Gaja

A modern Korean kitchen and bar, Gaja is a beautiful and authentic gift in Ponsonby.

Gaja has charm in spades. It has a strong personality without being too brazen, allowing you to experience this bold cuisine on your own terms. It's rustic yet modern, sprinkling its otherwise restrained dining room with globular paper lanterns and mesmerising Korean art, keeping the senses entertained with heaps of texture, thanks to the dozens of hanging potted plants that frame the windows. Relaxed and trendy, Gaja knows exactly how to attract the Ponsonby locals.

The best thing about Korean food is its versatility. It suits small and big plates in equal measure, so why not ease into your meal with their dumpling/taco fusion with bulgogi beef? They're unlike anything you've tried before! Alternatively, come together around some marinated beef skewers, brisket dumplings or grilled corn ribs with a liberal toss of Parmigiano.

Next are the bigger plates where you'll find everything from deep-fried chicken to cured High Country salmon, slow-cooked pork belly and kimchi fried rice. And if it's a real feast you're looking for, it has to be the gochujang ribs that feature St Louis-style pork ribs smothered with a gochujang glaze and toasted nuts. You'll need your napkin for this one!