“Our food is an expression of who we are; bold, creative, a bit weird and covered in mayonnaise.”

Stay Updated
Get the latest updates on new restaurants, food guides, local events and more.

Fat Kitty is best described in three words; raunchy, playful and new. Everything from the owners, to the pieces of art adorning the wall, right down to the menu are here to disrupt the norm. You won’t find an eggs bene, an overpriced floral arrangement or a bigot in sight.

Boasting a new menu, Fat Kitty sets out to reinvent the wheel in a way that’s totally Gen-Z approved. From French toast with tofu to a Kimchi Bloody Mary (sans alcohol), the flavours sound like they really shouldn’t work.

But that’s the beauty of Fat Kitty — they do.

Decidedly Asian fusion, owner-operators Amelia Leath and Jarrad Amanono are in a crowded culinary genre. Ask any foodie for their recommendation and an establishment where Bao and pork belly are staple menu items comes up.

However, somehow, Fat Kitty actually does something different. Unlike the neon-lit tables of Love Exposure or the cocktails of Mekong Baby, Fat Kitty offers a menu that makes the most of the criminally underrated genius of Leath and Amanono.

Finally, central Auckland has a brunch spot for those wanting the culinary meeting of the East and West.

When dining at Fat Kitty, you’ll have a hard time choosing between the cabinet and the kitchen. Fat Kitty is allergy-friendly and a vegan’s paradise. Fat Kitty offers the dine-in experience of your local brunch spot while offering a cabinet that rivals Wise Boys and Tart Bakery.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. While many cafes shy away from trying new things, Fat Kitty runs headfirst at exciting and innovative flavour combos.

Haven’t heard of a dumpling sando? Now you have. Want to try a Pad Thai Rolled Omelette? Now you can.

If this menu sounds exciting and you don’t think you quite know where to start, the great news is that the dishes emphasise quality, not quantity. Ordering 2 or 3 dishes allows you to make the very most of your time at Dominion Road’s new darling.

Where players like neighbour Cereal Kills used to dominate, Fat Kitty has come to disturb the dormant daytime of this iconic arterial road to bring us a new way of getting coffee, sandwiches and everything in between.

Where does the inspiration come from? Often, as is the case with high-profile spots such as HeadQuarters, an establishment acts as a reflection of their owners.

Many, including Leath and Amanono, use their hospitality joint as an expression of their values, beliefs and creativity.

Where some dabble in political endeavours, Fat Kitty wants to challenge our tastebuds and ideology.

Fat Kitty is emblematic of the modern outlook. Much like its food, the identity of Fat Kitty doesn’t adhere to archaic and pre-determined notions. Both Leath and Amanono identify as neurodivergent, queer and are in a polyamorous relationship.

“
Because we threw the rule book out the window from the get go by sharing that we’re queer, in a polyamorous throuple and both neurodivergent (Amelia has ADHD, Jarrad is autistic) its meant we haven't been afraid to do whatever we wanted with our food and our space. We want to surprise people with flavours they think shouldn’t work together but do, just like how we want to challenge societal beliefs of what’s ‘professional’ and ‘appropriate’ for a business to share publicly.
„
Amelia Leath, Fat Kitty Owner

Fat Kitty doesn’t just take an unconventional approach to food. When you dine in, you’re greeted by a plethora of art work, mostly created by queer and BIPOC artists. Much like Fat Kitty’s food, the art is accessible and boundary-pushing — a far cry from the elaborate decor of more established joints.

“
The art wall is such a special part of the cafe, it creates a way for customers to engage not only with us on another level but with a community of artists beyond the cafe. It's one little way we can give back and inspire others to spread kindness and compassion. We love art that pushes boundaries because we’re all about pushing the boundaries too.
„
AL

So, what are you waiting for? Sneak into this spot before everyone else finds out about it.

Fat Kitty is open Tuesdays to Sundays.

 Tuesday 12pm-10pm, Wednesday-Sunday 8am-4pm. You’ll find them at 360C Dominion Road.

mobile app promotional banner