Last Night's Dinner – Teddy's, Ponsonby

Refined bistro fare and a stellar wine list make Teddy's one welcome new neighbour.

When it comes to European bistro offerings, Ponsonby Road is already inundated with well-vetted options.

There's the long-reigning SPQR, casual favourite Prego or the ever-reliable Ponsonby Road Bistro, to name but a few. So the notion of yet another casual-cool eatery popping up on this well-trodden culinary patch, felt like a tried and true formula. And then we met Teddy's.

Housed in what locals will better recognise as "the old MooChowChow", Teddy's is a slick interpretation of what constitutes a classic bistro. Boasting a refreshingly fuss-free menu, pared back dishes and a wine list that offers the very best from here and beyond, peppered with more than a handful of must-try cocktails; it's next to impossible to fault this little charmer.

After opening little over a week ago, Teddy's is already on its way to becoming a household name. On a grey and gloomy Thursday night, this cosy, pared-back space is comfortably occupied by locals, friends of friends, some calling in for a wine, a pint, a bite to eat or simply a catch up. The space caters to all of the above extremely well, with the light and bright restaurant and bar spilling out into an almost Scandi-clean courtyard.

Greenery hangs overhead, while plush cushions urge you to take a load off and settle in for a night of casual grazing and masterfully matched wine. The steak frites served with Café de Paris and shoestring fries are hard to surpass, while French staples like the duck liver parfait and the confit chicken leg, served with shallots, porcini velouté and bacon jam, round out a well-balanced menu.

Teddy's – the sophomore effort from Annabel's co-owner Oliver Scutts and business partner Rob Hil (Britomart's 1885) – ticks every box. Clean as a whistle, refined dining at its best. We suggest you get acquainted with this neighbourhood darling before the secret is well and truly out there. Take it from us, you'll be pleased you did.

Teddy's,
09 360 6262
23 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby,
Auckland.
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday.