Canterbury’s wine bars scene is refined, quiet, prestigious — and the wine bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Nico Commons — 140 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $13-26/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Nico Commons gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($13-26/glass). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. Ava — 348 Victoria Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Ava doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Pilgrim — 138 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $13-26/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Nico Commons — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($13-26/glass). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Little House — 249 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $13-26/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The steak sandwich is the sleeper hit.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Black Quarter — 201 Cecil Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $13-26/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Commons | Overall best | $13-26/glass | Yes | Weekends |
| Ava | Quiet drink | $13-26/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Pilgrim | New & trendy | $13-26/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Little House | Food + drinks | $13-26/glass | Full menu | No |
| Black Quarter | Atmosphere | $13-26/glass | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Commons does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Canterbury. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Black Quarter skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Richmond Wine Bars
- Canterbury Restaurants — eat before or after
- Canterbury Things to Do
- All Canterbury Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Canterbury
- Best Bars in Canterbury
- Nightlife Guide in Canterbury
- Best Cocktail Bars in Canterbury
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