The Parisian way
When Hugo opened in spring 2025, it set out to fill a gap in the city’s dining scene, devoted to bringing a little piece of Paris to Christchurch.
The French-inspired bistro has quickly established itself as one of Christchurch’s most sought-after tables.
In a dining landscape increasingly shaped by shared plates and communal-style dining, the Warring Group identified a gap for something different. While sister restaurants ROCA and King of Snake are built around sharing and discovery, Hugo embraces the traditions of classic à la carte dining.
The restaurant draws inspiration from Paris, but avoids the clichés often associated with French-themed venues. Instead, the space feels contemporary and refined, influenced by the restaurants and boutique hotels David and Jen Warring encountered during their honeymoon through the French capital.
A marble countertop, now a signature feature across Warring Group venues, creates a focal point in the dining room, while backlit stone surfaces add warmth and depth. Above, the mirrored ceiling creates movement and energy, reflecting the activity below and drawing the eye throughout the space.
Hugo’s position on The Terrace offers some of the city’s most breathtaking views, creating an enviable setting for long lunches and evening dinners alike. With punt boats drifting along the Avon, the tram clattering gently through the city, the occasional street performer animating the precinct below, and an exceptional Rhône Valley Syrah in hand, it wouldn’t take much imagination to believe you were sitting in a Parisian bistro.
The reception from diners has exceeded expectations. Hugo was recently named Best Restaurant in Christchurch in the 2025 Avenues A-List Awards, while also earning consideration for Michelin recognition. Significant achievements for a restaurant still in its first year of operation.
Part of its success lies in its clarity of purpose. The kitchen has been intentionally designed around a focused menu, ensuring every dish earns its place. The result is a concise offering built around French classics and executed with precision.
The menu is structured traditionally, with hors d’oeuvres, plats principaux, and garnitures guiding diners through the experience before a dessert menu arrives, devoted to beloved French sweet classics and cheeses. Authenticity remains a priority throughout. Escargot and soupe à l’oignon française sit alongside one of the restaurant’s signature dishes: steak frites, served with fries cooked in beef tallow in keeping with traditional French technique.
Complementing the food is one of the city’s most comprehensive French wine lists, showcasing the breadth and diversity of France’s most important wine regions and styles. From accessible everyday bottles to prestigious labels, the list offers something for every occasion while remaining true to the restaurant’s French identity.
That authenticity extends beyond the glass with a team that brings a deep appreciation for French culture and hospitality. Even the restaurant’s soundtrack has been carefully considered, with a contemporary French playlist that gives the restaurant an upbeat yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Less than a year since opening, Hugo has already established itself as one of Christchurch’s standout dining destinations. For David Warring, the achievement is particularly satisfying. “I am incredibly proud of what Hugo has achieved in such a short time,” he says.