Fusion cuisine goes all the way back to the 14th Century in the original melting pot of Andalusia, where Jewish, Muslim and Christian influences combined with the rich soils and abundant waters of this Mediterranean territory to give the world gazpacho, calamari, chorizo and a smorgasbord of mouth-watering tapas.

New Regent Street restaurateur Shafeeq Ismail (pictured) of Story fame has always been inspired by the fresh, seasonal and simple cuisine of this area of Spain and now he is sharing the love with Christchurch and its visitors, giving taste buds a zing at his new establishment, Odeon.

Before coming to Ōtautahi, chef Shafeeq worked in southern Spain and the Middle East, soaking up the influences of the Mediterranean region along the way. All that is celebrated in the menu and milieu of Odeon, at the New Regent end of Gloucester Street.

You can’t talk Spanish cuisine without saluting the rich history of wine styles from the region. Odeon’s general manager, Loren Mitchell-Moore, is a sommelier by profession and has put together a cellar of organic or biodynamic wines that she has chosen to be educative and well as enjoyable. An extensive list of sherries is another paean to Spanish culture.

For those wanting to experience the Mediterranean tradition of communal dining, there’s even a long table available for private bookings. It’s called Matt’s Table in honour of designer Matt Smith, who built it as part of his work designing the restaurant’s interior. In keeping with the eclectic vibe, the seating is straight from the 1950s courtesy of Ross ‘Mr Mod’ Morrison.

The relaxed style of Mediterranean hospitality means you will feel right at home at Odeon whether you are there for a celebration dinner of just popping in for an Allpress coffee or a wine with friends any time Wednesday to Monday, 9.30am to 10pm, or even later if the mood warrants it.

Weekday lunchtimes there are hot and cold sandwiches available or a changing lunch menu; for dinner there is a full menu of tapas and sharing plates. Come the weekend you can indulge in a wide selection of  brunch, lunch and dinner choices. Oh, Odeon!

odeon.co.nz