Takeaways aren't going to save sit-down restaurants under Level Three's contact-less trading.

That's the experience of Christchurch restaurant Cafe Valentino, and the 35 meals it delivered last night won't cover costs. 

Owner Michael Turner told Mike Hosking fast food outlets such as McDonalds and KFC went gangbusters, but it was a much slower night for restaurants.

He says takeaways aren't going to be the great saviour for them.

"Restaurants need to operate in Level 1 and 2 and the next five days will tell whether we can hold out hope."

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