Tin Soldier

Tin Soldier in Ponsonby.

Food:
The mains were pretty good. However, the desserts were the stand out for me. I couldn't quite visualise what the 'tastes of Milo' would be like but it definitely didn't disappoint. I only wish that there were more churros, or perhaps I should ask next time I should ask if I could get the churros on its own. Crisp, light and fluffy. The churros melts in your mouth. Meanwhile, the watermelon dessert was perfect for the hot muggy day. Refreshing and delicious.

Atmosphere:
Relaxed and comfortable. Although, could do with some fans indoors as it was stifling hot the day we visited.

Service:
Friendly and efficient.

Overall impression:
Need to try more of their mains before I can give a proper verdict. But the churros is worth returning for.

One of the most satisfying Auckland dining experiences in a long time and one that I'd thoroughly recommend. From woe to go, Tin Soldier really delivered.
Setting is contemporary with two separate spaces. The main dining area within clear view of the busy kitchen has a combination tables, booths and high stools - quite a nice effect especially if, as we were, you've got the luxury of an elevated view so you can pretty much decide what you want before even seeing the menu.
Staff were fantastic - breaking down the menu and the dining philosophy really well - Tin Soldier is a sharing experience with all dishes basically deconstructed - and it works.
Drinks list ideal - a good variety of craft beers and local wines - Little Creatures for me (one of the best drops going around) and not overly priced.
Then the food - on our visit we enjoyed everything from buffalo cheese balls and mussel sliders to sirloin steak and pigs cheek. In truth we ordered far to much (and therefore we didn't have room for Tin Soldier's Milo-inspired dessert which I've been since reading about) - but there was so much to tempt one and it was really well priced.
Tin Soldier is right up there with Ponsonby's, if not Auckland's best casual dining restaurants I'm sure. We'll be back and hopefully soon.

We had a great night at Tin Soldier on Saturday. We enjoyed the whole shared plate experience and great service. The outstanding dishes were sirloin steak and the pigs cheek. The fries and chorizo crochets were also great. Tin Soldiers well priced wine list also impressed Us. The man o war Chardonnay a mere $12 a glass a winner.

I had read the write up about Tin Soldier in the Herald and then having seen some pretty positive reviews on this site and others were really keen to give it a go mid-week.
I like the small plate concept as it gives you an opportunity to try a wide variety and then if need be, order more. The Fish pie was pretty spectacular but the highlight (which seems to be a common theme), was the Milo pud...why has it taken so long to discover this dish!
Overall, dining at Tin Soldier was a really great experience. The drink prices are a little higher than I'm used to but this is Ponsonby right. Go there!

Went to Tin Soldier last night for a quick drink and stayed for 2 hours. was a really great vibe in there.
Had the Pinot Noir from the tap and it was good, had the mini hotdogs and chicken wings which were good - the mini hot dogs were really good.
Service was friendly and relaxed - we sat at the bar.
I would definitely go again and have a proper meal, the menu looked really good.
It is unpretentious, friendly and a great place just to hang out.

I went to Tin Soldier a couple of weeks ago just after it opened. I loved the wine on tap, I loved the milo dessert and I loved the pumpkin.
Cute waiters outfits. Nice new addition to Ponsonby Road for those of us locals getting a bit bored with the same old menus.

Tin Soldier is highly recommended! For those of you who are a little cautious when sampling new foods, please don't be put off by the name of the pork cheek... If you like pork belly you will adore this dish. Impeccably cooked, I can say you will not be disappointed. The rest of the small plates were just as tasty and the service was wonderful to match. Fantastic offering of tap beers (and tap wine?!) but again don't let snobbery get the better of you. Try it- or it's your own loss. To finish, go for the flavours of Milo.. Don't question it just do it. You will be back for seconds. Or requesting it for breakfast the next morning. Will definitely be back - thankyou Tin Soldier for a wonderful dining experience!

I had been looking forward to the opening of Tin Soldier for some time and after reading Brett's review on this site last week was prompted to go.
I know how we all often get caught up in the hype so I approached it with an open mind - I kinda had visions of Sunday Painters but with more robust, NZ-influenced, meals.
The staff are a real credit. Fabulously relaxed and friendly - and more than helpful providing information and recommendations.
The menu has a few really surprising dishes, but I decided to go for a safe option - the Hawkes Bay lamb rack. It was delicious, melt in the mouth stuff.
The flavours of milo interested me but the lamb reminded me of nana and rhubarb was her thing - poached rhubarb it was!
Tin Soldier has been a real revelation for me - I'll be returning.