Bodega — the epic New York-style deli by the clever trio behind ever-popular burger joint, Parade and pizza drop-in Rosalita’s, only opened it’s doors in July, but has already become a go-to fixture on Auckland’s dining scene. Now, the laid-back eatery is open for afternoon and evening service, offering tasty aperitivo and beautiful wines to match.
Bodega’s made-to-order, deli-style sandwiches, design-your-own breakfast rolls, and Italian-inspired baked goods have been meet with fervour, drawing a crowd throughout the day, and now, diners will be able to experience an elevated yet approachable take on late afternoon or early evening snacks. “We have the perfect outdoor setting for a few drinks and a bite to eat in the sun, and look forward to developing it more heading into summer,” Bryan Anderson tells me.
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Filling a gaping void in the city for a casual spot for late afternoon or pre-dinner drinks and bites, Bodgea has crafted a concise but curated menu of sharing plates, served alongside hand-selected wines, ice-cold beer, and spritz — at accessible prices. “With the menu, we wanted to tailor it at an affordable price so that people can still come out and get great quality food and drink, but without the full price tag of a restaurant meal out,” says Anderson.
As such, between 3.30—7.30pm, you’ll find their famed pillowy-soft focaccia, served with butter and pickles, with the option to add cheese and cured meat, alongside stracciatella with peppornata and house oil, prosciutto with house crisps, guindllias, and crème fraîche, new-season asparagus with tomato beurre blanc and chickpea crumb, beef croquettes with mustard creme, shallot, and cornichon, and charcoal chicken skewers with plum glaze, labneh and herbs. Dishes start at just $8, with nothing over $20, and most sitting at just $13-$14 — meaning trying a little of everything (which we can highly recommend) is entirely possible.
Drinks include a number of tasty takes on the Italian spritz, a good selection of ice-cold beers, and a hand-selected edit of wines that, as with the food menu, will be ever-changing.
The space lends itself perfectly to both a casual, daytime drop-in and a laid-back spot for a drink and snack come afternoon. “The feel inside is warm, and the place is not huge but we have tried to re-create an old-school Brooklyn-style deli vibe,” Anderson tells me.
Ultimately, what this clever trio have created in Bodega is an unpretentious, laid-back spot that caters to Aucklanders looking for a good, honest meal during the day, and now — an easy go-to for a drink with friends in the sun.
Aperitivo Evenings hours:
Thursday – Saturday, 3.30pm — 7.30pm(ish)
Bodega
86 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby
