Inca
Auckland
Restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$50–100per person
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
INCA Ponsonby is Nic Watt's Japanese-Peruvian restaurant at Ponsonby Central in Auckland. Ceviche, raw fish, tacos and barbecue dishes underpin a sharing menu, with a kitchen counter, main dining room and terrace offering different ways to settle in.
About Inca
INCA at Ponsonby Central
INCA is at 9 Richmond Road in Auckland's Ponsonby Central dining precinct. The restaurant identifies itself specifically as INCA Ponsonby, which helps separate this venue from references to other or former INCA locations. Chef Nic Watt drew on travels in Peru and the relationship between Japanese and Peruvian food to develop the concept. The shared interest in fresh fish provides one connection, while South American street food and East Asian preparations give the menu a wider range.
Raw Fish, Barbecue and Sharing Plates
The official menu includes ceviche, crudo, tostadas, tacos and food from the barbecue. Its classic ceviche uses market fish, citrus and leche de tigre, while other raw-fish preparations take different fruit and chilli directions. Barbecue choices extend beyond meat and seafood to eggplant, and the drinks list includes pisco sours, margaritas, sake and nonalcoholic cocktails. Auckland's destination guide independently highlights ceviche, sashimi, grilled meats and vegetable dishes. These categories explain the Japanese-Peruvian identity more accurately than treating INCA as simply a taco restaurant or a conventional sushi bar.
Dining Room, Counter and Terrace
The operator takes reservations for the main dining room and chef's kitchen counter. Its website describes the bar and heated terrace as available for walk-ins, while Ponsonby Central confirms an open-plan room and alfresco seating in the laneway. Larger groups and special occasions are directed to the restaurant's reservation email. Mention the preferred seating area when enquiring because the counter, indoor tables and terrace provide different experiences. Published hours differ between the restaurant and precinct listings, so confirm the intended service directly. The restaurant's own Richmond Road address is more precise than the general Ponsonby Central postal address.
World Culinary Awards recognition
Inca is the 2026 winner in Oceania's Best Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant 2026. These category awards are distinct from Michelin stars or an inspection-based numerical restaurant score.
The published voting rules distinguish public voters from verified industry voters, whose votes carry twice the weight. The award identifies a category winner rather than supplying a tasting score for every restaurant.
Sources and planning
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 5–10 PM
- Location
- 9 Richmond Road, Ponsonby Central, Auckland 1011
- Website
- incarestaurant.co.nz
- Phone
- 09 212 2166
Venue details
Ambiance
Warm and upbeat dining room with an energetic open kitchen, vibrant Latin-Japanese decor, and a heated outdoor terrace.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
- Kitchen
- Fusion
- Menu Format
- Small plates, A la carte, Set menu, Family style
- Drinks Focus
- Pisco sours, Margaritas, Sake, Cocktails
- Dietary
- Gluten-free options, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
Signature Dishes
- Pacifica Ceviche
- Jumbo Tempura Prawn Taco
- Woodfired Baby Back Pork Ribs
- Sashimi Platter
- Guacamole INCA Style
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 9 Richmond Road, Ponsonby Central, Auckland 1011
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 5–10 PM
- Wednesday
- 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
- Thursday
- 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
- Friday
- 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
- Saturday
- 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
- Sunday
- 12–2 PM, 5–10 PM
Location
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Inca guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is INCA Ponsonby?
9 Richmond Road, Ponsonby Central, Auckland, New Zealand.
What is its cuisine?
Japanese-Peruvian cooking inspired by Nikkei cuisine and South American street food.
Which seating areas can be reserved?
The official site accepts reservations for the main dining room and chef's kitchen counter; it describes the bar and heated terrace as walk-in areas.
