"Auckland restaurateurs Sid Sahrawat and his wife, Chand, took over an Auckland institution, the French Café, just as the restaurant turned 20 years old. That was in 2018, and today it is still one of the city’s most loved fine dining destinations, with staff who are proud to work there, crisp interiors, and a manicured courtyard and garden, where you can now eat in a unique private dining space with an open kitchen. New head chef Tommy Hope, previously of Melbourne’s Attica and the Town Mouse, recently took over the kitchen and hopes to bring a slightly more relaxed vibe to the menu. — LJ" - Hillary Eaton, Leisha Jones