Nuts and Bolts Cafe

University of Canterbury, Engineering Core Building, 65 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
+64 3 364 3900
$$$ Cafe
(88 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Located at the heart of the University of Canterbury's Engineering Core Building, Nuts and Bolts Cafe is an inviting oasis for students, faculty, and visitors alike. This cozy cafe combines a relaxed ambiance with a commitment to quality fare, making it the perfect spot to refuel during a busy day on campus.

The cafe specializes in a variety of delicious options, catering primarily to the tastes of students and professionals on the go. With an extensive menu that features fan-favorites like freshly made wedges and hearty muffins, there’s something for everyone. Patrons have praised the generous portion sizes, ensuring that you leave satisfied without breaking the bank. However, be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours, as some visitors have noted that orders can take longer than expected to arrive. Ted, a regular, shares, “Wedges on a Thursday are pretty good,” even though he advises checking your receipt to avoid overcharging, a point of consideration for budget-conscious students.

Graduation Day is a busy time at the cafe, yet Wayne Connett noted the "great service" despite the crowds. He humorously pointed out the need to adjust how long they heat their muffins, as they were "too hot to eat for 5 minutes." This reflects the cafe's dedication to serving quality food, though timed finesse can sometimes miss the mark in a bustling environment.

Drinks are another highlight of the menu, with a diverse selection that goes beyond standard caffeine fixes. Sol bro, another satisfied customer, mentions that while the food is "very good" and the drink range is commendable, prices can feel steep for the student budget. This insight helps set expectations for new visitors, while still indicating that the quality matches the cost. It’s a place where you might splurge a little for something truly enjoyable.

In essence, Nuts and Bolts Cafe is not just another campus eatery. It’s a gathering spot filled with conversations, laughter, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with baked goods. Whether you're there to grab a quick bite between classes or to unwind with friends after a long day of studying, the cafe aims to deliver a fulfilling experience. Their unique offerings and friendly service make it a must-visit for anyone traversing the vibrant University of Canterbury campus.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

88 Reviews
Ted

03 Oct 2025

Wedges on a Thursday are pretty good. Been overcharged here once so check your receipt.

-

15 Jul 2025

The food tastes good and the portion sizes are quite big, but you have to wait so long after ordering for your food/drink. I waited almost 20 minutes for this and the person next to me had been waiting 30 minutes.

Wayne Connett

06 Jul 2025

Great service on Graduation Day. Just think they don't need to heat the muffins up for as long as it was to hot to eat for 5 minutes.

sol bro

24 Jun 2025

Overall very good food good range of drinks but the price can be a bit expensive for students

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