Gigi is the Ponsonby Road address that we’re all currently obsessed with
In the iconic spot where Ponsonby Road Bistro once reigned, a new favourite has arrived. Local hospitality legend Luke Dallow, alongside Thane Kirby, has transformed the site into GiGi—a playful, elegant bar-restaurant that’s already got the neighbourhood talking. With inspired dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibe that flirts between sophistication and mischief, GiGi proves that some addresses are simply made for unforgettable affairs.
How long have you been open now, and how is it going?
GiGi is all about energy, elegance, and a little mischief—think Paris meets Ponsonby. Since opening in May 2025, we’ve become a local favourite for those who love great food, lively conversation, and that unmistakable buzz that only a truly good bar-restaurant can create. The vibe walks a fine line between sophistication and playfulness: the lighting is low, the music inviting, the crowd stylish but unpretentious. The service is personable, never pretentious, and the experience is built around the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and enjoying life.
Have you got anything new on the menu that guests are really embracing right now?
Absolutely. Our Crayfish Risotto has become a bit of a showstopper—rich, silky, and full of that coastal New Zealand freshness people can’t get enough of. Our handmade Pāua and Mussel Spring Rolls have fast become a signature dish, and we’ve just introduced a Tuna Tartare that’s already stealing the spotlight with its fresh flavours and vibrant presentation. On the drinks side, it’s all about martinis and margaritas, from classic, perfectly balanced versions to playful twists. Guests seem to love ordering them in rounds of two or three, which is exactly how GiGi nights tend to go.
Word is that your Sundaze menu is bringing a crowd. Has it been going off from the get-go?
From day one, Sundaze at GiGi has been a total hit. People love the idea of winding down the weekend with great food, good tunes, and a cocktail, without breaking the bank. For $29, guests get a full meal and a cocktail, and if they want to stretch it into the evening, it’s just another $12 for a second course or drink. It’s become one of those afternoons that just builds—friends catching up, people moving from lunch into sunset drinks, and before you know it, the place is buzzing.
Lastly, is Ponsonby Road back—or did it never really go away?
Ponsonby never really goes away, it just evolves. We’ve got some of the best operators in the country here on the strip, and there’s a real sense of momentum again. Sure, there’s been a bit of a changing of the guard with some new faces and fresh energy coming in, but that’s what keeps Ponsonby exciting. The neighbourhood’s alive, people are out, and the scene is buzzing. Bring on the summer of ’26—it’s going to be big.
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