Auckland's dining scene welcomes a fresh addition this week with the opening of Bistro Saine on Albert Street.
The new opening promises a combination of French-Mediterranean elegance with effortless hospitality. 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.
Bistro Saine’s menu was designed to be shared day or night and is produce-driven. It spotlights 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.
"Great produce should be respected, celebrated, and transformed into dishes that feel both timeless and familiar," said 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."
He 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 program.
The space was designed to evoke the elegance and buzz of New York, London, and Paris bistros. Bistro Saine’s interiors feature arched heritage windows, warm dark tones, and stylish detailing. The fitout is as refined as the food on the plate and the places that inspire it. A warm welcome and exceptional service are signature parts of every experience at Bistro Saine.
James Ingram was behind Bistro Saine's concept. Ingram Advisory, one of Australia’s leading hospitality design consultants, is 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.
Bistro Saine is the first of three exciting venues opening at 51 Albert Street. The others are 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.
