Since setting up shop within the foyer of Les Mills Victoria Park late last year, Bowler has quickly solidified itself as one of the city’s top spots for a quick and easy, yet entirely delicious and satisfying bite come lunchtime. In fact, demand has been so high for the eatery’s namesake salad bowls, that they’ve already opened the doors to a second outpost, transforming Williams in Wynyard Quarter into a second Bowler location.

Conceived by brothers Patrick and Charles Williams, the initial idea for Bowler came about super organically, with Patrick whipping up bowls similar to what’s on the menu for dinner most nights. Inspired by salad/bowl-leaning, fast-casual brands around the world (such as Australia’s infamous Fishbowl), the pair saw an opportunity to bring their own version to New Zealand.

“We agreed that fast food sucks,” Charles tells me, “There is far too much of it in New Zealand, and we want Bowler to be another choice — a more nutritious choice — for a wider audience.” The duo quickly realised that, to meet their mark, they needed to make the offering fast and affordable. As such, for under $17, you can get a jam-packed salad bowl with quality, local ingredients and proteins, made fresh and from scratch, everyday. 

The most popular iteration is the #2 Beef Brisket, which comes brimming with juicy, slow-cooked, grass-fed brisket and harissa, pickles, dukkah, hummus, beets, kale, and a flavourful herb dressing, with the #3 Mt Cook Salmon bowl with edamame, crunchy furikake, avo, ginger, and a ponzu dressing coming in a close second. But, speaking from experience, they’re all delectable, and the perfect wholesome lunch, not to mention great for feeding a crowd (catering is up and running, and a great option for meetings or events).

Williams regulars will be pleased to discover their beloved cheese and egg baps in the cabinet in the mornings, alongside a concise breakfast menu of acai and protein oat bowls. And those seeking a sweet fix post-lunch, the tahini choc chip cookies that flew out the door at Williams (the best cookie in town), and the already-infamous protein cookies are on offer, providing a perfect pick-me-up when the afternoon slump hits.

On the drinks front, coffee comes first, but the drinks menu has been created to cater to everyone and anyone, offering a bit of everything. From mushroom lattes to iced matcha, acai smoothies, and even a bone broth hot chocolate, as well as damn good Supreme coffee, at Bowler, there’s something for any time of day, and taste or proclivity. There’s also a grab-and-go fridge stacked full of functional beverages from local suppliers.

The new Bowler location builds on what Charles and Patrick have created at the first — a new take on takeaways, where nutritious, nourishing, satisfying food is served fast and made with care. “Slow food, served fast.”

Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 7am until 2pm
Saturday, 8am until 2pm

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