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Ponsonby Road Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ponsonby Road Cafe
8.0
Ponsonby Road Cafe brings a New Zealand-inspired cafe menu to the Beverly Grove side of La Cienega, pairing savory pies and salads with a small lineup of toasted bagels. It’s more of a cozy all-day cafe than a dedicated bagel shop, but the egg-and-cheese bagels and coffee make it a mellow alternative to the busier 3rd Street brunch staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs and Cheese Bagel, Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese, Steak and Cheese Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: New Zealand-style cafe where bagels share menu space with savory pies and espresso drinks.
Who should go: Bagel fans who also want coffee, pies, and a quieter room.
When to visit: Mid-mornings on weekdays for easy seating and calm energy.
What to order: Eggs and cheese bagel, plain bagel with cream cheese, a classic mince or steak pie.
Insider tip: Use it as a work cafe; outlets and a calmer vibe make lingering over a bagel easy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along La Cienega and residential side streets; generally manageable on weekdays but tighter during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — athleisure, jeans, and cafe-casual outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — calm enough for conversation, work sessions, or solo dining.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a daytime-focused cafe and rarely has waits in the late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; you can walk right in and choose a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie bagels, and pastries can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of bagels and sides may work, but most menu items contain dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated gluten-free bagels; some salads and sides are gluten-free but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual daytime date if you want a low-key, quiet setting with good coffee. It’s not ideal for a romantic or high-energy first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Ponsonby Road Cafe is walk-in friendly. Even on weekends, waits are uncommon compared to the busier 3rd Street brunch spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it’s calm, spacious enough for small strollers, and has simple breakfast items that work for kids, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more relaxed brunch or solo coffee-and-bagel session compared to the louder, trendier Beverly Grove cafes.
Skip if: You want specialty bagels, long flavor lists, or a full-scale brunch scene — dedicated bagel shops and bigger brunch spots will offer more variety.
Ponsonby Road Cafe
8.0
Ponsonby Road Cafe is a New Zealand-inspired cafe just off La Cienega where hefty paninis, meat pies, and strong coffee make it as much a sandwich stop as a brunch hangout. Locals lean on the turkey pesto and Veggie's Delight paninis for something filling but still relatively light.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pesto Panini, Turkey Pesto Panini, Veggie's Delight Panini
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: New Zealand-style cafe where pressed paninis share space with meat pies and espresso.
Who should go: Brunch and sandwich lovers who like relaxed, all-day cafes.
When to visit: Mid-mornings and early afternoons for easier seating and service.
What to order: Chicken pesto panini, turkey pesto panini, New Zealand meat pie.
Insider tip: Pair a panini with a meat pie and split to sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on La Cienega and side streets; usually manageable on weekdays but can tighten during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; athleisure, jeans, and relaxed weekend wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at most tables, with light cafe chatter during peak brunch windows.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the cafe’s busiest hours are weekend brunch, where waits can hit 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for indoor tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several paninis, salads, and pastries work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-forward items, but most sandwiches use cheese or spreads.
Gluten-free options: Partial — salads and some breakfast items are workable, but paninis are not available on gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual, bright, and low-pressure, ideal for a daytime coffee-plus-bite date where conversation comes easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and outside of weekend mid-morning rush, seating is usually available within a few minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — quiet enough for families, with approachable pastries and simple paninis that work well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed daytime meals, solid paninis, and a mellow alternative to the louder 3rd Street brunch scene.
Skip if: You want an extensive brunch menu, specialty coffee program, or gluten-free sandwich options.