You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels right? Not because it’s trying to be the "next big thing" on Instagram, but because it actually knows who it is. That’s basically the vibe at Little Jimmy Epsom Auckland.
I’ve spent plenty of time roaming the Auckland food scene, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see a spot like this still humming. In a city where restaurants pop up and vanish faster than you can say "deconstructed latte," Little Jimmy has managed to become an institution on the corner of Manukau and Empire Roads.
The "Support the Little Guy" Philosophy
Most places talk a big game about "local sourcing." It’s a buzzword. But at Little Jimmy Epsom Auckland, it’s actually the entire business model. When they opened back in 2016, owners Guy and Sarah Malyon (who also run the more formal One Tree Grill nearby) made a pact: they’d only use New Zealand products from small, artisan producers.
No giant multi-national brands. No Coca-Cola. No generic mass-market beers.
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Instead, you’re getting meat from the Carve Meat Co. out of the boot of a car (well, they started that way), venison from Duncan NZ, and beers from the likes of Hallertau or Liberty Brewing. Even the flour in the pizza dough and the sugar in the coffee is Kiwi-sourced where possible. It sounds like a headache for a chef, but Russell Billing and his team have turned it into a competitive advantage.
What’s Actually Worth Eating?
If you’re heading there for the first time, don’t expect a phone-book-sized menu. It’s tight. It’s focused. It’s "modern Kiwi" food that doesn't feel like it's trying to win a science fair.
- The Pork Belly: This is probably their most famous dish. It’s served with swede puree and a corn salsa that actually cuts through the fat. It’s rich, salty, and basically everything you want on a Tuesday night when you've had a shocker at work.
- The Sourdough Pizzas: These aren’t your typical thin Neapolitan style. They have a bit of chew to them, charred in the oven. The pepperoni is a classic, but keep an eye out for their seasonal toppings.
- The Market Fish: Jesse Mulligan once called their Akaroa salmon his "dish of the year" back in the day. They still treat fish with a lot of respect, usually serving it with something texturally interesting like farro or barley rather than just a pile of mash.
- Curly Fries: Look, I know it’s just a side, but people legitimately obsess over these. They come with a chipotle aioli that is, according to one regular I spoke to, "drinkable."
The Vibe: Casual but Not "Cheap"
The fit-out is cool. It’s got these monochromatic mosaic floors and whimsical graffiti on the walls—specifically a fat man fishing from a whale's back by artist Ross Lewis. The cutlery handles are shaped like spanners. It’s clever without being annoying.
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It’s the kind of place where you can wear your work suit and feel fine, or turn up in jeans and a hoodie for a Sunday brunch and also feel fine. It gets loud, though. Like, really loud. If you’re planning a sensitive business negotiation or a first date where you actually want to hear the other person’s life story, maybe request a table in the quieter corners or go during the "off" hours.
Why Epsom Loves It
Epsom is a funny suburb. It’s leafy, established, and can sometimes feel a bit "buttoned up." Little Jimmy broke that mold. It’s a "walk-to" restaurant for the locals. You’ll see the same faces at the bar every week, which is the ultimate test of a neighborhood joint.
They also have a private function space upstairs that fits about 32 people. It’s tucked away from the main bustle, so if you’re doing a birthday or a small corporate thing, it’s one of the better spots in the mid-city area that doesn't feel like a sterile hotel conference room.
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The Reality Check: What Most People Get Wrong
Some people walk in expecting a budget bistro. It’s not "cheap." You’re looking at $25–$40 for mains, and the wine list—while excellent—can add up quickly. Some reviewers have complained about the service being a bit "random" during peak rushes. It’s a busy spot, and sometimes the "cruisy" atmosphere means things don't arrive in the exact order you might expect.
But honestly? That’s part of the charm. It’s not a production line. It’s a kitchen that cares about the ingredients more than the clock.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bookings are essential: Especially for dinner from Thursday through Saturday. Use the "First Table" app if you want to snag an early bird deal for 50% off the food.
- Parking: It’s Epsom. It sucks. There is street parking on Empire Road or Manukau Road, but give yourself an extra 10 minutes to circle the block.
- Dietary Stuff: They are surprisingly good with gluten-free and vegetarian options, but the menu is definitely "carnivore-leaning." The vegetarian baked breakfast is a sleeper hit for brunch.
Little Jimmy Epsom Auckland isn't trying to be a Michelin-star destination. It’s trying to be a really, really good local eatery that keeps your money in the New Zealand economy. And ten years in, they’re still hitting the mark.
Check their current seasonal menu on their official site before you go, as they swap things out based on what their "little guys" are producing that month. If the lamb rump is on the menu, just order it and thank me later.