Christchurch’s newest high-rise dining experience on the seventh floor of The MUSE Art Hotel is all eye-boggling 180-degree views of everything from the Port Hills to New Brighton beach.

Seven is a wine bar in the sky, a rare premium dining experience with creative dishes and a curated drinks list that’ll have you hanging out long after the grand vista turns into a lustrous matrix of city lights and stars.

Every wine comes recommended, and every sharing plate arrives at the table looking like an artwork come to life. Presentation may be everything at Seven, but flavour is passion, and the chefs design each dish for exquisite flavour and wine pairing. The wait team are armed with expert wine and food matching advice, and with the huge potential for different combinations, no two visits need ever be the same.

The contemporary menu focuses on making skilful magic with simple ingredients. Something as simple-sounding as cucumber with tahini comes shaved into a thin strip that melts in the mouth, revealing the hidden citrus flavours. It’s easy to get obsessed, touring the wine list to find the perfect mate for the tantalising duck, scallop, smoked eggplant, fish, cheese, and beef-based dishes. Many of the dishes are based on classics, but given a spin from way out of left field, like the pan-seared fish with strawberry, yuzu kosho and lime oil. The vegan menu is made with extreme care and is a celebrated feature of the restaurant. The cuisine is really in a class of its own, but gives whiffs of Italian, Asian, French and Mexican influence.

Seven is dining-focused, with opulent seating, modern design and soft lights coupled with the enveloping view for an eating experience like nothing else in Christchurch. The views turn inwards as well, with an open kitchen giving a view of the action. The mood is set by a soundscape of upbeat jazz, house, and cultural music.

Seven is the third musketeer to the hospitality offering in the MUSE, with The Lobby Bar on the ground floor providing the perfect place to relax in style or sip a martini while waiting to head upstairs, and Pink Lady Rooftop bar topping things off with cocktails in the open air.

sevendining.co.nz