Popular Ponsonby Road restaurant Daphnes is expanding its hours, now offering its Mediterranean-inspired menu at both ends of the day.
A new breakfast menu will bring refreshing variety to an area famed for its excellent selection of brunch hot-spots. Daphnes was established in Ponsonby in 2021, developed around a modern twist on traditional Greek food and the country’s relaxed, engaging styling of dining.
While the focus has been on lunch and evening dining since then, restaurateurs Clare and Joost van den Berg are no strangers to delivering a satisfying morning meal to hungry Aucklanders. The pair were behind successful Zus & Zo cafe, a go-to on Herne Bay’s Jervois Rd for a number of years, as well as Takapuna’s Zomer, and central Auckland’s Hugos Bistro and Odettes Eatery.
“Breakfast is where we began,” the couple shared while introducing the new offering.
“It provides a lot of nostalgia to us. We have had a lot of requests from our gorgeous customers to create this vibe again in Ponsonby, and what a great space we have to do that, so we thought why not!”
They are thrilled to have brought on executive Chef, Alfie Ingham, renowned for his innovative reinterpretation of traditional dishes, to oversee all dining options at Daphnes.
“We worked together at Hugos and we thought let’s create that magic again. Also, we are breakfast people. What is better than a great morning menu to start the day. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again for morning, noon and night at Daphnes.”
The Daphnes morning gastronomic journey includes inventive and delicious dishes such as:
Egg and Cheese Milk Bun – A delightful blend of silky steamed Japanese-style omelette nestled within a softly toasted milk bun, adorned with rich mayonnaise and melting cheese, offering the perfect start to the day.
Taramasalata on Toast – A deeply savoury breakfast. Smooth and rich roe atop crunchy toast. Anchovies for a deep, salty hit of the sea, capers for brightness, crowned with a velvety soft-boiled egg.
Grilled Sirloin on Toast – A contemporary twist on the classic open steak sandwich, with caramelised onion jus and raclette, reminiscent of the flavours of a rich French onion soup or a classic French dip sandwich.
Halloumi Fritters – An absolute crowd-pleaser, this will be everybody’s favourite. Featuring decadently melted halloumi encased in a crisp batter, generously drizzled with spicy, herbaceous honey.
Additionally, Daphnes will ensure younger diners are well catered to, with a playful rendition of soft-boiled eggs and soldiers, toasted Brioche with chocolate sprinkles, and a fairy bread milkshake.
Daphnes Morning Menu is available from 7am every Wednesday to Friday, and from 8am on Saturdays and Sundays.
