For those familiar with Ponsonby’s Lot Three — a gastro hub where smoky BBQ meat connoisseurs Miss Moonshine’s reside — we’re pleased to reveal that another food resident has recently opened its doors there. Long in search of an eatery where we can acquire personalised, fast, healthy and delicious food in an environment that doesn’t feel like a chain operation, Pintu is set to change the game.

Solving our daytime food woes, this new, cool marble and copper accented eatery, designed by none other than the team at Paul Izzard Design, serves breakfast, lunch and soon, dinner. Their menu across all three meals is simple; for breakfast, expect staples that are executed with finesse like the cacao muesli with spiced poached pear, fresh fruit, almonds, and coconut milk, or the ricotta hotcakes with berry coulis, lemon curd, pistachios and coconut yoghurt. You’ll also find your caffeine needs swiftly taken care of with a highly proficient barista serving thick and fast brews of steaming hot Mojo coffee.

But perhaps the most enticing aspect of this establishment is the striking salad bar with ceramic bowls filled with fresh, elevated ingredients that you don’t normally see at your everyday salad pit-stop, all of which are regularly refilled to ensure utmost freshness. Here you can either order a pre-designed salad from their menu like the popular halloumi, watermelon, baby spinach, mint and pistachio with house dressing, or, customise your own with a specialised menu where you choose everything from your leaf, protein and array of toppings.

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, we’re certain you’ll be impressed with their supreme selection of sandwiches — we simply couldn’t go past the mouthwateringly good Angus beef, spinach, tomato, caramelised onion, provolone cheese and dijon mustard variety with a light slathering of aioli. There’s also a fridge brimming with fresh cold-pressed juices (our favourite was the honeydew and pineapple), fresh fruit salads and coconut chia puddings for those in need of breakfast on-the-run.

It’s obvious we’re excited about this new eatery in Ponsonby, and we have an inkling that you will be too as soon as you sample their simple, wholesome and delicious fare.