Bar Franco unfolds across two levels inside The Crossing, giving a visit a natural progression from drinks to dinner. The downstairs Spritz and Negroni Bar opens first for aperitivo, while the upstairs restaurant centres on an open kitchen where fresh pasta is rolled in view. Dinner tables can be booked, bar walk-ins remain welcome, and the building can accommodate long tables, private dining or larger functions. It is Italian in spirit, but the setting feels contemporary and distinctly connected to central Christchurch.
Antipasti encourage the table to start slowly and share. Rosemary focaccia with extra virgin olive oil and citrus-thyme olives provide simple openings, while salumi and white anchovies bring salinity and depth. Burrata is paired with capsicum vinaigrette, fennel and smoked almonds, and goat-cheese crocchette gain contrast from chilli honey. Small pizzette follow two different directions: pepperoni with hot honey for richness and heat, or a Margherita built around tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil for a cleaner classic combination.
House-made pasta is the clearest expression of the kitchen. Pici cacio e pepe keeps the focus on pecorino and black pepper, while cavatelli brings clams together with 'nduja and chives. Ricotta gnocchi is matched with gorgonzola cream, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and walnuts, and tagliatelle carries a Tuscan pork ragù. Larger plates continue the Italian vocabulary through braised beef cheek, pumpkin risotto, meatballs in sugo and market fish with Jerusalem artichokes, spinach and herb butter.
Vegetable sides, including charred Brussels sprouts, pear-and-gorgonzola salad and roast Agria potatoes, help shape a balanced shared meal. Dessert moves from tiramisu with coffee and amaretto to pistachio semifreddo or panna cotta with tamarillo granita. Diners can also hand the sequence to the kitchen through a five- or seven-course sharing selection. Spritzes, several styles of Negroni and an Italian-leaning wine list complete the experience, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs handled when raised with the team.
Address: The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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