Brunch: Toru, Ponsonby

Toru, one of the new eateries in Ponsonby Central. Photo / Sarah Ivey, NZH

Herald rating: 5/5
Address: Shop 3, Ponsonby Central, 136-138 Ponsonby Rd

We came here because we're enjoying the vibe and Melburnian intent of this new Ponsonby development and have been slowly ticking off its eateries.

Parking was . . . it's Ponsonby innit? Unless you're happy to pay for a space next door you may be circling the block for some time.

We walked in and immediately thought "flash". More restauranty than cafe, the layout is open-plan with a selection of old-school or comfy chairs and good views of passing pram-pushing mums, and their selection of craft beers is rivalled only by the takeaway pies.

The most unusual thing on the menu was a toss-up between the French toast with pineapple curd, lime and coconut ($16.50) or some of the more exotic ingredients. Oh, and the eggs bennie comes with pork belly, smoked kingfish, or goats curd and spinach - maybe next time.

We ordered the colcannon (mashed spud), corned beef, sauerkraut, creme fraiche and poached eggs ($19.50); the Indonesian-style Waikanae crab omelette with sambal, kecap manis, spring onion ($21.50); coffees and a peach and vanilla smoothie ($7.50). My spud could have done with bread of some kind but it offered the precise level of comfort my dusty disposition required. The omelette was a spicy joy.

The service was superb. A raised head was all it took to attract attention and explanations were available for all of the menu's mysteries.

The coffee was from Three Beans and passed the long black test with ease; a side of water, pungent flavours and a Tyson punch.

We recommend that if you come here you don't pay too much attention to the prices. A restaurant quality brekkie doesn't come cheap.

Overall we thought yum yum, bubble gum . . . you know the rest.