ADDRESS:   48 Hereford St, Christchurch Central
CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS
MAINS:   $22 – $86
WEBSITE:    inati.nz
CONTACT:   03 390 1580
SCORE:   18 / 20

Owner/chef Simon Levy and his brigade produce elemental sharing plates of seasonal cuisine art here on Hereford. And that is a perfect fit, especially as Inati is the Māori word for ‘to share’. We’re not just talking about the food; sink into one of the leatherclad bar stools that front up to the sparkling room-length brass counter, and let the show begin. Place your trust in chef Levy with his dégustation options, or pick from the à la carte. They’ll take you from earth – vibrant asparagus on a foraged nettle purée with a musky mead jelly – to sea – warmed oysters on a savoury custard with verjuice and slivers of guanciale – and a dreamily meaty beyond. This is thoughtful, innovative treatment, harmonised with a curated wine list.

IN BRIEF Sophisticated fine-food theatre with local focus