Prego Restaurant
It's no mean feat being the longest-running restaurant in Ponsonby (it opened in 1986), where the locals and their guests are both fussy and loyal. The excellent, broad Italian menu includes wood-fired pizzas and good pasta, and the fish of the day, served in many ways, is worth trying. Prego is extremely noisy, so don't go there for an intimate chat, though you may find the courtyard quieter. It is always full; a wait is likely, but the expert staff will usher you to the bar. The wine list is comprehensive.
