Souvlaki Christchurch: Is Dimitris Greek Food at Riverside Market Worth the Queue?

Kia ora, everyone!
If you’ve searched for souvlaki Christchurch, chances are you’ve come across Dimitris Greek Food at Riverside Market. But is it really worth queuing with hungry kids—or leaving them at school for a quick midweek escape?

Souvlaki Christchurch: Dimitris Greek Food at Riverside Market Que

Let’s dig into our honest, family-focused experience.

Table of Contents

Souvlaki Christchurch: Rediscovering a Local Favourite at Riverside Market

The other day, while the kids were at school (a rare window of freedom!), my wife and I headed into central Christchurch. We’d both been craving something satisfying and warm, and as soon as we saw the Riverside Market sign, we knew where we were headed.

“This is a matjip,” my wife said, using the Korean term for a well-loved, legit eatery. She wasn’t wrong—Dimitris Greek Food has been around forever, and it’s almost always busy. But this time, no kids meant no worries. We could queue without negotiating snacks, toilet breaks, or seat battles.

What We Ordered: Keeping It Real (and Budget-Friendly)

We kept it simple:

1 Beef Single Souvlaki
1 Beef Triple Souvlaki

And here’s a tip from one budget-conscious immigrant dad to another: we brought our own drinks. Two cans of Coke Zero from home, poured into our tumblers. That saved us around $8 right there.

We sat at a shared table near the balcony and just enjoyed the food and the city buzz—no wipes flying, no spilled chips, no “I don’t like tomato” complaints. Bliss.

Inside Dimitris: What to Expect from the Menu and Prices

Dimitris Greek Food at Riverside Market Menu

Dimitris is located inside Riverside Market (96 Oxford Terrace), with another spot out in Riccarton. The menu is simple and smart:

Choose your protein: chicken, lamb, beef
Choose your size: single, double, or triple
Pick your sauce: tzatziki, chili, garlic, or a combo

💰 Prices

Expect around $16–$25 per person depending on portion size.
Not the cheapest, but fair for the quality and portion—especially if you share or skip the drinks like we did.

As Christchurch locals, we’ve tried plenty of lunch spots, and Dimitris always holds up in value and flavor.

Taste Test: Why Dimitris Souvlaki Just Works

Let’s talk food.

The Beef Triple was the hero—juicy, flavorful, and that slight char on the edges? Perfect. The Beef Single was just right for a lighter meal or to share with a kid.

The pita bread is the real MVP here. Warm, soft, slightly chewy—this isn’t your average wrap. It held everything together without falling apart halfway through.

Inside: lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki (our go-to sauce). Everything was fresh, balanced, and just messy enough to be fun.

Tips for Families: How to Handle the Queue at Dimitris

We’ve queued here with the kids too, so here’s what works for us when we’re doing the full family experience:

⏱ Go early or late: Try 11:00–11:30 am or after 1:30 pm to skip the peak.
🪑 One queues, one explores: Let one parent queue while the other takes the kids to the Avon River or up the stairs to spot ducks from the balcony.
🍿 Bring snacks: It’s worth it to avoid “I’m hungryyyyy” meltdowns.
🧺 Picnic option: Can’t find a seat inside? Take your souvlaki to the grassy Avon Riverbank and enjoy a relaxed picnic. We’ve done this plenty of times—bonus: the kids can run around while we actually eat.

Bonus Local Tips from a Christchurch Dad

🪑 1. Struggling to find a seat? Head upstairs.
The outdoor shared benches around Riverside Market fill up fast—especially during lunch. If it’s packed outside, go upstairs. There are often spare seats, and you’ll get a great overhead view of the market while you eat. It’s quieter, a bit more relaxed, and gives you a breather from the crowd.

🚻 2. Skip the toilet queue—go upstairs.
Here’s something we didn’t know until recently: there are more toilets upstairs, and they’re usually much less busy. So if you’ve got little ones doing the last-minute potty dash or you’re just avoiding the ground-floor line, head up. No queue, no stress.

Q&A: Dimitris @ Riverside Market

Q: Best time to visit with minimal queue?
A: Weekdays before 12 or after 1:30 pm. Weekends? Brace yourself.

Q: Vegetarian options?
A: Yep—halloumi and falafel souvlaki are usually on the menu.

Q: Do they take card?
A: Definitely—EFTPOS and credit cards accepted.

More Family-Friendly Christchurch Eats We Love

(Planning outside the city centre?)

Final Thoughts: Is Dimitris Worth It for Families?

Short answer? Yes—with a plan.

It’s not the cheapest lunch in town, but it feels like a treat. The food’s delicious, the market vibe is lively, and if you time it right, it’s a stress-free family outing—or a perfect parent lunch date while the kids are at school.

For us, it wasn’t just a souvlaki—it was a moment to reconnect, enjoy good food, and breathe in the city we now call home.

Have you queued up at Dimitris with kids (or without)?
Share your tips or tag us on Instagram @TheHerinaian—we’d love to hear your go-to Christchurch eats!