Lulu’s Neighbourhood Bowls

You probably already know Lulu’s. 

First stealing my heart with whimsical two-tone soft serve cones freshly-swirled from one of the cutest food trucks I’ve ever seen, and later expanding into açai bowls and finding roots in Ponsonby Central. Now, Lulu’s mother-daughter duo Tyler and Lula Samuel have turned the old GoodFor digs into Lulu's Neighbourhood Bowls, a spacious oasis that’s their laid-back, down-to-earth energy incarnate. With added treats from friends. 

But wait, that doesn’t mean their Ponsonby Central shop window is closing. Rather, it’s turned exclusively açai while their new spot is slingin’ their smoothies, pastries, matcha, OJ and, of course, their signature cocowhip and açai for days. 

Wander in and you’ll find yourself in front of a minimalist bar that screams island time. To your right, a bright red surf board confirms—this spot’s a stripping back, a leave-your-worries-at-the-door sort of scenario. Note the exquisite Moroccan-inspired tiling on the main bench which, itself, is lit from above by three stunning globe-like lights. An exposed brick wall holds a curated treasure trove of brass spoons, pineapple bottle openers, necklaces and incense. 

Their pure, creamy Brazilian açai comes in four edits—Classic ($16), Coco Passion ($18), Choc Hazelnut ($18) and Biscoff ($18)—which are each loaded up with seasonal fruit, granola and a little somethin’ extra  (but of course, you can still pimp them with whatever toppings take your fancy). Fix & Fogg peanut butter and cacao bark top the Classic, Raglan coyo adorns the Coco Passion and their Choc Hazelnut features choc hazelnut butter, buckini and cacao bark. As for their Biscoff? Expect biscoff in sauce and crumb form—it’s sure to spark food envy in any brunch buddy.

Side note: gluten-free is easily accommodated. 

Get bowls deep and dine in good company with Sandbank Smoothies ($13) straight from the Mount and blended on-site, pastries by local vegan patisserie Maison des Lys and Matcha Wednesday on ice as is or with a spike of strawberry or vanilla. 

But the soft serve—she’s whippin’. Coco, mango or a twist of both in assorted sizes ($4-8). Perfect for the summer days or when it’s cold out and you refuse to acknowledge it. As the adage goes, there’s never a bad time for icecream (or açai, for that matter). 

Words: Alice Rich | Image credit: Laura Zonnevylle

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