Ponsonby Road Bistro (2)

165 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. Ph 360-1611, ponsonbyroadbistro.co.nz.
Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner Monday-Saturday. $$

Best mid-size drinks list

Unintimidating, approachable food, with an element of sophistication, is just part of what makes PRB a standout. It’s a bistro that knows exactly what it’s doing, and is exceeding at doing it. Melissa Morrow and Blair Russell reign over the dining room, with excellent knowledge on all that happens: the chablis they recommend to accompany the chicken liver parfait, for example, is a wonderful match, and that parfait itself, served with toast and chutney, is superb. The menus are handwritten, and in true bistro style they change reasonably regularly under chef Sarah Conway’s expertise. Try the whole lemon sole, or a prosciutto and nectarine pizza, when in season, or finish your meal with an espresso martini if you’re feeling game. Exceptional service, bustling atmosphere, excellent food.
It ticks all the boxes.

4 Spoons

A favourite dish: Char-grilled scotch with hand-cut chips and garlic parsley butter.

Shared-plate options / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Good seating outside / Bar / Craft beer selection