The Fine Lion

About The Fine Lion

The Fine Lion is a modern restaurant and vibrant bar hosted by Matt and Belinda Fine, located in the heart of Ashburton's CBD. Positioned on the first level at the corner of East and Burnett Streets, the venue brings together refined cooking and an easygoing hospitality that suits everything from casual afternoon catch-ups to celebratory dinners.

At the core of the kitchen's approach is a focus on seasonal plates made with fresh, quality ingredients sourced locally. The food offering spans an extensive lineup of sharing plates, hearty mains featuring premium South Island meats and seafood, and decadent desserts, backed by a well-curated beverage selection that includes craft beers, fine wines, and creative cocktails.

With both indoor dining spaces and a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the town, guests can settle in for romantic evenings, casual post-work drinks, or weekend gatherings. An attentive team and an inclusive menu ensure diners with gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free preferences are well catered for throughout the week.

The Fine Lion: Crafted Cuisine and Balcony Views in Central Ashburton

Located prominently on the first floor at the corner of East and Burnett Streets, The Fine Lion brings a vibrant blend of refined gastronomy and relaxed hospitality to Ashburton's town centre. Founded and operated by local hosts Matt and Belinda Fine, the establishment was created as a versatile sanctuary where visitors can effortlessly shift from a sunny afternoon beer into an elevated evening dining experience.

From the moment you step off the street and ascend to the main dining floor, the atmosphere strikes a comfortable balance between contemporary chic and genuine warmth. Large windows overlook the surrounding streetscape, while the outdoor balcony offers a prime sun-drenched perch for catching up over craft beers, classic cocktails, or local wines.

A Menu Driven by Local Producers and Seasons

The culinary philosophy at The Fine Lion centres on celebrating regional produce through imaginative preparation. The daytime and evening menus are built with sharing in mind. From midday until late afternoon, the kitchen produces a diverse range of share plates. Guests can sample everything from house-seasoned kawakawa fries and tender sweet soy pork belly bites to fresh seafood dishes such as seared garlic chilli octopus, baked mussels in smokey garlic butter, and crisp calamari paired with chipotle maple aioli.

As the afternoon gives way to dinner service at 4:00 pm, the menu expands to showcase substantial mains that highlight premium South Island meats. The Handpicked Lumina Lamb features a honey-cured pressed shoulder served alongside pomme puree, exotic mushrooms, and purple kumara mousseline. Beef enthusiasts gravitate toward the Pure South steaks, available in generous cuts accompanied by layered potato pave, cauliflower puree, and rich jus, with an option to top the plate with prawns, mussels, and grilled octopus for a classic surf-and-turf finish.

Relaxed Gatherings and Weekend Feasts

Beyond evening dinners, The Fine Lion serves as a community hub for social events and milestone celebrations. The restaurant hosts a dedicated Saturday Bottomless Brunch featuring shared platters piled with mini bacon butties, ham and cheese croissants, and signature fried chicken accompanied by free-flowing daytime drinks.

Whether dropping by for a quiet coffee, settling into a booth for an intimate romantic dinner, or enjoying a glass of wine out on the balcony deck, The Fine Lion delivers hospitality marked by meticulous detail, delicious local flavours, and an open, welcoming setting in Mid Canterbury.

Signature items

• Handpicked Lumina Lamb
• Pure South Steak
• Pork Mosaic
• Wildberry, Port & Venison Pot Pie
• Kawakawa Fries
• Garlic Chilli Octopus

Menu

Dinner

• Pan Roasted Chicken — Confit chicken leg, gruyere & caramelised onion arancini, courgette & basil mousse, crispy pancetta, broccoli salad, blood orange demi glaze, and berry compote
• Market Fish — Served in coconut curry sauce with basmati rice, toasted coconut, crispy kefir lime, crispy shallots, and seasonal greens
• Handpicked Lumina Lamb — Honey cured lamb pressed shoulder, pomme puree, caramelised fig, buttered exotic mushrooms, silverbeet, purple kumara mousseline, baby carrots, and balsamic lamb jus
• Pure South Steak — Choice of 250g striploin or 300g ribeye with potato pave, roasted cauliflower puree, horseradish creme fraiche, baby carrot, seasonal greens, and jus
• Reef & Beef It — Add-on of grilled octopus, mussels, and tiger prawn
• Pork Mosaic — Soy and ginger pork tenderloin rolled in nori, yuzu mash, miso braised cabbage, sweet soy, wasabi mayo, and pickled enoki mushrooms
• Wildberry, Port, & Venison Pot Pie — Braised venison with port and wildberry under flaky pastry, served with mash
• Caramelised Onion Beef Burger — Double pattie, caramelised onion, crispy shallots, bourbon BBQ mayo, provolone cheese, pickled jalapeño, served with fries
• Pulled Lamb Burger — Slow cooked lamb shoulder in minted jus, zesty slaw, feta, pickled onion, confit lemon garlic ricotta, served with fries
• Seafood Arrabitata Pasta — Fettuccine in spicy arrabitata sauce with calamari, prawns, mussels, and lime pangritata
• Winter Roast Vege Salad — Winter roast vegetables, feta, seed and nut mix, spinach, whipped lemon garlic ricotta, pickled vegetables, maple and balsamic vinaigrette
• Seafood Paella — Tomato rice, chorizo, prawns, fish, sundried tomatoes, olives, peppers, and lime cream

