PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK: A-Z CAFES + RESTAURANTS GUIDE MR TOMS, 151 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 9138, www.mrtoms.co.nz Good old fashioned hospitality on the sunny side of the street. A winning recipe. Mr Toms, the newest kid on the Ponsonby block brings the simple things done well. Rustic baked pizza, small plates to share and wholesome summer salads. Along with a delicious cocktail menu and some of New Zealand’s best wines. MUCK FLORAL AND GENERAL STORE - WERE BROS CAFE, 480 Richmond Road, M: 021 806 702, www.werebros.co.nz You will get two in one at this store - floral styling and a cosy eatery with offerings such as organic toasted bread with jam and coffee to have in-store or takeaway. Amongst the wild flowers and locally made ceramics you can stop for a break and enjoy the surrounds. MURDER BURGER, 95 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 4005, www.murderburger.co.nz At Murder Burger, they serve an uncompromisingly fresh meat burger that’s worth it. A place you would come to enjoy a range of exciting burgers minus the guilt. MUTIARA MALAYSIAN RESTAURANT, 66 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2759, www.mutiara.co.nz Mutiara is a specialist in authentic Malaysian cuisine and authenticity is the top priority for chef and owner Roy Lim. Malaysian cuisine is diverse in its influences and styles and this is reflected in the menu which offers signature dishes such as Rendang Kampung (thick curry), Ikan Bakar (Malaysian style grilled fish) and Mamak Noodles. Open for lunch Monday-Friday, 12 noon-2.30pm and dinner 7 nights, 6pm10.30pm.
ONE BISTRO, 1 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 360 1115, www.onebistro.co.nz This all day bistro is located in the historic former Ponsonby Fire Station. Serving all day breakfast, brunch and lunch, with daily specials. They have a private function room with capacity for 50 guests that has its own bar and outside deck, perfect for morning/lunch meetings, product launches, birthday parties, engagement parties, civil unions, actually, any occasion you can think of! ORPHAN’S KITCHEN, 118 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7979, www.orphanskitchen.co.nz Orphan’s Kitchen is all about unadulterated food and naughty wines. They offer a laid back atmosphere with honest food. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-late and brunch Wednesday-Sunday. PANE E VINO, 20 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 360 0263, www.paneevino.co.nz Owner Tito is passionate about the food they serve which is regional Italian style cuisine. Classic antipasti, pasta and mains, all exceptionally flavoured, using fresh ingredients plus popular Italian desserts and thin crust pizza. Dine in - Delivery - Take out - Catering. Lunch Monday-Friday, 12 noon-3pm and dinner 7 days from 5pm. PHILIPPE’S CHOCOLATE, 295 Great North Road, T: 09 376 1754, www.philippechocolate.co.nz Not just fabulous flavoured chocolates and bonbons, Philippe’s also makes French cakes and tarts, French pastries and breads, sandwiches and quiches. Open Monday 8am-4pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 7.30am-5pm, Friday-Saturday, 7.30am -5.30pm, Sunday 7.30am-4pm.
NAMO, 244 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9909, www.namo.co.nz This Japanese restaurant is found where Thai Me Up used to be located. The food is very good: fresh, creative and beautifully presented. The chef is Japanese and at one time worked at Nobu in Tokyo.
PINTU SALAD BAR, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 0698 At Pintu they offer breakfast and lunch with cold-pressed juices, sandwiches and create your own salads. They are open Thursday and Friday nights with a new menu and delivery service starting later this month.
NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 100 Wellington Street, T: 09 376 7104, www.nishiki.co.nz Robata-yaki means having dinner and drinks in a cosy and social atmosphere watching the kitchen. Because most of the dishes are grilled and deep fried and snack sized, you can order many different kinds of food to share. Also available is a wide selection of Japanese sake, wine and beer; BYO wine. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-11pm.
