“We want to take people on a food journey that is fresh, seasonal, and accessible — not fine dining, but classic dishes at their best,” says Yutak Son, Executive Chef at French-inspired eatery Bistro Saine — opening this Friday in the heart of the city.
Nestled on Albert Street, Bistro Saine is poised to redefine neighbourhood dining with a French-meets-Mediterranean menu that balances elegance with ease. The bistro draws inspiration from Europe’s grand brasseries and the lively energy of New York, blending time-honoured techniques with contemporary creativity. Behind the concept is James Ingram, a leading Australian hospitality design consultant. Known for working with Merivale on iconic venues like Queen Chow, Fred’s and Charlie Parkers, to Hawke’s Brewing The Lucky Prawn, and his own Sydney establishment, The Dry Dock.
At the heart of the eatery’s allure is Executive Chef Yutak Son, whose culinary pedigree includes Orphans Kitchen, Sidart, Black Estate, Te Motu, and Daily Bread. A Korean-born, French-trained chef, Yutak has cultivated a deep respect for local produce, working closely with single-origin suppliers to craft a menu that is both familiar and subtly surprising. “Great produce should be respected, celebrated, and transformed into dishes that feel both timeless and familiar,” he shares of the offering.
The menu is built around seasonality and thoughtful execution. Whole Northland pigs are butchered in-house and cured into saucisson sec, while Farmgate pork croquettes are elevated with wakame ketchup. Indulgent, buttery pastas sit alongside classic steak frites, with seafood and crisp salads providing balance. The approach is generous, designed for sharing, yet grounded in refinement.
Behind the pass, Yutak leads a formidable team: Head Chef Stevan Bailey, who has cooked across 45 countries; award-winning Sous Chef Zach Duxfield of Paris Butter; and seasoned talent Aditya Medon of The Grove fame. Front-of-house, hospitality veterans General Manager Joey Hickman, Restaurant Manager (The Grove alum) Pierre Guillot, world-class Sommelier Pierre Bernardeau, and Bar Manager Harry Huxley ensure impeccable service and a creative, curated beverage program.
Set within a beautifully restored heritage building, Bistro Saine’s interiors reflect its culinary ethos: warm, layered, and sophisticated. Dark timber, marble, leather-bound menus, and soft, dimmable lighting create an inviting atmosphere where detail is everything.
Now taking bookings, from morning coffee to post-dinner negronis, and every occasion in between, Bistro Saine is set to become Auckland’s new central city go-to. Secure your table today.
Bistro Saine is the first of three venues debuting at 51 Albert Street. Café Etiquette — a café and wine bar, will soon open its doors, alongside The Henry, a sophisticated cocktail lounge in the same precinct.
Opening:
Friday 4th April
Bistro Saine
Level 1, 51 Albert Street
Auckland CBD
