There’s no doubt that Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s most popular suburbs to visit, for both locals and out of towners. Ponsonby is most known for its boutique fashion stores and bars, but also for being the hub for some of Auckland’s best restaurants.
The selection in Ponsonby is a diverse one filled with kiwi classics, award-winning eateries, and restaurants that evolve into night clubs as the night beacons. We have had a good look across the internet to find you some of the most popular selections for you to pamper your pallets with!
Honeybear
Located in Ponsonby’s crown jewel of dining, Ponsonby Central is Honeybear, which brings with it a new nuance of Southeast Asian cuisine to Auckland. Honeybear brings the fresh and fun flavours of Burma to Auckland, The Menu is bustling with all kinds of Burmese-Indian fusion dishes— including a local favorite: poutine! And if you decide that this is the beginning of a night out exploring Ponsonby, then you can’t finish the meal without diving into Honeybear’s cocktail menus which feature mixes named after Maharajas.
Little Bird Unbakery
I already know what you are thinking, what is an unbakery? Well, as it turns out it is a heaven for health-food lovers – All food is raw, organic and free from gluten, dairy, soy and cane sugar. But don’t start thinking that this is at all a roadblock for deliciousness, because that’s not the case at all, the food here is creative and most importantly delicious. Highlights include kimchi pancake, chia bircher and spiced chestnut waffles, and pizza – which they run specials for daily. The drinks range is also equally diverse and healthy, featuring favourites such as a large range of smoothie offerings, chocolate drinks, matcha-based drinks, cold-pressed juice, kombucha and more.
Food Truck Garage
Not only is this food truck renowned in Ponsonby, but it has also made a name for itself across the city for one popular reason: healthy fast food. Yes, you read that right, this food truck mixes the divine mouth-watering taste of fast-food and removes the guilt that comes with consuming it – it’s a win-win situation. Ask anyone and they’d tell you that the food truck is most famous for its beetroot burger, and for good reason too, filled with juicy goodness, you’ll instantly be under its spell. The menu also features new burgers; chicken crunch and epic veggie, as well as burger bowls packed between salad-stuffed lettuce cups, and hassleback fires.
Mr. Toms
This newly opened bar and restaurant has quickly become a Ponsonby favourite, giving its fellow Ponsonby eateries a run for their money. You’ll see why as soon as you open the menu which focuses on rustic pizzas, cocktails, and an approachable atmosphere—on the sunny side of Ponsonby Road. All the furniture is handcrafted in Raglan and the lovely, passionate staff will offer an experience so great that you’ll probably find yourself there until late at night as the nightlife takes over.
Auckland has become a haven for shopping, but with a city so spread out as ours, its sometimes easy to get lost or not know where to go, so in our new two-part series we have done all the digging, research (and a bit of shopping) to report to you an in-depth look at what Auckland has to offer in retail!
Sylvia Park
Sylvia Park is renowned for its shopping experience, arguably the biggest shopping complex in the country, Sylvia Park offers everything a shopper needs from food, movies, to all the major retail brands and some international brands that are currently only exclusively located within the mall. You could easily waste a half a day here, send the kids to see a movie at the Imax Hoyts movie theatre while you take in the bevvy of shopping brands at your feet, and once you’ve finished, the food court has a selection of international and local food offerings to sink your teeth into.
The mall is also going under a huge expansion that will be open at the end of the year, so be sure to keep your eyes on this one. This one is easy to get to as well as it is a major stop for both bus links and trains.
Ponsonby
The self-described ‘Auckland Hippest Strip’ has a lot to live up to, and when it comes to shopping it goes above and beyond this title – especially if you are into fashion. When we say this suburb has clothes for all ages we aren’t kidding, there are baby boutique clothing stores, vintage and second-hand clothing stores and all the trendiest woman’s clothing.
Ponsonby Road is a bevvy of local and international clothing brands, including Karen Walker, Smith & Western, Miss Crabb, Suprette, Revie, and so, so much more. The vintage stores in Ponsonby also have the best hand selected offerings in the city including Tattys, Encore Fashion Recycle, and Vintage Vintage. If all that shopping builds up an appetite, there is a selection of award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from as well.
Parnell
This tiny little village located on the outskirts of the city centre is a wonderful place to kill a few hours, not just to take in a beautiful vintage Auckland location, but also to take in the hidden gems that lie within. Parnell is famous for its art galleries that showcase both international and local works, the Alan Pankhurst gallery and Black Door Gallery are high recommendations.
If you’re looking to spruce up your home with a few new pieces of home décor, then look no further than Parnell, it’s a local destination for original and quirky pieces handmade by locals, BARAN DE BORDEAUX offers a selection of sought-after antiques and orso de’ Fiori has a range of accessories and homewares perfect for gifts. And once you have done all your shopping, be sure to treat yourself to the famous chocolate boutique – Bill Clinton visited, and he loved it!
