Somewhere between the practicality of breakfast and the midday break of lunch lies the decadent experience of brunch. Cityscape takes you on a tour of some of Christchurch’s best bruncheries and, more importantly, their superb dishes.

Cinnamon Porridge with Berry Compote

Why: This warming, subtly spiced porridge topped with rhubarb berry compote, house made granola, banana, local honey and runny cream is the definition of comfort food. Goes well with a cup of delicious Allpress coffee. Where: Grain Coffee and Eatery. Come for the food, stay for the sleek, modern surrounds with an industrial flavour, and some bonus free Wi-Fi.

Eggs Benedict with Bacon

Why: The house-made rosti and hollandaise make this brunch classic an absolute winner. The menu here also caters to all dietary requirements. Where: The Old Vicarage. Come for the food, stay for the beautiful garden surrounds, cosy, atmospheric interior and range of private rooms.

Hash Benny

Why: Eggs benny with an irresistible Kiwi twist – a bit of native horopito is added to the fabulously crunchy hash. Where: Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry. Come for the food, stay for the relaxed atmosphere, vegan options, dog-friendly patio and stunning manicured gardens.

Apple Porridge

Why: A soul warming classic perfect for chilly mornings, the spiced apple crumble makes this porridge a satisfying treat. Where: Switch New Brighton. Come for the food, stay for the bustling atmosphere, good vibes, excellent Switch Espresso and new takes on brunch classics.

Soup of the day

Why: Crafted Coffee’s hot and hearty soup of the day is your winter warming comfort food done right, all vegan and served with a delicious slice of Bellbird Bakery bread. Where: Crafted Coffee Company. Come for the food, stay for the barista workshops, coffee tastings and specialty coffee (natch).

Mitchelli’s Speciale

Why: It’s Mitchelli’s signature dish, and the combo of beans in a tasty tomato sauce, a poached egg and an added chorizo, all drizzled with sage brown butter, is pretty much a party in your mouth. Where: Mitchelli’s Café Rinato. Come for the food, stay for the welcoming family feel with excellent food and cheerful table service.

Smashed Veg

Why: The Smashed Veg sits gloriously atop the legendary house charcoal toast, stacked to the heavens with wholesome ingredients and flavours. Where: Untouched World Kitchen. Come for the food, stay for the oasis feeling away from the hustle, complete with toasty gas fire.

Apple Pancakes

Why: It’s hard to beat a good classic, and there’s nothing more classic than this combo of cinnamon with apple, apple with pancakes, and pancakes with maple syrup, all made fresh on site. Where: Frank’s Café. Come for the food, stay for the dog-friendly seating outside in the sun.

Smashed Avocado with Salmon

Why: First of all, it’s smashed avocado, and we don’t need much more of an excuse than that. It’s served on sourdough with poached eggs and feta, and it looks so damn pretty to boot. Where: Black & White Coffee Origins. Come for the food, stay for the rad environs, locally sourced ingredients and absolutely top-notch joe.

STC Toastie

Why: This indulgent and fun take on a croque monsieur has it all: local free-farmed ham, gruyère, crispy chilli. Add a fried egg to get that trad brekkie fix. Where: South Town Club. Come for the food, stay for the innovation and quality, buckets of natural light, and good yarns.

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Why: It’s soup season, and this independent coffee house has the warming goods with a rotating menu of daily soup specials. Where: Max Dose. Come for the food, stay for the cosy setting, sunny courtyard, and relaxed atmosphere, with a strong focus on matching exceptional coffee with great service.

Crispy Chicken Burger

Why: This crispy, crunchy treat is perfectly accompanied with bacon, melted cheese and pineapple on a soft bun. Where: Café Stir. Come for the food, stay for the ideal spot for watching the world (and the tram) go by, plus some great photo ops on Christchurch’s prettiest street.

Not Scrambled Eggs

Why: This egg-free scramble is so good it kicks eggs’ butt. Scrambled tofu with chives, tomato kasundi and hazelnut dukkah on toasted ciabatta. Where: Town Tonic. Come for the food, stay for the modern spin on brunch classics, locally sourced produce and super-friendly staff.

Jasmine Rice Porridge

Why: This Asian-inspired jasmine rice porridge with crispy pork, pickled onion, poached egg and coriander is a lip-smacking good time. Where: Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar. Come for the food, stay for the buzzing atmosphere, outdoor fire and watching the world go by.