PITA PIT, 2/104 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 7482, www.pitapit.co.nz/stores/ponsonby Pita Pit offers quality, healthy, fresh food - fast! The menu is varied with chicken, lamb, beef, ham, tuna and vegetarian fillings, with a choice of plain, wholemeal or new gluten-free pitas to choose from. The service is super friendly. You can take away or enjoy your pita at one of the outside tables. Open 7 days, Monday-Wednesday, 9am-8pm, Thursday 9am-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-8pm.
OCCAM CAFE & BAR, 135 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 378 0604, www.occamcafe.co.nz Occam is a popular spot with locals for breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks or a relaxed weekend brunch. There are tables inside and out and a mezzanine bar creates a buzzy atmosphere. They are fully licensed and you can phone in your coffee order for quick and easy pick up. Occam is also a great venue for functions. Open Monday -Friday, 7am-5pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 8am-5pm.
POCKET BAR & KITCHEN, 592 Great North Road, Corner of Tuarangi & Great North Road, T: 09 376 4309, www.pocketbarandkitchen.co.nz Once home to the ASB bank in Grey Lynn, the corner site is now a cool bar and eatery with a real local focus. There is an outdoor deck perfect for all Auckland weather and live music every Sunday. Grab a beer on tap or ask for one of their delicious house cocktails made with fresh seasonal produce. For those who are hungry, try the bacon buttie special - you will not regret it!
ODETTES EATERY, City Works Depot, Shed 5, 90 Wellesley Street, T: 309 0304, www.odettes.co.nz Odettes Eatery offers a thoughtful menu that changes a little throughout the day to suit the appetite. It is the brainchild of Clare and Joost van den Berg who ran Zus & Zo, before selling up to concentrate on their city venture. Fittingly, the menu is in total sync with this exhibition of good taste and high fashion. Chef, Josh Cucharick’s food meets all the demands of the modern diner and there is something for everyone, as long as they are prepared to be a little adventurous. Open 7 days.
PONSONBY INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT, 106 Ponsonby Road, www.ponsonbyfoodcourt.co.nz Walk right in and taste the mouth-watering recipes from Italy, Japan, Malaysia, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and more. Situated right in the heart of Ponsonby with a fully licensed bar, this is the perfect place for that leisurely lunch, dinner or quick break from business. Open daily 11am-10pm.
OHSO CAFE, 29 Crummer Road, T: 09 360 0700, www.ohso.co.nz Fantastic menu, cabinet food and Allpress coffee along with a chilled out atmosphere make ohSO the perfect place for a casual business meeting or a catch up with friends. Functions and catering also available. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-3pm. ONE 2 ONE CAFE, 21 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4954 One 2 One cafe has just celebrated its 23rd year, it uses coffee supplied by the local boutique roaster Craig Miller and has free wifi. One 2 One is fully licensed and offers a selection of organic wine with craft beers. Family friendly, with a charming Parisian style and a covered courtyard complete with a children’s sandpit and blackboard.
52 PONSONBY NEWS+ May 2016
PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO, 165 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1611, www.ponsonbyroadbistro.co.nz The award-winning Ponsonby Road Bistro offers a well-priced menu and interesting wine list in a stylish and relaxed environment. Sarah Conway’s menu provides a global feast - and the chargrilled scotch with hand-cut chips has become a firm favourite. The friendly staff and cosy dining room offer a warm welcome. The well -priced Express Lunch Menu runs Monday to Friday from 12 noon and includes a delicious glass of Foxes Island sauvignon blanc or pinot noir. Open Monday-Friday, 12 noon-late and Saturday, 4pm-late. PREGO, 226 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3095, www.prego.co.nz This iconic restaurant was established more than 29 years ago, Prego is the ultimate in Italian alfresco dining with the intimacy of an enclosed courtyard, late suppers at the bar in front of a wood fire or bistro style dining with the buzz of a busy restaurant. Takeaway available, open 7 days, 12 noon-late.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)