The Ponsonby area of Auckland has some GREAT eating establishments. It is a very trendy area that has been going through the process of urban renewal for the last 10 years or so. Many young people have bought cheap homes in the area and completely renovated them. As a result a kind of yuppie culture has sprung up and Ponsonby has made its name on the Auckland dining circuit.
There are too many places to write about as separate entries so here is a few details on some of my favourites:
ONE RED DOG (151 Ponsonby Rd ph, 360 1068) which is an Italian style place and MASALA (168 Ponsonby Rd ph, 378 4500) which is an Indian restaurant. Not to mention TUATARA (198 Ponsonby Rd ph, 360-0098), which is a very trendy eatery and cool bar.
ATOMIC CAFE (121 Ponsonby Rd) and SIERRA COFFEE (1 Blake Rd) make their own blends. CAFE CEZANNE (296 Ponsonby Rd) attracts mainly students and budget breakfasters. Other favourites include EXPRESSO LOVE (265 Ponsonby Rd) and the classically themed SPQR (150 Ponsonby Road, ph 360 1710). BYZANTIUM (80 Ponsonby Rd, ph 376 3695) has delicious vegetarian fare - try the blueberry pancakes at the weekends.
For more information on what to see and do in Ponsonby click on the link: Ponsonby Road
HOW TO GET THERE?
From the center of town it is easiest to get to Ponsonby on the white $1 Link bus that runs in a circle through Ponsonby-City-Parnell.
Ponsonby is close enough to walk from the center of town although you would have to go up some pretty big hills to get there! A taxi would be cheap enough for a group of people.