Selecting the Perfect Waterfront Restaurant in Christchurch for Your Next Date Night
No matter if you have just started dating or you’ve been married 20 years, date nights are an integral part of any relationship — however, we know finding the time can be difficult. When you and your partner do make the time, why not plan it meticulously and spend it at the finest, most romantic waterfront restaurant in Christchurch?
At Aihe Restaurant, we know that planning a date that breaks the introspective loop of Netflix and chill is daunting. Whether your partner prefers burgers and beer or a romantic candlelit dinner, these tips can help you plan the ultimate date night at our beautiful waterfront restaurant in Christchurch. From choosing the perfect dish, pairing the right drinks, choosing the right venue and more, at Aihe Restaurant, we have got you covered.
Choosing the Perfect Date Night Activity
Date nights, we all have them — no matter how long you and your partner(s) have been together. In addition to sharing a romantic meal at your favourite restaurant, partaking in a pre or post-dinner date night activity can take the night to the next level.
A good date night helps keep the romance alive; however, we understand that finding an activity that is fresh, fun, and romantic can be daunting. The good news is that we have come up with a short list of activities for both you and your partner to enjoy that are within walking distance of Aihe Restaurant.
Enjoy a Movie
It doesn't matter how long you’ve been dating, there is truly no date night like the classic dinner and a movie. Located just a short two-minute walk from Aihe Restaurant, Ethels Cinema is a charming boutique cinema with regular viewings of the latest blockbuster films. With viewings available from 10 am on Tuesdays to Sundays, Ethels Cinema makes for the perfect source of pre or post-date night entertainment.
Ideal for if you you choose to have an early dinner at Aihe Restaurant and wander down for a late-night movie, or vice versa. You truly cannot beat the dinner and movie combo for your next date night.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
Date nights are all about having fun and spending quality time with your partner. As such, doing something as simple as taking an evening stroll after a romantic meal can be the perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other's company.
Aihe Restaurant is conveniently located right along the shoreline. After you enjoy a romantic meal with us, you can take a stroll along our beautiful waterfront, down our main wharf and take in the beautiful views of the French Bay. Even better, on clear nights, you can go stargazing and enjoy the calming sounds of the water trickling along the shore.
Selecting the Ultimate Date Night Meal
With a passion for delicious seafood and an understanding of the highest-quality Aotearoa New Zealand wines, Aihe Restaurant is the newest addition to Akaroa’s vibrant dining scene. With stunning bayside views, Aihe Restaurant is the ultimate romantic waterfront dining destination in Akaroa.
As Akaora’s self-proclaimed ultimate date night venue, we felt it appropriate to develop the perfect menu with drink pairings to match. For your convenience, we have devised multiple date night menus to suit the preferences and dietary requirements of a variety of individuals.
Plenty of Fish (Seafood Menu)
There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but there’s only one for you. Luckily, we have an extensive seafood menu for you are your partner to choose from! To begin your romantic evening, we recommend you start with our Clevedon Coast Oysters. Continue with our fresh Grilled Fish of The Day, which has the option to be gluten and/or dairy free upon request. To compliment and bring out the flavour of both our oysters and fish, we recommend you pair it with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Finally, cleanse your palette and finish off your romantic evening with our refreshing homemade Lemon and Rasberry Sorbet.
Let It Grow (Vegetarian Menu)
At Aihe Restaurant, we take pride in utilising locally grown ingredients in all of our dishes. As such, we have devised a fresh and filling vegetarian three-course menu. Begin your meal with our Heirloom Carrots with roasted red pepper and garlic hummus and pair it with a crisp, buttery white wine like a Chardonnay. Following this, we recommend you continue with our creamy Spinach Risotto with fried tofu and finish it all off with our rich White Chocolate Mousse.
Meat Us by the Sea
At Aihe Restaurant, we use only the freshest ingredients, and we believe that Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island has some of the country’s best red meat and seafood. As such, we recommend you begin your romantic evening with our Crispy Fried Squid as your entree. Following this, we just can’t go past our favourite 250G Beef Fillet as the main course, which we advise to be enjoyed with a pint (or two) of Guinness.
Derived from Italy, we recommend our Affogato, which is a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in espresso with your choice of liquor. You can rest assured it is a house favourite that is bound to impress.
Free of Gluten, Full of Life (Gluten Free Menu)
At Aihe Restaurant, we pride ourselves on providing options for individuals with a variety of dietary requirements. In doing so, we have developed the ideal gluten-free date night menu. We recommend you start with our entree of Olives marinated in oil and rosemary. Following this, we suggest our Lamb Backstrap as your main and for you to enjoy it with a classic red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
Explore our menu page for more information.
Choosing the Right Fine Dining Restaurant
Last but not least, selecting the right waterfront restaurant in Christchurch is essential in ensuring the date goes smoothly. Whether you are going out for nibbles and a drink, or a three-course meal, there are a number of things to consider when selecting the ideal date night restaurant. The most important is the menu, where you should ensure beforehand that the venue caters to both the taste and dietary requirements of you and your partner.
Additionally, there are a number of things to consider outside the menu, the first of which is its location. If you can, aim for a central location where, if you are on a first date, it is easy for the other person to get to. Additionally, it is also essential to consider the atmosphere and ambience of the venue. You should aim for a venue with dim lighting, quiet music and a cozy but not claustrophobic environment that encourages both conversation and romance to flow.
That is where Aihe Restaurant comes in.
In the heart of Akaroa, with views of the harbour and the choice of indoor or alfresco seating, Aihe Restaurant is the perfect combination of casual and fine dining. Additionally, our menu utilises only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients with a range of vegan, vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free dining options. So you can rest assured that no matter the preferences or dietary requirements of you and your partner, you will be catered for at Aihe Restaurant.
Not least of all, we have an extensive local wine and beverage list with a variety of housemade cocktails available, as well as Guinness on tap. Not to mention, our staff have a plethora of knowledge regarding beverage and food pairings to enhance the experience of both your meal and your evening as a whole.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your special someone and contact us to book Aihe Restaurant for your next date night.