AUCKLAND

Bistro Saine

IN BRIEF
Chic French fusion in Auckland’s heart.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESTAURANT?
Bistro Saine combines the elegance of classic French cuisine with vibrant Mediterranean influences from Southern France, Italy and Spain. This stylish, intimate space provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal with guests looked after by a team of super-slick hospitality professionals.

ABOUT THE MENU
While almost every menu in town aspires to be a celebration of local, seasonal produce, executive chef Yutak Son expertly crafts a selection of classics that show great respect for the people and produce behind his menu. The snack game at Bistro Saine is impressive with a chicken liver parfait that passes our rigorous Chicken Liver Parfait Society assessment with honours and a steak
tartare with crisps and hot sauce that ticks all of the boxes for a great tartare. The braised pork croquettes with chef’s special wakame ketchup are sensational and our only regret is that the original anchovy en croute seems to have been retired. Butterbean cassoulet with celeriac and wild mushrooms and the lamb rump cap in a macadamia and anchovy sauce were both standouts as mains and the final hug came in the form of a stunning pear tarte Tatin with vanilla bean ice cream. We’re excited to hear of a new summer menu shortly to be introduced that will offer cured salmon with citrus kosho and gribiche, a market fish paired with chive and roe soubise and a celebration of summer’s asparagus, and perennially popular confit duck fat potatoes dressed to impress with buttermilk.

ABOUT THE CHEF
Korean-born, French-trained and with a background that includes stints at Daily Bread and Sidart, executive chef Yutak Son brings a refreshing approach to his contemporary bistro menu and, in our opinion, is a chef to keep an eye on. Pairing clever flavours with sharp technique and an obvious understanding of the importance of delivering comfort as well as innovation, Yutak is driving an experience that stands out in Auckland’s crowded culinary landscape.

ABOUT THE TEAM
General manager Joey Hickman has curated an impressive team for his bistro. Sous chef Aditya Medon passionately supports Yutak’s vision while front of house is skilfully elevated by restaurant manager Pierre Guillot (ex The Grove) with expertly curated beverage pairings by sommelier Pierre Bernardeau.

OF NOTE
What truly sets Bistro Saine apart is its ambience. The interior design, influenced by top hospitality consultant James Ingram, evokes the charm of iconic bistros in New York, London and Paris. With its arched heritage windows and marble-topped bars, diners are treated to an environment that is warm, intimate and casually elegant. If you stay overnight at Hotel Indigo, the breakfast menu is magnificent! Don’t miss the beef bordelaise.

Level 1, 51 Albert Street, Auckland
Check website for opening hours
Mains $29-$49
09 610 8404, bistrosaine.co.nz