Where is the bar in Christchurch?

Downstairs at Bar Franco, in The Crossing at 166 Cashel Street, right in the heart of the Christchurch CBD.

Spritz & Negroni Bar | Cocktail Bar in Christchurch CBD

Q: Do I need to book for the bar at Bar Franco?

Walk-ins are welcome at the Spritz & Negroni Bar downstairs — pull up a stool. If you'd like to dine, or you're bringing a group, it's best to book a table so we can look after you.

Q: What's Bar Franco's signature drink?

The Negroni — it's the house ritual. Alongside it you'll find Aperol and Campari spritzes, classic cocktails, prosecco and a tidy Italian wine list, plus low- and no-alcohol options.

Q: What time does the bar open?

We're open daily from 4pm — aperitivo o'clock — and we pour till late. The kitchen upstairs opens from 5pm if you'd like to make a night of it.

Q: Can we come just for drinks, not dinner?

Absolutely. The bar is yours for a spritz, a Negroni or a glass of Italian wine — no dinner required. Stay for a plate of cicchetti if the mood takes you.

The ritual

The best Negroni in Christchurch (we'd argue)

Equal parts gin, Campari and vermouth, stirred down and served with a twist — the Negroni is the icon of the occasion, and the house ritual at Bar Franco. It's the drink the whole place is named around.

Not in a bitter mood? There's the Aperol or Campari spritz, classic cocktails done properly, prosecco, a tidy Italian wine list, and low- and no-alcohol options for the driver. Aperitivo, the Italian way.

View the drinks menu

A tray of Aperol spritzes and Negronis at Bar Franco's Spritz and Negroni Bar in central Christchurch

4pm

Aperitivo o'clock, daily

Till late

The bar keeps pouring

Negroni

The house ritual

What's pouring

A drink for every mood

Negronis

The classic, plus a rotating twist or two for the curious. Bitter, balanced, and very Bar Franco.

Spritzes

Aperol, Campari, limoncello — bright, sparkling and made for an afternoon that drifts into evening.

Classic cocktails

Done properly, by people who care. Tell us what you're in the mood for and we'll point you right.

Italian wine & bubbles

Prosecco, a tidy Italian-leaning list by the glass or bottle, and low- and no-alcohol options too.

The warm, moody downstairs Spritz and Negroni Bar at Bar Franco, Christchurch

Two levels, one good night

Drinks downstairs, dinner upstairs

The Spritz & Negroni Bar lives on the ground floor — pull up a stool for a drink and a plate of cicchetti. When you're ready, head upstairs to the open kitchen for handmade pasta and a proper feed.

Come for one, stay for both. Walk in for a drink, or book a table if you'd like to dine.

Good to know

Bar FAQs

Do I need to book for the bar?

Walk-ins are welcome at the bar downstairs — pull up a stool. If you'd like to dine, or you're bringing a group, it's best to book a table so we can look after you.

What's your signature drink?

The Negroni — it's the house ritual. Alongside it: Aperol and Campari spritzes, classic cocktails, prosecco, a tidy Italian wine list, and low- and no-alcohol options.

What time do you open?

Daily from 4pm — aperitivo o'clock — and we pour till late. The kitchen upstairs opens from 5pm.

Can we come just for drinks?

Absolutely. The bar's yours for a spritz, a Negroni or a glass of Italian wine — no dinner required. Stay for a plate of cicchetti if the mood takes you.

Do you do cocktails for groups and functions?

We do — from a stand-up cocktail function to the whole venue. Have a look at private events & venue hire.

Salute

Pull up a stool

Aperitivo, a Negroni, or a night that starts at the bar and ends upstairs — come say ciao. Open daily from 4pm, till late.

Book a table Call 03 925 9208