Kol (pronounced “coal”) is a chef-led bar and eatery in Ponsonby—just minutes from Grey Lynn—fusing Indian fire-cooking with top-tier New Zealand produce. Expect tandoor-inspired bites, wood-fired mains, and bold cocktails, all served in a heritage villa on Ponsonby Road.

Founded by hospitality duo Sapan and Ruchi Parikh (of Spice Rack and Red Fort fame), Kol reimagines the Indian chula—a mud stove used to slow-cook over firewood—with contemporary flair and local ingredients.

Sapan brings hotel-trained finesse, while Ruchi blends nutrition insight with a love of fine flavours. Together, they’ve built a loyal following across Auckland through warm hospitality and food that tells a story—from the North Shore to the edge of Grey Lynn.

with an Indian influence.

Located in an iconic villa on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Hepburn Street, Ponsonby, KOL is independently owned and operated by restauranteurs Sapan & Ruchi Parikh who also run traditional Indian restaurants, Spice Rack & Red Fort, in the North Shore.

KOL’s “fire” element and food menu take their inspiration from the Indian chula. An old form of cooking with firewood over a mud or clay stove, it pays homage to a traditional way of cooking over fire.