The Rabbit - All-Day Menu & Cocktail Lounge

About The Rabbit - All-Day Menu & Cocktail Lounge

The Rabbit is an all-day dining venue, cocktail lounge, and dessert bar situated on Victoria Street in central Ashburton. Designed around a blend of daytime comfort and nighttime adventure, the establishment offers an inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind over morning coffee, share seasonal plates during lunch, or explore an inventive cocktail and dinner menu well into the evening.

The culinary offering focuses on connection and flavour, drawing inspiration from the elements—Water, Earth, Fire, and Air—with a menu structured thoughtfully for sharing. Alongside its comprehensive dinner and lunch options, The Rabbit features an on-site sushi bar, house-made desserts, and a curated selection of wines and handcrafted drinks. With comfortable booth seating, versatile event spaces accommodating up to 70 guests, and regular dining specials, the venue caters equally to casual get-togethers, corporate functions, and private celebrations.

The Rabbit: Creative Shared Dining and Craft Cocktails in Ashburton

Located at 110 Victoria Street, The Rabbit has established itself as one of Ashburton’s most distinctive hospitality destinations. Operating as a cafe, cocktail lounge, and dessert bar under one roof, the venue bridges the gap between relaxed daytime dining and an energetic nighttime lounge. Its interior combines street-style accents with sophisticated booth seating, creating an environment that adapts seamlessly from daytime coffee catch-ups to celebratory evening dinners.

At the heart of The Rabbit’s ethos is an emphasis on connection through shared eating. The culinary team shapes its dinner offering around the classic elements—Water, Earth, Fire, and Air—delivering dishes that showcase bold flavour profiles and vibrant presentation. The kitchen places a strong focus on fresh ingredients and diverse culinary influences, balancing comforting classics with inventive Asian and Mediterranean touches.

A Shared Culinary Experience

The evening menu is split into approachable small plates and hearty mains designed for the table. Diners starting with lighter bites can explore textural dishes like crisp fried cauliflower dressed with curry cashew mayonnaise, thyme oil, and garlic, or a delicate yuzu chilli tuna tartare finished with pickled vegetables and crisp rice noodles. Seafood enthusiasts often turn to the house chowder, packed with white fish, prawns, and mussels, accompanied by freshly sliced garlic bread.

Larger mains highlight slow-cooked meats, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood. Notable standouts include a rich broccoli risotto paired with seared scallops and macadamia, slow-braised masala lamb shank pie crowned with mashed potato, and a tender beef short rib accompanied by chimichurri and fried Brussels sprouts. For those seeking bold spice, dishes such as Sichuan pepper chicken with black garlic and steamed salmon complemented by shacha sauce and Asian chilli oil bring heat and complexity to the table.

Cocktails, Desserts, and Private Gatherings

Beyond its cooked dishes, The Rabbit functions as a dedicated cocktail and dessert bar. The drinks list is curated with both classic cocktail interpretations and house specialties, paired alongside local and international wines. Patrons visiting on mid-week evenings can take advantage of regular pairings combining signature cocktails with artisan plated desserts.

The venue also serves as a versatile setting for community events, private parties, and business gatherings. With the capacity to host up to 70 guests, the space frequently accommodates milestone celebrations, team functions, and wedding receptions, supported by tailored catering menus and dedicated service.

Signature items

• Broccoli Risotto with Scallops
• Slow-Cooked Beef Short Rib
• Masala Lamb Shank Pie
• Yuzu Chilli Tuna Tartare
• Seafood Chowder
• Cauliflower

Menu

Mains

• Chicken Truffle Mushroom Pasta — Chicken, truffle, mushrooms, pasta, and creamy sauce
• Broccoli Risotto with Scallops — Creamy broccoli risotto with scallops, anchovy garlic butter, and macadamia
• Masala Lamb Shank Pie — Slow-braised lamb shank with braised vegetables and mashed potato topping
• Pork Loin with Pineapple & Rhubarb — Pork loin with chilli pineapple, rhubarb, green beans, and mustard seed jus
• Sichuan Pepper Chicken — Chicken with black garlic, Sichuan pepper, chilli, butter beans, and seasonal vegetables
• Salmon with Shacha Sauce — Steamed salmon with bacon, green peas, mushrooms, shacha sauce, and Asian chilli oil
• Slow-Cooked Beef Short Rib — Slow-cooked beef short rib with chimichurri, jus, mashed potato, and fried Brussels sprouts

Small Plate

• Cauliflower — Fried cauliflower with curry cashew mayo, thyme oil, cheese, and garlic
• Crispy Fried Squid — Fried squid with puttanesca mayo, fried capers, semi-dried tomato, lettuce, parsley, green and black olives, cumin, and paprika
• Warm Seasonal Salad — Mixed leaves and seasonal vegetables with cashews and red wine nut vinaigrette
• Yuzu Chilli Tuna Tartare — Tuna tartare with yuzu, chilli, pickled cucumber, pickled onion, shallots, parsley, lemon, and crispy rice noodles
• Tomato & Cheese Arancini — Arancini with tomato, garlic, spicy mayo, spring onion, and cheese
• Seafood Chowder — Creamy chowder with white fish, prawns, mussels, sweetcorn, served with handmade sliced garlic bread

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Rabbit located?

The Rabbit is located at 110 Victoria Street in Ashburton, Canterbury 7700.

What kind of food does The Rabbit serve?

The venue offers an all-day dining selection including small sharing plates, comforting mains, sushi, handcrafted desserts, and curated wines and cocktails.

What are the standard opening hours?

The Rabbit is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM until late. It is closed on Sundays.

Are there times when the main kitchen is closed?

Standard menu items are unavailable between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM, though sushi and drinks remain available during this afternoon window.

Does The Rabbit host private functions or large groups?

Yes, the venue accommodates functions and celebrations of up to 70 guests, offering customisable dining options for events.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options on the menu?

Yes, the menu includes designated vegetarian (V), gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), and nut-free dishes, as well as vegetarian-adaptable mains.

Do they offer any weekly specials?

Yes, the venue features a Wednesday Night Special pairing a signature cocktail with dessert, as well as an afternoon drink special from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

Tips

• {"body":"If visiting between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM when hot kitchen mains pause, drop in for fresh sushi and drink specials.","title":"Take Advantage of the Afternoon Window"}
• {"body":"Pair any signature cocktail with a handcrafted dessert during the Wednesday evening dining promotion.","title":"Try Wednesday Cocktails & Sweets"}
• {"body":"Booth seating provides an ideal setting for sharing small plates, sushi, and mains across larger tables.","title":"Book a Booth for Groups"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Menu clearly labels vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free choices."}