Dessert

• Creme Brulee — French vanilla custard with caramelised sugar and shortbread
• Brandy Snaps — Cream filled brandy snaps with choc crumb, Black Doris plum gel, and Black Doris plum ice cream
• Affogato — Vanilla bean ice cream and espresso with choice of Liquor 43, Frangelico, Baileys, or Amarula
• Ice Cream Sundae — Vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, praline, and choice of berry, chocolate, passionfruit, or caramel sauce
• Cheesecake — Served with vanilla bean ice cream
• Irish Coffee — Whisky liqueur, espresso, and whipped cream

Share Plates

• Selection of Harvey’s Bakehouse Bread — Housemade compound butter, olive oil
• Soup of The Day — Daily seasonal soup offering
• Vegetable Pakoda — Spiced Nepalese vegetable fritters served with minted yoghurt sauce
• Pure South Striploin — 250g striploin served with chimichurri and housemade compound butter
• Baked Mussels — Served with smokey garlic butter and toasted rye
• Crispy Calamari — Served with chipotle maple aioli and house pickles
• Lumina Lamb Ribs — Glazed with mint
• Marinated Lamb Loin Chops — Accompanied by herb emulsion
• Shitake Gyoza Dumplings — Served with dumpling sauce, sweet soy, and coriander
• Corn Ribs — Seasoned with chipotle aioli, lime, parmesan, and smoked salt
• Fried Chicken — Crispy fried chicken with pickled onions, pickles, and choice of aioli or cowboy mayo
• Babbacoa Lamb Sliders x3 — With pickled onion, jalapeños, and cowboy mayo
• Cajun Prawn Tacos x2 — Topped with pineapple chili salsa, crispy shallots, and mojito slaw
• Sweet Soy Pork Belly Bites — Glazed with sweet soy, sesame seeds, and spring onion
• Garlic Chilli Octopus — Seared octopus tentacle with chilli oil, lemon aioli, and togarashi
• Caramelised Onion & Gruyere Arancini — Served with aioli and courgette basil puree
• Tiger Prawns — Garlic and chilli tiger prawns with lemon aioli and crusty bread
• Kawakawa Fries — Seasoned with kawakawa salt and served with aioli
• Marinated Olives — House marinated olives
• Potato Bravas — Served with bravas sauce, sour cream, and coriander
• Mojito Slaw — Coleslaw dressed with mint and lime
• Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad — Tossed with feta and balsamic reduction
• Birra Beef Tacos x2 — Diced onion, coriander, seasonal salsa, and birra consume

Bottomless Brunch

• Saturday Bottomless Brunch Platter — Includes sharing platters of mini ham, cheese, and relish croissants, mini bacon butties, Fine Lion fried chicken, and fresh fruit

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Fine Lion located?

The restaurant is situated on Level 1, 152 Burnett Street, at the corner of East and Burnett Streets in the Ashburton CBD.

What are the opening hours?

The restaurant and bar are open seven days a week, from 11:00 am until late.

Does the menu cater to gluten-free and vegan diets?

Yes, the menu includes dedicated dishes made with gluten-free ingredients and provides vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options.

When is the dinner menu served?

The dinner menu is available every day starting from 4:00 pm, while share plates are served from 11:00 am.

Does The Fine Lion offer bottomless brunch?

Yes, a bottomless brunch sitting is held on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with two-hour seatings and shared food platters.

How can I book a table?

Reservations can be made online via the restaurant's website or by contacting the team directly by phone or email.

Tips

• {"body":"On warm, sunny days, head out to the first-floor balcony overlooking East and Burnett Streets for drinks in the sun.","title":"Secure an Outdoor Balcony Seat"}
• {"body":"For a lighter lunch or grazing dinner, order two to three share plates per person to sample a variety of dishes.","title":"Build a Shared Meal"}
• {"body":"Book in advance for the two-hour Saturday brunch sessions to enjoy platters of bacon butties, fried chicken, and pastries.","title":"Try the Saturday Bottomless Brunch"}
• {"body":"When ordering a Pure South steak off the dinner menu, consider adding the mixed seafood garnish of octopus, mussels, and tiger prawns.","title":"Add the Reef & Beef Topping"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options available across the menu."}