Tucked into a courtyard at the top of Franklin Road in Ponsonby, this neighbourhood spot transitions from a thoughtful morning cafe to an evening wine bar with ease. Daytime menus lean into vibrant flavours and local provenance, featuring dishes such as çilbir soft-boiled eggs with muhammara, labneh, and Florets sourdough (\$24 as at 2026), alongside baked egg brioche buns, roast chicken pide, and Karl’s rice pudding with poached tamarillo. From 2pm to 5pm, the kitchen dials back to snacks like gildas, house kiwi onion dip with crisps, saucisson, and local cheeses before introducing the dinner menu from 5pm onward.
As the sun shifts, the offering broadens into plates of market fish crudo in whey dashi, seared venison tartare with black garlic, and Denver steak with blueberry port sauce (\$42 as at 2026). The wine list maintains a steady rotation by the glass, keeping at least one pour of each shade—sparkling, white, orange, chilled red, and red—ready to pour. Its quiet courtyard setting gives it a sheltered, community feel that sets it apart from the busier thoroughfares nearby.