Melt Bar

Melt Bar appears to be one of the more frequently overlooked spots within the Ponsonby Food Market, and while that certainly shouldn’t be the case given it’s one of the few options open prior to 1100, it’s tough to hold your own when the surrounding competition is so stiff.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
I will say that my server at Melt Bar brilliant, and was just the nicest man I could have hoped to see at what was a relatively early Sunday morning having just come off of a 13 hour flight from Los Angeles. I placed my order and he said I could just have a seat and he’d bring it out to me before we sorted the bill later. Ten minutes later I had my sandwich in an atmosphere that really speaks for itself especially when the weather is nice. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
NZ$ 14.50 is a tad bit steep for what was essentially just a pretty standard Croque Monsieur, but there was no skimping here when it came to size or portions of particular ingredients. When all was said and done I was quite full given the rich nature of the sandwich, so I really can’t complain for roughly $ 10 USD in what is already an expensive district within an expensive city. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
Honestly the sandwich was just okay. The bread was standard, and while I had pretty sky high hopes for what was advertised as some seemingly special ham, the interior bits here were pretty much in line with what I could slap together at the grocer.
The sandwich appeared to be pan fried homestyle as opposed to baked, which is fine, but the whipped egg topping didn’t quite come through as if it’d been in the pan for just a tad bit too short of a time. No biggie, but this wasn’t the best Croque Monsieur I’ve ever had. Single Star Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
Given what is some ridiculously tough competition within a stone’s throw of Melt Bar, I can’t honestly say this would be a common stop in this part of town for me. No Star Granted.

These guys dish up some of the best grilled cheese sammies you’ll come across in Auckland. The Classic Monsieur is my favourite — it’s a perfect love triangle of grilled cheese and ham all hotly tangled up between two slices of bread! Don’t worry, if it gets a little too hot for you to handle, you can always cool off with a nice cold NZ craft beer!
However, if you are in the mood for some more naughtiness, then get your mitts on an ice-​cream sandwich!
This has got to be the naughtiest bar down the Lane in Ponsonby!

What more can I say but this place has the most delicious, fantastic and perfect «toasties «I have ever had. Beyond words! You got to try them… The service was friendly and food came out pretty quick plus the general atmosphere of being in Ponsonby Central added to make it all a very tasty and top notch experience. Though did not try anything else on food or drink menu would totally recommend here.

Grilled cheese based menu — great array of toasted sandwiches.
Enjoyed sitting in the bustle of the market, order was delivered promptly and tastily.
Would be keen to try a croque Monsieur next time.
Unexpected bonus: a delightfully varied beer menu, including a taranaki favourite Mike’s. Would almost return just for that.