Sidart, renowned for its exceptional fine dining experience, is embarking on an exciting new culinary chapter.
Chef Lesley Chandra, the vision behind Sidart, is transforming the restaurant’s concept from its upscale fine dining roots to a welcoming and vibrant casual Italian eatery.
From September 3, Sidart will embrace a new identity, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu inspired by the heart warming flavours of Italy. This shift reflects Chef Chandra’s desire to create a dining experience that is both approachable and delightful, while still maintaining the high standards of quality and creativity that have defined Sidart’s reputation.
Classic & Contemporary Italian
“One of my first key roles was at Baduzzi cooking Italian dishes working alongside chef Ben Bayly,” says Chandra. “With this transformation, I want to bring the essence of Italian cuisine—its simplicity, its warmth, and its communal spirit—to our guests in a way that feels both inviting and delicious. It’s a new chapter for Sidart, but it’s one that’s deeply rooted in my passion and past experience with Italian cuisine.”
The new Sidart menu will feature a range of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, like a daily changing crudo with capers, cucumber and golden balsamic and steak tartare with egg yolk, cornichons and crispy potato.
Pasta lovers will be enticed by South Island scampi with fazzoletti and tomato and Ricotta ravioli in a truffle sauce with black garlic. Tiramisu offers a traditional sweet finish as does the caramelised lemon tart with macadamia and fennel pollen cream.
Each dish will be crafted with the finest ingredients, celebrating the rich traditions of Italian cooking while adding Chef Chandra’s unique twist.
Redesigned Interior
The restaurant’s interior has recently been redesigned to make the most of the spectacular views of the Auckland skyline, the Alhambra room now boasts floor to ceiling windows. Expect a cozy and stylish space with a relaxed ambiance, perfect for enjoying a casual meal with family and friends.
The decision to pivot to a casual Italian dining experience comes after thoughtful consideration and feedback from guests. Chef Chandra and the team are excited to welcome both loyal patrons and new visitors to experience this fresh and vibrant chapter in Sidart’s journey.
Sidart’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The same level of care, creativity, and dedication to exceptional dining will be evident in every dish and every detail of the new restaurant concept.
For more information about the new Sidart, including menu details and reservations, please visit www.sidart.co.nz or follow @sidart_auckland on Instagram.
Sidart has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s fine dining scene, celebrated for its innovative cuisine and impeccable service since 2009. Under the direction of Chef Lesley Chandra, Sidart is now evolving into a casual Italian restaurant that brings together the best of Italian culinary tradition with a fresh, contemporary approach.
Profile Chef Lesley Chandra
In September 2021 Lesley Chandra became the new owner of Sidart, continuing the 12-year legacy built by previous owners (and founders) Sid and Chand Sahrawat.
Originally from Fiji, Lesley’s love affair with food began when he was 16. Starting as a dishwasher and working in other kitchen roles, he was immediately drawn to the intensity of the environment. His passion for organisation and discipline grew and he eventually embarked on a 12-month diploma in cookery at Auckland Hotel and Chef’s Training School when he was 19.
After a few years of work and travel chef Lesley found himself working at Baduzzi under the tutelage of chef Ben Bayly who, after a period of time recommended Lesley to Chef Sid Sahrawat, who was looking for a head chef to help develop the menu and run the kitchen at his new restaurant, Cassia.
So began Chandra’s first head chef role at Cassa in 2014 where he assisted Chef Sid and the team create its famous and eclectic modern Indian menu which went on to garner many awards.
In 2016 Lesley and his partner Lucia then chose to take a year-long sabbatical to the UK, where he worked as Junior Sous Chef at the Typing Room in East London. But in 2017 he was back in the Sahrawat stable, working in a research and development role created especially for him at Sidart. He led the R&D at Sidart until September 2018, when the Sahrawat’s acquired Sid at The French Café and appointed Chandra as their new head chef there.
Chandra returned to Sidart as head chef in June 2021 and took full ownership in September 2021.
