Coconut cream, banana, cacao and dates whizzed into a frenzy and topped with freeze dried strawberries and fresh fruit — let’s face it folks, smoothie bowls are just desserts in disguise. A delectably wholesome excuse to indulge in the sweet side first thing in the morning, we’re all for the pudding-like potions and no one does them quite like Bowl and Arrow.

After delighting Aucklanders with their catering company’s hearty offerings at gatherings across the city, owners Leisha Rae and Hannah Bryan have now found a more permanent home at Orakei Village for their seed-sprinkled creations. Dishing up the bountiful bowls alongside a cabinet of not-so-naughty treats like paleo muffins, energy balls and raw ginger slice, the little eatery nook is already going down a treat, as proved by the steady stream of builders, mums, teens and office workers that rolled in as we sat happily slurping down our ‘Six Pack’ and ‘Summer Bod’ bowls. With fresh juices, Espresso Workshop coffee (we went for the iced iteration) and the gym-appropriate opening time of 7am, Bowl and Arrow is the most inviting new vitamin fix in town.

Adding some culinary pulling power to Orakei Village’s ongoing glam-up which is soon to see Farro Fresh, Brothers Beer and The Botanist florist also move in, the pretty pudding-esque smoothie bowls are giving us a chance to refuel in the most delicious way possible.