It’s still in the same sunny corner of Britomart across from the soon-to-be-completed Waitemata Station Plaza.
It retains the same intimate ambiance and breezy patio, but the owners of Café Hanoi and Ghost Street have re-modelled Perch to provide a new fun, healthy and affordable experience. They’ve trialled the new menu, tweaked the offerings and have now declared it ready for prime time.
Café Hanoi and Ghost Street both belong to the hospitality group Comensa. Comensa is owned and operated by Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge, a team known for their award-winning Asian-inspired restaurants in Auckland.
An open grill and display cabinet draw guests in and hand-made tiles speak to an enduring respect for artisanal workmanship in all its forms.
Exec Chef Nathan Houpapa has redesigned the menu, drawing upon the international skills and talents of the staff across the Group. It’s confident and different, with lively flavour profiles.
No More Dumplings
“We loved them too, but it was time for something more filling, more healthy and even more fun,” says Nathan.
In their place he has introduced a novel approach: bold flavours, fresh healthy ingredients, and fire-grilled goodness.
The menu is based around bowls and shared mezze platters. It’s imaginative, restaurant-quality food for eat-in or takeaway. And because the new menu offers so much variety and such broad appeal, there’s a private dining option after 7:00 pm. You can book out the entire restaurant to host dinners for up to 40 people.
Perch makes five simple promises to diners:
- It’s tasty – based on big flavour profiles including Mediterranean and south Asian dishes, onto which you can add skewers hot off the grill.
- It’s healthy – focusing on locally sourced, free-range, pasture-raised or plant-based produce. All ingredients are unprocessed and have low or no-sugar added.
- It’s easy. Simple choices and effortless variety; choose your base, then add your BBQ and sides. Done.
- It’s fast. Perfect for a quick lunch or a pre-show.
- It’s affordable. Base lunch bowls start at $20 and platters start at $22.
Some things haven’t changed. Perch still has the same awesome service team and still serves great drinks and affordable cocktails, starting at $18. As always, a wonderful way to while away an afternoon, mark the end of the work day or meet friends to kick off an evening out.
