A new dining destination is arriving in the heart of midtown Auckland. Bistro Saine, is set to open its doors on Friday 4 April, bringing understated French-Mediterranean elegance to Albert Street.
Founded in local provenance, led by seasonality, and designed for effortless hospitality, Bistro Saine seamlessly blends classic bistro fare with contemporary flair.
Drawing inspiration from the grand brasseries of Europe and the energy of New York’s dining scene, Bistro Saine is a nod to timeless French techniques and modern Mediterranean influences of Southern France, Italy, and Spain.
Best Of Season
Bistro Saine’s flavourful menu, designed to share day or night, is produce-driven spotlighting local and single producers to showcase the best of the season. Whole pigs from Northland, are butchered in-house and cured into saucisson sec, while Farmgate pork croquettes are reimagined with subtleties of wakame ketchup, for an unexpected twist. Signature staples, including buttery pastas, indulgent potato dishes, and classic steak frites are balanced with shared snacks, seafood, and salads.
At the helm of Bistro Saine is Executive Chef Yutak Son, a Korean-born, French-trained culinary talent. With experience at Orphans Kitchen, Sidart, Black Estate, Te Motu, and Daily Bread, Yutak has developed a deep respect for local ingredients, traditional techniques, and brings a fresh perspective on French cuisine.
Powerhouse Hospitality Team
Chef Son leads a powerhouse team of hospitality professionals, including:
• Head Chef, Stevan Bailey – With 18 years of experience across 45 countries, most recently Executive Sous Chef at Saint Tropez in Georgia.
• Sous Chef, Zach Duxfield – Formerly of Paris Butter, where he rose from commis to head chef, and the 2024 Australasia Tapas Champion.
• Sous Chef, Aditya Medon – A decade in top NZ kitchens, including Inca by Nic Watt and The Grove, bringing precision and expertise.
• General Manager, Joey Hickman – A seasoned leader with over 20 years in global hospitality, including management roles at Bossi, Pasture, and The Conservatory.
• Restaurant Manager, Pierre Guillot – Another alum of The Grove, Pierre elevates the front-of-house experience with refined service.
• Sommelier, Pierre Bernardeau – Previously at Michelin-starred Le Gourmet de Sèze and Prism Berlin, bringing world-class wine expertise.
• Bar Manager, Harry Huxley – Formerly of Auckland’s cult favourite, Kemuri Hi-Fi, adding a creative edge to Bistro Saine’s beverage programme.
Bistro Buzz
“Great produce should be respected, celebrated, and transformed into dishes that feel both timeless and familiar,” says Chef Yutak. “At Bistro Saine we honour tradition and technique of French cooking, but there’s always a subtle twist—something personal from my background. We want to take people on a food journey that is fresh, seasonal, and accessible – not fine dining but classic dishes at their best,” concluded Yutak.
Designed to evoke the elegance and buzz of bistros in New York, London, and Paris, Bistro Saine’s interiors feature arched heritage windows, warm dark tones, and stylish detailing. Guests will enjoy dining in an intimate ambiance with dimmable drop-pendant lighting, leather-bound menus, linen napkins, Riedel glassware, a marble-topped bar and distressed timber floors. This is a space that’s as refined as the food on the plate and the places that inspire it. A warm welcome and exceptional service is a signature part of every experience at Bistro Saine, set to become Auckland’s new neighbourhood favourite.
Ingram Advisory
Behind the Bistro concept is James Ingram, one of Australia’s leading hospitality design consultants, Ingram Advisory, known for co-creating with owners and designers to deliver iconic venues. Ingram’s notable collaborations include Hawke’s Brewing (The Lucky Prawn), Etymon’s LouLou, Merivale’s Coogee Pavilion, Freds & Charlie Parkers, Queen Chow, Solotel’s Barangaroo House, and his own Sydney establishment, The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room.
From breakfast to bon soir, where specialty coffee transitions to lunch, afternoon meetings turn into a negroni or spritz aperitif, Bistro Saine will be open seven days a week for all-day dining. Walk-ins are welcome, however bookings are recommended. Visit bistrosaine.co.nz and Instagram for updates.
Bistro Saine is the first of three exciting venues opening at 51 Albert Street, which include Café Etiquette, a café and wine bar and The Henry, a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Housed within a beautifully restored heritage building, formerly Dexter and Crozier’s The Motor House (New Zealand’s first Cadillac importer), Bistro Saine is part of the new boutique Hotel Indigo Auckland.
