Three Donkeys

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

WednesdayClosed.

Thursday5:00 – 9:30 pm.

Friday5:00 – 9:30 pm.

Saturday5:00 – 9:30 pm.

SundayClosed.

78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

022 199 5097

Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine. The menu embodies a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes offering meat, poultry and seafood plus vegetarian and vegan options. Their mission is to provide vibrant food and beautifully constructed dishes that surprise and intrigue. The team can also create tailor-made menus to your taste on request.

Chef Samson Samikannu started his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen in Pondichery, India, and is trained by some of the best chefs in France. In 2021, he opened The Three Donkeys restaurant, a place to share the flavours and cuisines he grew to love over the years. Samson loves to explore how food can promote energy and engagement amongst diners. Upon visiting, you might also recall Samson and his familiar smile from his food cart, The Rolling Om, in The Arts Centre. 

The restaurant's interior was renovated by local artist Chris Reddington using as many recycled materials as possible, creating a sociable and relaxed dining atmosphere. Sharing Carnaby Lane with some quality neighbours such as The Burger Joint and Switch New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a much welcomed addition to the small but popular New Brighton food scene. 

Words by Johnny Gibson & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

Nearby Places

He Puna Taimoana

Two friends in the sauna at He Puna Taimoana.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Wellbeing key icon.

Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping...

The Burger Joint

The red and white interior of The Burger Joint.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.

Saturdays

Eating oats with poached pear.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink.

Switch New Brighton

View of seating area inside Switch with customers..
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.

Similar Places

Pilgrim

Exterior view of Pilgrim in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

A tenacious stand alone espresso bar and café, Pilgrim has become a central city favourite amongst its regulars and central city workers that come and go for the...

Herba Gourmet

A painted Herba Gourmet sign on the interior wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

If you thought fast food was served greasy treats, think again. Herba Gourmet has rethought street food to bring fresh, healthy, fine food to diners on the go.

Niche Coffee + Eatery

Table of delicious food at Niche Cafe and Eatery in Sumner.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Niche Coffee + Eatery, the latest addition to the hospitality scene of Sumner, fits like a glove to the seaside village.

The Burger Joint

Real food real local signage above counter.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.