Toru is the appropriately named cafe that occupies the space of "shop three" in Ponsonby Central. Stretching out with alfresco dining on Ponsonby Road as well as seating inside, the sister café to Newmarket’s Teed St Larder fits in seamlessly with the rest of the central city market. It rolls an urban-rustic vibe. Exposed wood floors, minimalist furnishing, white walls and their signature wire sign give it a stylish yet laid-back feel. The menu takes firm kiwi favourites and quality local ingredients and raises the bar with unique twists. The ricotta pancakes with whipped salted caramel butter and vanilla sugar ($16.50) and berry and rose smoothie ($7.50) were two of the breakfast options that definitely caught my eye. I was there for more of a midday affair and settled on seared tuna served with orange, olives, capers, chilli, celery leaf and parmesan ($21.50). My lunch buddy chose a made-to-order sandwich containing the superb combination of Serrano jamon, manchego and truffle butter ($14.50), which came with crinkle cut fries, lemon mayo and sliced pickles. The tuna was a winner. Nicely seared and enhanced by the citrus, salty olives and generously sized yet delicious caper berries. I definitely made sure I tasted the classiest toastie in history too. Even the side chips were crispy, hot and just a bit special. We washed lunch down with a cold Zeffer cider each but there were plenty of other options from craft beers and New Zealand wines to a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. The name, the vibe, the food, the location – it all just fits. There was a definite temptation to settle in for the afternoon… order a coffee or three and watch the world (Ponsonby) go by to the sound of the market’s very own radio station.
