When it comes to restaurants, Ponsonby is a literal smorgasbord—the hardest thing about eating out here is narrowing down where to go! Whether you're after bistro classics, a spot of Asian street food or an old-fashioned burger and fries, this inner-city neighbourhood punches well above its weight.
That said, here's Urban List's pick of Ponsonby's very best restaurants for your dining delectation.
KOL
23 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
The brains behind much-loved Cassia, Sid At The French Cafe and lately Anise, Sid and Chand Sahrawat will ignite your appetite at KOL—an Indian eatery with killer cocktails and impeccable food, largely cooked over a tandoor fire.
Itameshi
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Itameshi | Facebook
Whoever thought of combining Japanese and Italian food is a genius—and in Ponsonby, it's Itameshi reppin' this badass cuisine with dishes like marinated egg on miso avocado toast for brunch, and Sicilian sashimi for dinner. Coupled with a serene fit-out, this spot is ticking all the right 'best restaurant' boxes.
Chao Canteen
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
With two other branches already up its sleeve, you know Chao Canteen is legit. Take a seat beneath the funky parasol-covered ceiling and tuck into reimagined Vietnamese in the form of piping hot pho, crispy deep-fried spring rolls, and banh mi in not one, but four lip-smacking flavours.
Parade
252 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Parade | Facebook
Parade is slaying the burger game with their insane housemade smash patties and other fillings on pretzel buns, which you'll want to wash down with one of their epic candy-coloured cocktail pitchers. Embodying a cool, garden bar vibe overlooking Ponsonby Road, this one holds a special (burger-shaped) place in our hearts.
Gusto Italiano
263 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Gusto Italiano is your classic Italian, right down to the red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Expect exceptional takes on the classics including wood-fired pizza, pasta, and a rather dreamy tiramisu (time your visit right, and you might get some live opera on the side).
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Gaja
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Gaja | Facebook
Prawn-filled toasties, bulgogi-stuffed tacos and potato pancakes smothered in melted cheese are just some of the epic eats awaiting you at this incredible Korean joint, found inside Ponsonby Central. Don't forget to add one of Gaja's cheeky soju-laced cocktails to the mix.
Okumnandi
295 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Okumnandi is Auckland's first South African fusion restaurant, and home to the now world-famous-in-Auckland bunny chow (an entire loaf of bread stuffed with lamb curry). This certainly isn't the only reason to visit, however—there's also a South African milk tart, spicy watermelon margaritas, and a dreamy courtyard to enjoy them in.
Aigo Noodle Bar
168 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Aigo Noodle Bar | Supplied
For oodles of noodles and a whole lot more, check out Aigo Noodle Bar, bought to us by hospo powerhouse and authority on all things Korean, David Lee. Don't leave without trying their game-changing take on tteokbokki, smothered in cacio e pepe, torched cheese and truffle. Woof.
Thirtyone
31 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
We have 31 reasons and counting to love this spot, which blends Asian, Fijian and Indian cuisines in the most delicious manner possible. Amongst them? Thirtyone's loaded fries, 31 Masala Chicken curry, and deep-fried dessert dumplings.
Lucky 8
161 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Lucky 8 | Facebook
You'd have to be living under a rock not to have heard of Lucky 8—the hugely popular spot dishing up epic Asian-style tapas and cocktails, for just $8.88 a pop from its lofty, neon-lit den overlooking Ponsonby Road. Half the fun is finding it—look for the big black lucky cat on the roof, then follow the mysterious black stairway upward...
Le Vietnamese Kitchen
107 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
The gorgeous Le Vietnamese Kitchen will have your tastebuds working overtime with flavour-packed dumplings, aromatic curries, and other traditional Vietnamese foods, served with a French twist. Top it all off with their boozy Viet Coffee, featuring Kahlua and cinnamon-infused spiced rum.
INCA
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Wono KimThe Gyoza Bar
171C Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Pan-fried, steamed or boiled gyoza (Japanese dumplings) in a line-up of mouthwatering flavours are the order of the day at The Gyoza Bar, which also boasts a range of tasty snacks and tapas—and 25+ kinds of Japanese whisky.
Mumbaiwala
252 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Mumbaiwalia | Instagram
Take your tastebuds on a round trip of Mumbai's bustling culinary scene at Mumbaiwala. This gorgeous addition to Ponsonby Road is serving up some of the lushest Indian food imaginable (hello chocolate naan!), along with plenty of cool décor to go with. Beware of honking trains in the toilets (IYKYK).
Ponsonby Road Bistro
165 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Dishing up consistently good grub in a stylish yet relaxed setting, a visit to Ponsonby Road Bistro never disappoints (and they have the accolades to prove it). Their menu changes on the reg but has been known to include such delicacies as confit chicken leg with tarragon bread and butter pudding, and a warm Valrhona chocolate pot. Oof.
Beau Wine Bar
265 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Wono Kim Beau Wine Bar is an absolute vibe and is one of the best restaurants in Ponsonby, dishing up an impressive wine list (trust us when we say, their team know their stuff) along with delish, European-inspired eats and a cute courtyard with views of the Sky Tower.
Mekong Baby
262 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Cocoro
56A Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Cocoro | Facebook
Game-changing Japanese awaits at Cocoro. Go all out with one of their legendary degustations (the Sushi and Sashimi option has more than 15 different varieties of seafood for one course alone!), or order up large on their tasty Japanese-style tapas. Wash your meal down with a round or two of sake, and you're set for one hell of a feast.
Olas Arepas
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
We live for Olas Arepas' gluten-free arepas, especially the volvere stuffed with slow-cooked pulled pork, grilled halloumi cheese, coleslaw and plum sauce. Their coconut and lemon milkshake also goes down a treat.
