The Ponsonby Road Bistro

Warm and friendly family run restaurant serving traditional European dishes. The atmosphere is clean and stylish with elegant low lighting and plenty of space. The staff are absolutely amazing - their son and daughter were working that evening and were so attentive, charming, professional and quick. The food was quite good, perhaps a little pricey for the style and scale but well executed. My fish was a little overdone as hot vegetables came served on top of it which kept it cooking past the perfection it no-doubt left the pan in. Very tricky with a thin and delicate white fleshed fish. The chef was very kind to carefully consider allergies and alter the dishes.

The evening started off well, but things took a disappointing turn when the main course arrived. We ordered the eye fillet, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a great cut and was very chewy. We mentioned this to the staff, and they kindly offered to try again. However, the second steak was actually worse, so we decided not to eat it. After that, the service seemed to stop. We wanted dessert, but no one came to check on us. Even after we finished our bottle of champagne, the table was cleared without anyone asking if we’d like more drinks or anything else. It felt like the attention we had earlier in the evening had completely disappeared. While they did take the steak off our bill, the overall experience left us feeling let down. It seemed like no effort was made to turn things around, and instead of feeling looked after, it felt like we were being rushed out. Even when we went to pay, no one asked how our experience was—they just presented the bill and moved on. Taking the dish off the bill is a nice gesture, but it would have been great if they’d shown more care about our experience as a whole. I expected more from a restaurant like this, and it’s a shame that it ended on such a disappointing note.

I ordered chargrilled steak，market fish，kingfish crudo，southern clams，cream brulee～ All of them are delicious. Staff are enthusiastic. We definitely will come back next time.😊

The ripeye steak was of excellent quality and I was pretty happy with it despite its little size. Great service was provided. a pleasant, unhurried dinner. love the lighting. lovely welcome staff

I booked a table for 5. 2 adults and 3 kids to celebrate my wife's birthday. Before I went there, I called them to find out if I can bring a cake. They have no issue with that at all. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff and they took us to our table. They were very friendly and accommodating. They went through the menu with us and they were willing to prepare fish and chips for our little one. We ordered a chef special entrée which is pork meatball with tomato sauce and fried sage; a fish and chips, a confit duck with asparagus, peas, French lentils and quince jelly; a market fish which is john dory and a chargrilled medium rare eye fillet with chunky chips and herb-garlic butter. The mains are abit small in portion but they are very nice. After our meal, they prepared the cake and even lighted a candle for us. We have a good time. We will come again.

It was my first time here. I had the chargrilled rib eye, brocollini as a side dish, and the tiramisu. Hands down best steak ever. What I was dreaming of all week - a good steak. Luckily, they didn't disappoint. The tiramisu was tasty but standard. The service could be better. I found it difficult to get the staffs attention early on to put in our drinks and later mains orders.

The restaurant is based in a trendy area and very much follows that vibe. Staff was friendly and efficient. The snapper was tasty and well presented. Unfortunately the gnocchi was a bit burnt. Overall ok.

Had dinner here last week, loved the food! Service was warm and friendly, also loved the outdoor seating! Definitely recommend!