Ponsonby Central is truly a destination, within those iconic brick walls, a vibrant precinct stands. Its eclectic restaurants—some of the hottest in Auckland—and bars serving up everything from explosive fusion to meat charred over slow-burning coals and cocktails from master mixologists. It's also home to a swathe of retail from fashion, to homewares and dynamic pop-up stores. Plus, a charming cinema where you can catch the latest flicks.
Keen to spend a day exploring one of the best things to do in Auckland? See what takes your fancy, here's everywhere to eat, drink, shop and explore at Ponsonby Central.
Eat
Gaja
Kick-ass Korean that's made to be shared and celebrated is the order of the day at Gaja. Grab your crew, get cosy and demolish vibrant, flavour-packed, saucy dishes with a soju (or two).
Dante’s Pizzeria
There’s no need to spend your pennies on a flight to Italy—authentic Neapolitan pizza can be found right here in Auckland at Dante's Pizzeria. The crew at Dante's use a wood-fired oven to perfect their iconic sourdough pizzas. We’re talkin’ super light and fluffy crusts paired with those crispy charred spots. Mama mia!
The Blue Breeze Inn
Your pilgrimage to becoming an Aucklander is officiated at The Blue Breeze Inn with the consumption of their signature steamed buns. Visit for the bao, stick around for the aptly named ‘rum jungle potions’ and embrace the ever-lively atmosphere.
Tinfeny’s
Ponsonby Central newcomer Tinfeny's celebrates the unique flavours of Cambodia. The light-filled eatery is fronted by a mother-daughter duo dedicated to bringing their homeland cuisine to Ponsonby. Signature dishes of amok teri, lok lak, and ban chow are served with a considered drinks menu. We’re putting our order in for their coconut pandan margarita.
INCA
INCA leans into the magic of fusing cultures and cuisines. The fire and flair of Latin America combine with the precision of Japanese cuisine. The result? An exquisite dining journey influenced by the extensive travels and training of acclaimed chef Nic Watt. Go all-in and opt for the eight-course ‘let us feed you’ experience.
Burger Burger
Burger Burger is the food-joint equivalent of your best friend—it’s always there for you, and you’re guaranteed a good time. Devour delicious, honest burgers washed down with old-fashioned shakes and refreshing beers at a wallet-friendly price. What’s not to love?
Chop Chop Noodle House
Lovingly known as The Blue Breeze’s cheeky little brother, Chop Chop is a noodle bar with pizazz. Their steaming bowls of fragrant ramen are enjoyed with an extensive whiskey list and cocktails that celebrate the flavours of Asia. Park up on the bar seats and enjoy a fun and low-key bite to eat.
El Sizzling Chorizo
A fragrant staple in Ponsonby Central, you'll be drawn by your nose before any other sense to El Sizzling Chorizo. A haven for meat lovers, grab a seat close to the action and see melt-in-your-mouth cuts dripping goodness.
Drink
Bedford Soda & Liquor
You can be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the vibrant streets of New York at Bedford Soda & Liquor. Taking inspo from The Big Apple, the neighbourhood bar serves retro-style drinks alongside American fare. The drinks are not only delicious but also extremely photo-worthy and cocktails, meticulously crafted.
Blackbird Espresso Bar
Keep yourself caffeinated with expertly extracted Eightthirty beans at Blackbird Espresso Bar. Located at a corner bar, it's the perfect spot to fuel up while you’re out and about.
Crush
Follow the rainbow of drinks and you'll find Crush, a juice and smoothie bar that caters to vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free lifestyles. You can't get more guilt-free than their organic bevvies packed with nutrients for delish all-day energy.
Foxtrot Parlour
Foxtrot Parlour is a neighbourhood cafe in a prime locale. Here, starting with a flat white is a must but a cuppa isn't complete without a sweet treat. Make sure to grab something extra special from the cabinet.
Shop
Wixii
Wixii bucks the fast-fashion trend in favour of considered pieces, designed to be cherished for years to come. The beautiful garments are designed in-house and utilise quality, ethically sourced fabrics. Wixii also stocks a capsule range of vintage clothing with each piece lovingly hand-selected.
Riverside Reloved
If you’ve got a soft spot for vintage and/or handmade homewares, look no further than Riverside Reloved. They’ve done the hard yards on your behalf with a curated collection of vintage treasures, including decor pieces, furniture, clothing, and art.
Tosca & Salome
If your style can be described as “modern bohemian”, chances are you’re well-acquainted with Tosca & Salome. Lust over their wanderlust-inspired womenswear at their Ponsonby Central showroom. They also stock brands including Spell, Runaway The Label, Arnhem, and Tigerlily.
Wallace Cotton
With crawling ivy walls and light pouring into the immaculate space, Wallace Cotton's home on the corner of Ponsonby and Richmond Road is as beautiful outside as in. With design and quality going hand in hand in all their pieces, you'll want to leave with a whole new bedroom and living room.
Pop-Up Shops
Visit Ponsonby Central on the regular to discover their evolving pop-up shops. The dedicated spaces embrace dynamic vibes with an ever-changing offering. The nooks are used to showcase fashion, art, homewares, and everything in between.
Explore
Silky Otter Cinemas
Ponsonby Central is a one-stop precinct for date night. It’s home to the boutique Silky Otter Cinemas with its four modern auditoriums. Each cinema has an intimate capacity of 28 seats featuring leather recliners for the ultimate comfort. Better yet, they’ve got a boujee lounge to enjoy a pre-movie drink or meal.
Gypsy Heaven
Ponsonby Central ensures all bases are covered with the ultimate cherry on the top: a resident clairvoyant. Sheena (aka Gypsy Heaven) descends from a bloodline of fortune tellers and uses her talents to provide a glimpse into your future. Visit for tarot card readings, crystal ball consultations, palmistry, and aura readings.
Boar & Blade
For a fresh fade, lads in the know turn to Boar & Blade. The barbershop delivers an old-school experience while the expert team tends to your grooming needs. Because of their well-earned reputation, bookings are recommended.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ponsonby Central is a bustling precinct with more than 30 locales, no booking required. The cherry on top, an on-site carpark makes spending a day here easy as. Check out the directory to start planning your visit.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Ponsonby Central and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Ponsonby Central, Gaja, The Blue Breeze Inn, INCA, Chop Chop, Bedford Soda & Liquor, Wixii, Wallace Cotton, Silky Otter Cinemas and Boar & Blade.