Before the whistle · Christchurch CBD

Pre-stadium dining at Bar Franco

Got tickets to One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha)? Start the night the Italian way. Bar Franco is a short stroll from the stadium, in the heart of The Crossing — modern Italian, a Negroni or two, and a proper feed before the game, the gig or the big event. No rush, no queue, no soggy stadium chips.

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The perfect pre-game

Eat well, then stroll to your seat

One NZ Stadium — Te Kaha — is just a short walk away. ChristchurchNZ lists us as a five-minute stroll, so you can settle in, eat properly, and wander over with time to spare.

Beat the half-time queues and the warm stadium pint. Start your night with handmade pasta and a spritz that actually tastes like something, right here in the CBD.

As featured by ChristchurchNZ among the best places to eat near One NZ Stadium.

Fresh handmade pasta and an Aperol spritz at Bar Franco, a short walk from One NZ Stadium in Christchurch
5 min
Walk to One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha)
4pm
Open daily — early enough for pre-event
Late
Come back after the final whistle

How to do the pre-game

Two levels, one great warm-up

01

A spritz to start

Drop into the Spritz & Negroni Bar downstairs for an Aperol spritz or a classic cocktail to kick the night off properly.

02

A proper feed

Head upstairs to the open kitchen for handmade pasta, fluffy pizzettas and enough Italian wine to make a night of it.

03

Quick or leisurely

Tight on time? Share plates and bar snacks have you fed and out the door. Plenty of time? Settle in for the full sit-down.

04

Back for the after-party

Open till late, so swing back after the game or concert for a post-match Negroni and a debrief.

A tray of Aperol spritzes and Negronis at Bar Franco's bar, near One NZ Stadium Christchurch

Whatever's on at the stadium

Your table for the big nights

Concerts and gigs, the rugby, internationals, sell-out live events — if it's on at One NZ Stadium, we're your pre-game table. We're used to event-night timing, so tell us when doors open and we'll get you fed and on your way.

Bringing the whole crew? We seat groups across both levels and can sort a shared menu so everyone eats well and fast. Big group or function?

Good to know

Pre-stadium dining FAQs

How far is Bar Franco from One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha)?

We're in The Crossing on Cashel Street, a short walk from One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha) in central Christchurch — ChristchurchNZ lists us as about a five-minute stroll. Easy to eat with us and wander over with time to spare.

What time should we eat before an event?

We open daily from 4pm, with the kitchen from 5pm. For a relaxed pre-event dinner, arriving around two hours before kick-off or doors is the sweet spot. On busy event nights, booking ahead is the safest bet.

Do you take bookings on event nights?

Yes — book a table online or call us on 03 925 9208. Concert and game nights are our busiest, so reserve early to lock in your table before the event.

Can we come back after the game or concert?

Absolutely. Our Spritz & Negroni Bar runs till late, so swing back in for a post-match drink or a nightcap after the final whistle.

Is it good for a group heading to the stadium?

Very. We seat groups across two levels and can put together a shared menu so a big crew can eat well and quickly. For larger bookings, get in touch about our group and function options.

Book your pre-game table

Eat before the stadium

Heading to One NZ Stadium? Lock in your table at Bar Franco and start the night right — a short walk from your seat, in the heart of the city.

Book a table Call 03 925 9208