Ockhee
171 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Wono KimOckhee dokey so this spot may be small, but it certainly knows how to pack a punch on the flavour front—dishing up belly-warming Korean that's nothing short of delicious. Think bulgogi dubbap, japchae noodles, and bul bo ssam (slow-braised pork, flame-grilled in a spicy sauce with the option of added cheese, to which the answer is most definitely yes)
Ramen Takara
272 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
For real deal ramen (the owner's father ran a successful ramen shop beneath Mount Fuji), Ramen Takara's the spot. But don't stop at noodles—the karaage chicken, renkon chips and pork belly harumaki are also worth their salt.
Prego
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Prego | Facebook
A bonafide Ponsonby icon, Prego has been dishing up the goods (and by that, we mean pizza, pasta and their famed Prego Pie) for more than 35 years, and still retains its crown as one of the best restaurants in Ponsonby. Their gorgeous courtyard is just as legendary.
The Hidden Village
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Stuff your face with more South East Asian street food than you can poke a chopstick at, at The Hidden Village. Think prawn sambal pancakes, adobo duck wontons and satay chicken skewers, washed down with iced tea (or a cocktail if you're feeling naughty).
Khu Khu Eatery
171A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Wono Kim Few places do Thai food as tasty as Khu Khu Eatery, and what's even better is that the food here is entirely vegan. Yes, that's right—vegan Thai. Consider this your permission to gorge, on everything from 'duck' drunken noodles and 'chicken' sweet and sour, through to a moreish Biscoff panna cotta. Did we mention they also make a mean cocktail?
Mexico
164 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Serving up festive vibes from south of the border—along with some of Auckland's best tacos, margaritas and fried chicken—you can't go wrong with a trip to Ponsonby's branch of the beloved eatery, Mexico.
The Blue Breeze Inn
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: The Blue Breeze Inn | Facebook
So you want pork belly steamed buns and mai tais, served by staff in Hawaiian shirts? The Blue Breeze Inn has your back. This was the first place we ever ate at in Ponsonby Central—and we're still coming back all these years later.
Dante's Pizzeria
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Pizza bases that take four days to make? Dante's Pizzeria's incredible dedication to their craft never fails to blow our minds (and our taste buds). If you pick only one thing on the menu, make it the Margherita aka the true test of Italian authenticity.
Daphnes
71 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Wono Kim
Daphnes is your little slice of Mediterranean paradise in the heart of Ponsonby. Warm, welcoming, and dishing up legit food of the gods (case in point: their lush sourdough flatbread, flavoured with lamb kofta, sumac, red onion and parsley).
Tokyo Club
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
By now there's no hiding our love affair with Japanese food, and Tokyo Club offers some of the best izakaya-style eats around. You'll find no shortage of sushi rolls, dumplings, and sashimi here, however, if decision-making isn't your strong point (we feel you), simply grab one of their bento boxes, which come stacked with an assortment of their yummiest goodies.
El Sizzling Chorizo
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: El Sizzling Chorizo | Facebook
Hailing from Argentina (home to some of the world's best barbecue), it's safe to say that the crew at El Sizzling Chorizo know a thing or two about cooking with fire. Work your way through their mouthwatering selection of meat-centric delights, including spicy beef empanadas and succulent beef short ribs. These guys are such pros at barbecue, they even have wine recs for your chosen meal.
Taiko Ponsonby
334 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Take a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun with authentic, artfully presented Japanese paired with legit Japanese wine, beer, and sake at Taiko Ponsonby. The XL Sashimi, boasting around 45 slices of seafood, is particularly impressive.
Bali Nights
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
This tropical neon paradise aka Bali Nights is your one-stop-shop for authentic Balinese cuisine and by that, we mean food that's packed with big, bold (and often fiery!) flavours. The whole grilled snapper is always a good time.
Farina
244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Pizza and pasta from a Napoli native? Sign. Us. Up. That's exactly what you can expect when you dine at Farina, the long-standing (and award-winning) eatery from Sergio Maglione, who you might also know as one of the names behind another notable Auckland spot—Toto Pizza.
Azabu
26 Ponsonby Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Azabu | Facebook
Making mouths water since 2016, Azabu specialises in Nikkei-style cuisine and we just can't get enough. Think free-range fried chicken karaage, tuna sashimi tostadas and crispy pork belly, with ice-cold Asahi's on the side.
Sidart
283 Ponsonby Road, Three Lamps Plaza, Ponsonby, Auckland
Originally cooked up by Sid Sahrawat and now owned by head chef Lesley Chandra, Sidart is a Ponsonby institution. This spot offers some of the city's finest dining, combining progressive Indian flavours with seasonal local ingredients and next-level presentation.
Elmo's
151 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 
Situated inside a charming character building decked out with chandeliers, a marble bar and one-of-a-kind artworks, the interiors at Elmo's are seriously spectacular. And the menu is equally so, covering our three favourite food groups: pizza, pasta, and burrata. We reckon life doesn't get much better than cosying up in a corner here with a glass of red and something delicious—see if you don't agree.
Chop Chop Noodle House
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Chop Chop Noodle House is where you can slurp on some of the city's best ramen bowls, while simultaneously inhaling koji fried chicken and cheeseburger bao. And it'd be rude not to peruse their epic whisky selection (because ramen and whisky is an absolute vibe).
Burger Burger
Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Burger Burger | Facebook
The OG Burger Burger spot, and consistently smashing out some of Auckland's best burgers. Their classic beef and cheese number will never go out of style and is even better when enjoyed with a big old bowl of curly fries... and a cocktail on the side.
Done with Ponsonby? Check out:
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Main image credit: KOL | Jamin Drupsteen
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