Top Picks from Eat Drink Love Ponsonby

Just like that, we are coming to a close on the bustling restaurant festival for the food-obsessed – Eat Drink Love Ponsonby. For their fourth year running, a massive 60 establishments jostled to become our next fave as they put on offer their most celebrated meal, dish or drink in one of three fixed-price categories. 

The length of Ponsonby Road turned into a melting pot of cuisines bursting with flavours from Bangkok to Bali, Mexico to Malaysia, India to Italy and beyond. So as the food lovers we are, we gathered our foodie friends and pulled out our notepads to break down our must-go’s for the month-long festival.

To make things easier, we’ve sorted our recommendations into categories so you know exactly where to go for whatever the occasion – lunch, dinner, platters, and of course a cheeky cocktail. 

Lunch – Ponsonby Road Bistro

Ponsonby Road Bistro is an exciting dining experience at the best of times with a menu that changes every three to four weeks and an interior with a true bistro feel. I recommend this stop for the times when you’re after a long lunch with more of a restaurant feel than a cafe. 

For the festival, every Friday, they offer an elegant two-course lunch for $49 with the option to add a glass of Mountaineer Pinot Gris or Silhouette Pinot Noir for an extra $10. To start, I had the smoked fish dip with toasted bread which was divine but you also have the option of chicken liver pate with baguette and sweet and sour onions. For the main, I tucked into the flavour-packed lamb and mint ragu with gnocchi while my friend had the vegetarian option of mushroom and chilli gnocchi – both of which we devoured!

Dinner – Mumbaiwala 

When exploring different cuisines, what sets restaurants apart is their level of cultural immersion and that is something Mumbaiwala truly nailed. Each aspect of the restaurant works together to fully immerse you in the street-food experience of Mumbai from their big-flavoured share plates to their train-station-inspired bathrooms. And with three courses on offer at $45-49, we simply couldn’t deny! 

With a vegetarian or a meat-eating option, my partner and I both opted for the meat which offered Mumbai Chicken as a starter which was jam-packed with flavour from being marinated in traditional Indian spices overnight and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. For mains, you have two curry options, so we tried one of each, Murg Makhani – a delicious twist on the classic known as Butter Chicken and Sali Boti – a slow-cooked lamb curry with prominent flavours of tomato, onion, jaggery and vinegar. Served with freshly baked and buttery naan, it’s safe to say the plates were left clean. And just when we thought we could walk away happy as Larry, out came the third course, vanilla bean ice cream and a sweet chocolate stuffed naan. Every box was truly ticked!

Platters – The Blue Breeze Inn

Whether it’s date night or you’re heading out for nibbles with friends, I can safely say that I have found the perfect spot! The Blue Breeze Inn welcomes a vibrant Pacific Chinese feel through its jungle-esque interior and deliciously fresh food. The restaurant has a number of specials for the festival but it was the 10-Year Extravaganza Platter that caught my eye. You have the option of $70 for two people or $130 for four people which gets you:

• Crispy squid with sweet chilli salt and lime 
• Duck and chive spring rolls with sweet soy garlic chilli sauce 
• Tiger prawn stuffed chicken wings with crème fraiche, cucumber kimchi
• Smoked snapper pâté with fried bread, black rice vinegar, chilli oil
• Fried soft-shelled crab, Hong Kong typhoon shelter-style coriander salad, pickled cabbage, lemon. 

And with the statement serving tray it came on, it sure was an ‘extravaganza’. Another memorable aspect of this restaurant was the staff – they were so attentive, kind and dangerously charming so you will most likely leave having ordered an extra entree and more drinks than you planned. 

Cocktails – Hoppers Garden Bar 

No round-up from me would be complete without a cocktail stop and when I saw Hoppers’ offer of ‘Golden Margarita Hour’, it was clear where I needed to go. And don’t be fooled by the name, the bar generously gives us two hours from 4-6pm every day for an array of $14 Bespoke Margaritas. 

For my fellow frozen marg lovers, I need you to brace yourself with both composure and confidence as you say to the waiter ‘Check Out These Melons please’. Once you get over the name, you’re free to enjoy the icy blend of Arette Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, watermelon, and yuzu purée. Or, if you like it a bit more traditional, I also loved the Coconut Margarita with 1800 Coconut Tequila, Lime and sea salt. 

With a gorgeous eclectic style and delicious nibbles, this bar was the perfect afternoon stop with friends and could definitely be enjoyed in rain or shine!

The final weekend of Eat Drink Love Ponsonby is upon us so grab your close ones and make the most of it! 

You can explore all of the restaurants involved here.

Instagram: @iloveponsonby