Empire Coffee

96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
+64 21 272 0663
$$$ Cafe
(145 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you're wandering through Christchurch's Central City and you're in need of a caffeine fix or a cozy spot to unwind, look no further than Empire Coffee. Nestled conveniently at 96 Oxford Terrace, this charming café has quickly become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Empire Coffee prides itself on delivering an exceptional coffee experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for both energetic mornings and leisurely afternoons. Whether you're catching up with friends or finding a quiet corner to recharge, the friendly staff creates a welcoming environment that feels like a second home.

The menu at Empire Coffee showcases a delightful mix of traditional and innovative beverages. Start your day with a classic flat white, lauded by customers like Jinwook Choi, who praised it as "the best I've had in Christchurch." For those looking to try something different, the Spiced Milk Cold Brew and Creamy Nutella Iced Latte are seasonal favorites that tantalize the taste buds with their unique flavors. And don't forget to indulge in the tempting Honey White Hot Chocolate, a sweet hug in a cup that will surely warm your spirits.

In addition to their stellar coffee offerings, Empire Coffee also serves an array of delightful extras. You can customize your drink with flavour shots or opt for lactose-free or decaf options, ensuring that everyone can find something to love. Customers like Hannah Joy appreciate not just the quality of the coffee but the opportunity to explore fresh food and produce from local vendors in the Riverside market.

Customer experiences further cement Empire Coffee's reputation as a must-visit café. Annie E shared her delight in discovering "excellently made coffee" paired with "great service," while Emilie EHRET noted the "very good coffee and chai" in her glowing review, highlighting its status as the only coffee shop in the bustling Riverside market.

Every cup of coffee served at Empire is crafted with care, ensuring that you feel the warmth of genuine hospitality and the rich flavors of expertly roasted beans. With attentive staff who make sure your experience is nothing short of exceptional, it's no wonder guests often leave with a smile on their faces.

So whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy retreat where you can savor the moment, make Empire Coffee your next stop in Christchurch. You won't just leave with a delicious drink; you'll carry away a delightful experience that lingers long after the last sip.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

145 Reviews
Annie E

03 Oct 2025

We had an excellently made coffee in the morning here - great service and as Aussies the coffee was high standard. We came back in the afternoon and enjoyed a beautifully brewed and presented pot of Earl Grey Tea and the service was generous in every sense. Highly recommend! Thank you to the team.

Jinwook Choi

19 Sep 2025

I’ve been here several times, but the flat white I had today was by far the best I’ve had in Christchurch. Exceptional quality and perfectly balanced.

Hannah Joy

05 Sep 2025

Coffee was an absolute treat! Really great quality flat white and nice location to also pick up some food and produce from other vendors.

Jonathan Souza

30 Aug 2025

Great service and friendly staff! Surprisingly tasteful coffee made by Matt. Thanks!

Emilie EHRET

21 Aug 2025

Only coffee shop in the Riverside market. Very good coffee and chai. Not a lot of seats but you get the vibe from the place

Dokyun Kim

18 Aug 2025

I visited this café inside Riverside Market. There was a long queue to order, but it was worth the wait. I got the cold brew, which was nice, and also grabbed some beans to take home.

Hee

25 Jun 2025

omg I just discovered a new spot with incredibly tasty coffee. I was genuinely surprised after just one sip. It was literally eye-opening. I usually come to Riverside Market just to grab some food, but now I’ll be coming back just for this coffee. Absolutely amazing! Best coffee

Kerstine Vergara

14 Jun 2025

Aside from their amazing coffee (and seasonal drinks), this is the only coffee spot that offers lactose free milk! Even bigger cafes don't do that. Imrpessive!

Join the Empire Coffee Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.