Nic Watt's Peruvian-Asian Eatery Inca Is Opening a Second Site in Ponsonby This Year

Acclaimed Auckland chef's Nic Watt's much-loved Peruvian-style restaurant Inca is getting a second site in the newly revamped Ponsonby Central development this coming March.

Inca first opened on the rooftop of Newmarket's multi-million dollar mall Two Double Seven in 2019, and has continually been recognised as a sizzling success since.

Now a sister site is set to open in Ponsonby Central's new laneway development, with a brand new look and newly-adapted menu.

Watts, the brainchild behind Federal Lane stalwart Masu and Akarana Eatery in Orakei, says the Inca menus are inspired by his travels through Peru and (extremely specifically) the influence of Japanese pioneers who migrated to Peru at the end of the 19th century. A restaurant and history lesson in one!

That, of course, means fresh fish remains the hero of the Latin-American-meets-Asian-inspired menu, including Newmarket favourite, the Pacifica kingfish ceviche with coconut, coriander and aji chilli. But while about 60 percent of the menu will remain the same, some brand new Ponsonby-specific additions are also promised upon launch, including a fresh cocktail and wine list.

Babiche Martens

Watt says while he wasn't looking to open another restaurant just yet, he fell in love with the site which "ticked all the boxes" for the restaurateur.

"As soon as I saw the site at Ponsonby Central I knew it was perfect for Inca. With its location, open floor plan, high ceilings, natural light and al fresco seating I just had to make it happen," he said in a statement.

The airy new site will be decked out with a Peruvian-inspired interior, including a large hearth at the heart of the space. Pink marble, cave wall-like plaster and colourful woven textile crafts will all transport you out of Auckland's central dining and shopping precinct.

The design team behind the refurbished look are Ctrl_, the brains behind many of Auckland's best looking interior hotspots, including Hotel Ponsonby, Lillian, Saint Alice, Lola, and Euro's refurbishment before it sadly shut its doors last year (RIP).

More information is set to come closer to opening, but with a new luxe four-screen Silky Otter cinema also part of the new development, we see many a date night taking place at this brand new eatery in future.

Nic Watt's Inca will open the doors to its new Ponsonby Central eatery in March 2022, and will be open seven days for lunch (12 - 2.30pm) and dinner (5.00pm - late). For more information and updates on the opening, head to the website.