The Mediterranean Food Company
Monday8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Tuesday8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Wednesday8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Thursday8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Friday8:30 am – 8:30 pm.
Saturday8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Sunday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy. A half and half slice, to be precise – a feast for the eyes on one side, taste on the other (and smell all over). Olive-leaf green window frames enclose the colosseum-esque space that is the Mediterranean Food Company; along with the Italian tunes gracing your ears you’d be forgiven for thinking that you were on a different continent.
The red Vespa parked in the courtyard is a friendly beacon and an indication of what lies inside; authentic, quality Italian goods. Canned tomatoes, pasta, flour and wine, to name but a few staples, line the shelves, while the deli fridge is stocked with a generous selection of European cured meats and cheeses. And let’s not forget about the pizza dough. The other half of the Mediterranean Food Co. is a café/pizzeria, where the house-made northern-Italian style pizza dough is the base for crafting their authentic Italian pizza. The sourdough culture used in the dough has a reputation of its own – it is 18 years old and counting. Individual portions of the dough are even available to purchase. Keep the ball rolling by picking up some Italian mozzarella and Sicilian tomatoes from the grocer to (re)create the taste in your own home.
What started as a small Italian-import business has grown into Christchurch’s go-to European grocer and eatery, family-owned and on the scene for over two decades. The Mediterranean Food Co. has a second shop in Riverside Market where they sell grocery and deli items (and yes, the pizza dough too). Nationwide shipping is available, so anyone can get a Mediterranean food fix from the comfort of their kiwi couch.
With a (sourdough) culture that is almost as old as the supermarket itself, the Mediterranean Food Co. is a European food experience like no other. One that is only getting better with age.
Words by Izzie Thompson & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
322 Tuam Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
C4 Coffee
If you’re in Christchurch and seeking an exceptional coffee experience, C4 Coffee should be your primary destination.
Coffee Embassy
Pay attention next time you are driving down Fitzgerald Ave because here you will find a cafe and roastery home to some of the best brews and beans in the city.
Pizza Trap
Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.
Smokey T's
Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.
Similar Places
Paddy McNaughton's
Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.
Triangle Espresso, Ashburton
Triangle Espresso is a landmark of Ashburton’s up-and-coming Triangle District.
Bohemian Bakery Central City
Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.
Foundation Café
Foundation is fully licensed, serving up flavoursome fare seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library, Tūranga.