House-infused craft vodkas paired directly with classic Central European comfort food set this seaside dining spot apart. Run by Steven and Valerie Askew, the kitchen serves modern Polish fare built around hearty staples: slow-cooked bigos (cabbage, sauerkraut, and meat stew), traditional potato and goat’s feta pasta dumplings with bacon and sour cream, tasty kielbasa on a potato hash, and pork, risotto, and vegetable parcels wrapped in cabbage leaves. Alongside a rotating features board of Polish and Kiwi specials, the bar matches dishes to house-made Topor’s Own infusions such as ginger, peppercorn, and sour plum, backed by imported Polish, Czech, and Dutch beers.
Set along Beach Road in Plimmerton, Porirua, the bistro serves lunch and dinner from midday into the late evening on Saturdays and Sundays. The kitchen can adapt dishes with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian choices, or tailor a menu if you call ahead with special dietary requirements. Booking ahead is advised for an evening table. Our pick for a cosy coastal dinner with flavours you will struggle to find anywhere else in the region.