours may occasionally change, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Yes, the cafe serves both vegetarian and vegan options, including the popular Vegan Paella. The menu features coffee, quick bites, and more catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Dine-in seating is available with a casual atmosphere, and reservations are accepted. It’s a suitable spot for groups as well as solo visitors who want to work on their laptops.

The Great Escape Cafe is fully accessible, including wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating accommodations.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, offering convenient options for all customers.

Free street parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

The cafe is popular for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert. It's ideal for quick bites or longer visits lasting up to 4 hours.

Nearby brands

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.