Tonic Bistro

05/09/2026

We tend to be purveyors of the unusual and the unusually delicious. We added a great example to the menu yesterday. Lacrima is a varietal that narrowly avoided extinction and is now cultivated primarily around the Adriatic, particularly the Marche region of Italy. Its name (which means 'teardrop' in Italian) refers to the characteristic drop of juice that seeps from the grape's thick but delicate skin at peak ripeness. Prominent violet and floral notes. Big fruit on this one though it is well balanced with tannins. We'll probably drink it all if you don't, so save us from ourselves, please. 




**ebar

03/09/2026

A lovely surprise yesterday as we got word Michael landed on the Top 💯 Sommeliers 🇳🇿 for 2026! Not bad for a high desert kid from Mormon country. We're so excited to see Dev, Sam (from Luna Estate) and Belen (from Palliser Estate) all representing Martinborough on this list as well. Congrats, all!

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26/08/2026

Such a great night with Matt Johns from Pōkeno Wh**ky last night! We still have plenty of his delicious drams in house for you to try. Thanks to everyone who came out for both events over the past week and for making it a crazy busy winter week overall.

After two events, one private function and eight straight days of general madness, September and I need a quick breather. We'll open tonight a little later than normal (5ish) for evening service and be back to normal hours Friday.




**ky

26/08/2026

We're really excited to have Matt Johns from Pōkeno Wh**ky in tonight for our tasting event. Thanks to everyone who registered. We'll see you at 6:30pm (we'll have doors open at 5:30 if you want a little opening dram ahead of the main event).

A special thank you to the crew at **emerchants for their help and making some of these beautiful whiskies available for purchase tonight.

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**kybar

21/08/2026

It's a beautiful sunny day out on the patio and we've got three new white w**es on the menu: the 2025 Bell Vineyard Albariño from Albariño Brothers, the 2025 Pinot Gris from Monte Christo W**ery and a Picpoul de Pinet from La Petite Laurette in the Languedoc. Picpoul is a crisp, high acid varietal whose name translates to 'stings the lip.' It's tart, saline, and very refreshing.




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20/08/2026

We still have space available for this amazing evening next Wednesday with Matt Johns, founder of Pōkeno Wh**ky

More info and bookings at: https://www.tonicbistro.com/dream-a-little-dram

Also, Matt & Co. just had a fantastic story about them in The Herald last week. Definitely worth a read: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/why-new-zealand-wh**ky-is-winning-global-awards/4KNS2IEZSNESJAMXLQ6XBRPX7A/

17/08/2026

Our event with Margaret and Mike Hanson, the olive oil magicians at Blue Earth Estate is coming up on Sunday at noon. Tickets include guided olive oil flight, tapas, dessert and a cocktail/mocktail (each featuring one of their oils).

More info and tickets at:
https://www.tonicbistro.com/te-munas-liquid-gold

12/08/2026

Our bagel sandwiches are back! On the right is Bee Sting Bagel with fried egg, hot honey smoked bacon (or fak'n), whipped cream cheese, tomatoes, sweet red onion on a toasted parmesan bagel. Want it sweeter? On the left is the Sweet Hazel with whipped cream cheese, Nutella, Pink Lady apple and bruleed marshmallow fluff on a toasted chocolate bagel.

Add a coffee or hot chocolate for $5 or, if you're dining in, a mimosa for $9.

09/08/2026

Well, can't beat the timing on this piece. Want to meet Matt Johns, hear more about the amazing things his distillery is doing, and of course try some of the finest whiskies made in NZ? He'll be at Tonic on 26/8!

Link to event in comments.

You've likely driven right past this wh**ky-making mecca.

07/08/2026

The menu got a little shake up a few days ago, including the addition of this delicious Black Sesame Salmon with miso ginger butter, wakame, and teriyaki seared Brussels sprouts. We have a vegetarian option (black sesame seared tofu) and the sprouts are also available as a small plate. There are a number of new NZ and international white w**es on the menu that pair beautifully with these dishes as well.