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AUCKLAND | Orphan’s Kitchen is all about the philosophy that fresh and local is best, and less is more. It is, in the words of the restaurant, “about looking to the bush, the ocean, the orchards, the fjords and the plains as tools for exploring national flavours and identity”. It’s something we tend to agree with which is what initially drew us to the Ponsonby restaurant. When you walk inside the 1912 built Victorian villa, you’re faced with a small, narrow space with a simple, homely feel. There are a few large communal tables along with some smaller tables and seating at the bar.
The food is simple yet creative, with chef and co-owner Tom Hishon using local produce to create a small menu of appealing dishes that fit the casual atmosphere of the restaurant while exhibiting some of Hishon’s fine dining flair. Hishon uses less common cuts of meat like wild boar, ox cheek and tuna belly to great effect, focusing on the flavours and quality of the produce. Think dishes like risotto with butternut, yolk, parmesan and truffle, bruschetta with avocado, buffalo curd and black garlic, or the fabled wild boar boil up which sees a rich stock surrounding braised razorback pork cheek, wild boar terrine and trotter, spelt and blood sausage doughboys, puha and kumara.
The wine list, complied by other co-owner and restaurant manager Josh Helm, features a great selection of local and international wines, including a number of interesting ‘bin end’ selections. There are a few craft beers on offer too, including the house Orphans Kitchen Pale Ale brewed by Brothers Beer.
If you’re stopping by during the day, there’s also a great breakfast menu and fantastic coffee. Combined with friendly, knowledgeable service, there are many reasons to visit Orphan’s Kitchen.
Orphan’s Kitchen
118 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1011
New Zealand
Telephone: 09 378 7979
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://orphanskitchen.co.nz/
Open
Mon: 7:00am to 2:30pm
Tue – Fri: 7:00am to 2:30pm; 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 8:00am to 3:00pm; 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 8:00am to 3:00pm