Restaurant
Ahi
Ben Bayly's contemporary New Zealand restaurant on the second level of Commercial Bay, awarded a Michelin star in 2026 and cooking with produce from its own…
Sid at The French Café
Long-established Symonds Street fine-dining restaurant run since 2018 by Sid and Chand Sahrawat, serving seasonal tasting menus with an award-winning wine team.
At a glance
- Type
- Fine dining tasting menus
- Area
- Eden Terrace, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- thefrenchcafe.co.nz
Good to know
- Seasonal tasting menus
- Smart casual dress
- Events and group dining
Why we recommend it
The French Café on Symonds Street has been one of Auckland's leading fine-dining addresses for more than two decades. Creghan Molloy-Wright and Simon Wright ran it for twenty years before stepping away, and in September 2018 it passed to Sid and Chand Sahrawat, the couple behind Sidart and Cassia. They renamed it Sid at The French Café, and Lesley Chandra, who had been research and development chef at Sidart, was appointed head chef for the new chapter, with Sid initially concentrating on the transition before dividing his time between his restaurants. The restaurant has personal meaning for them: their first formal dinner date took place there more than fifteen years before they took it over, and Sid has said that meal influenced the style of food he cooks today.
The kitchen today focuses on seasonal tasting menus, which change through the year to reflect New Zealand produce. Plan for an unhurried evening of several courses. The restaurant can tailor dining experiences for larger groups and hosts weddings and other events.
Wine is a particular strength. In the first Michelin Guide to New Zealand in 2026, the restaurant's Matthew Aitchison received the Sommelier Award, so taking a matched wine flight or asking for guidance from the floor team is recommended. The restaurant also holds two hats in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.
Dinner is served from Tuesday to Sunday from 5.30pm, and there is lunch on Saturdays from midday. The restaurant does not list Monday service. The restaurant encourages smart casual dress. Book ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings, and mention any dietary requirements when reserving so the kitchen can plan around them.
The restaurant suits special occasions, anniversaries and serious food lovers who want to experience one of the city's longest-running fine-dining addresses. Saturday lunch is a good option for visitors who prefer to dine earlier or who are short of evenings.
The restaurant is at 210 Symonds Street in Eden Terrace, and its website also links to a private chef service for dining at home. Enquiries can be made by phone or email, and the team can advise on menus for groups and private events.
Sid at The French Café FAQs
When is Sid at The French Café open?
Dinner is served Tuesday to Sunday from 5.30pm, and lunch on Saturday from midday.
Who runs the restaurant?
Chef Sid Sahrawat and Chand Sahrawat, who took over The French Café in September 2018.
What kind of menu is served?
Seasonal tasting menus.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, smart casual.
Is the wine list good?
The restaurant's Matthew Aitchison won the Sommelier Award in the 2026 Michelin Guide New Zealand.
Can it host groups or events?
Yes. It offers tailored dining for large groups and hosts weddings and events.
Where is it?
At 210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace.
How do you book or enquire?
Book through the website, call +64 9 377 1911 or email [email protected].