Evil Genius is a bar, restaurant and event space tucked away on Tidal View in Ferrymead, Christchurch — a bit of a local secret serving bold Asian-fusion food inspired by traditional street food, with intriguing plates designed to be shared. The setting is rustic and relaxed, spread across a cosy bar, a lair, and an open courtyard with sweeping views across the estuary and out to the ocean.
The drinks are crafted with the same character as the food: cocktails with an Evil Genius twist — spicy, smoky, citrusy and everything in between — alongside a wine list that champions local favourites and carefully chosen international drops. The baos have earned a devoted following, with diners calling them the best in town.
Beyond food and drink, Evil Genius keeps a lively calendar of live music, open mic nights and its Sip Social, while The Lair event space hosts everything from business functions to weddings. It's a warm, informal spot to unwind with family and friends, open Wednesday through Sunday.
Tucked away on Tidal View in Ferrymead, Evil Genius is one of those places Christchurch locals half-want to keep to themselves. From the street it's easy to walk past; inside, it's a rustic, character-filled bar and kitchen dishing up bold Asian-fusion food, characterful cocktails and — on a fine day — some of the loveliest water views on this side of the city.
The idea is simple: traditional Asian street food flavours, served as intriguing plates designed to be shared. Come with a couple of friends, order widely, and let the kitchen do the talking.
Evil Genius spreads across a few very different spaces. Settle into the cosy bar, disappear into the lair, or head for the open courtyard, where tables look out across the estuary and towards the ocean. It's the kind of setting that turns a quick drink into a long afternoon, and the team — friendly, knowledgeable and happily informal — are a big part of the appeal. Guests regularly mention the view and the service in the same breath.
The kitchen's roots are in Asian street food, and the menu leans fully into it: big flavours, fresh ingredients and plates that beg to be passed around the table. The baos have a following of their own — “Best baos in town! Even better than Asian joints,” one diner raved — and they're as good a starting point as any.
The menu shifts with the seasons. The current winter lineup celebrates comforting dishes and rich flavours with the venue's signature Asian-fusion twist, mixing refreshed favourites with new creations. Lunch runs Wednesday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm, and takeaway is available by phone — handy if you're on the go — though there are no takeaways after 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The winter dinner menu is served Wednesday to Friday from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday from 12pm to 8pm.
The drinks list is built with the same playfulness as the food. Cocktails come with an Evil Genius twist — spicy, smoky, citrusy and everything in between — while the wine list heroes local favourites alongside carefully chosen international drops. If you want to go deeper, the Evil Genius Sip Social is a regular event dedicated to exactly that.
Beyond the bar, The Lair is Evil Genius' dedicated event space, hosting everything from business functions to weddings. Back in the bar itself, the calendar stays busy: live music, open mic nights and other happenings make it as much an entertainment spot as a dinner destination. It's worth checking the What's On page before you visit, because there's often something on.
Evil Genius is at 1091 Ferry Rd in Ferrymead, Christchurch, and opens Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm, closing Mondays and Tuesdays. Bookings can be made online, and group booking menus are available for larger tables. Whether you come for the baos, the cocktails or simply to watch the light move across the estuary, it's a spot that rewards a little curiosity — which, given the name, seems only fitting.