268 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby
Auckland,


(09) 360 4000

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3 out of 5 stars

Bambina has been around for years and has its fair share of champions. Whilst I wasn't in that category before going (and wasn't after either) I can see why people call it slick, smart and go on about the big communal table.

If you're at Bambina by yourself, definitely go for the table. I love these. If it's busy, you'll sit next to a stranger and whilst you might not strike up a conversation, you may fight over the front page of the Herald. I got lumped with the business section when I visited. Maybe I should have been more forceful?

Forceful is a word that also springs to mind when it comes to ordering food. There does always seem to be a bit of a push to get orders in... I don't see the rush myself. The food always comes out quickly even when it's packed, so just let me chill out for a bit with my coffee. I'll order... promise! This also extends to the staff - one staff member in particular (I've seen her there for years) constantly seems like she's having to race off to an emergency. I get rushed through when paying my bill and I never ever get a smile or chat. And I've tried... Maybe it's just me?

But hey, 2 visits in 24 hours gave me a pretty good idea of how the place ticks in the kitchen. My buddy Aimee got the corn fritters which were good, but could have done with some sour cream to sit with the salsa (none was available when asked about). I got the poached eggs with bacon. It was ok. I suppose there's not much you can do with that dish so I wasn't expecting to be wowed. Would have loved a choice of bread though - 5 Grain would have been much preferred over the dense dough on offer. On a second visit, my friend's kids were accommodated without too much fuss, and the toasted chicken sandwich was good, saved from being dull by the delicious chutney. So, food - a tick if not a gold one (the cost tarnishes it a bit). The coffee though was great - I think I had 3 cups... can't remember. They were lovely.

Bambina's a perfectly good cafe, but really there's not much reason to rave about it. It ticks all the boxes I guess but I don't think it would be my first or even second choice along the Ponsonby Rd cafe strip. Maybe for a meeting? I'd rather go next door to Landreth. By myself? Yeah maybe... if I got a seat at the big table. And the front section of the Herald. And a smile. Easily pleased, huh?

The details: 183 Karangahape Rd, St Kevins Arcade, Auckland Central. Phone 09 377 8424.

A Flat White costs: $4

Must Try: The coffee. Very well done.