KOL

As far as trendy districts go, Ponsonby has got to be at the top of the list for Aucklanders. Nestled amongst an array of seriously cool restaurants is KOL, the brainchild of Auckland restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat.

Located in an iconic villa on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Hepburn Street, KOL (pronounced ‘coal’ and inspired by the same word) is a restaurant that serves a selection of tandoor-inspired snacks and dishes primarily cooked over a fire, using the best New Zealand produce with an Indian influence. The menu aims to bring together Indian flavours and BBQ techniques to present them in a way you’ve never experienced before. Think cutting-edge techniques and the unexpected. The “fire” element and food menu are inspired by the Indian chula, an old form of cooking with firewood over a mud or clay stove, paying homage to this traditional method.

While the menu has a strong Indian influence, Sid and the team have looked to other cuisines to create truly unique dishes. They regularly switch up the menu to feature the best seasonal ingredients. Although not placed on some swanky silver platter, what comes to your table is a medley of flavours bursting with personality.

The food at KOL is complemented by an impressive list of fine-crafted cocktails, all mixed and shaken on-site at the tandoor bar, alongside an extensive champagne, wine, and beverage list.

Immerse yourself in the Signature Tasting menu, a curated journey of flavours bound to delight even the most well-travelled palate.

Sid and Chand Sahrawat also run the modern Indian restaurant Cassia and the relaxed fine-dining restaurant The French Café.