We were no less than forlorn when we heard that the good people behind Maldito Mendez (Sarah Ginella and Nico Mendez) were vacating their spot in Ponsonby Central to pursue a new venture elsewhere. Adept at serving up a damned good chilli margarita and some sensational fish tacos, we had become quite attached to the slice of South America that once was. Luckily, their latest creation is one with a bit of Euro-Latino flair.

Entertaining the idea of a classic neighbourhood bar, Barulho (Portuguese for ‘noise’) occupies a narrow tranche of Faraday Street next door to architecture firm Fearon Hay. Boasting a chic rustic interior with glass bi-fold doors that open onto the street front, a lengthy gold bench sprawls out onto the footpath offering plenty of perching room for coffee, cocktails and Portuguese/Italian-inspired snacking from the open kitchen located just within.

Follow the staircase up to Barulho’s upper rear area and you’ll find a unique seating area that opens out to a private garden oasis. With weekly changing menus, house made pastries and traditional sweets, tapas and takeout — it’s likely anyone and everyone from the surrounding barrio will be frequenting this promising new haunt. Complimented with an eclectic beverage list that comprises freshly brewed coffee (that comes with a side of sparkling water, praise be!) and carefully crafted vintage and new cocktails, it’ll be hard to stay away.

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 11am till late