Renowned for its exceptional fine dining experiences, Sidart is embarking on an exciting new culinary chapter.
Chef Leslie Chandra is the visionary behind Sidart, transforming the restaurant’s concept from upscale fine dining to an intimate, lively, casual Italian spot.
Starting September 3, Sidhart will adopt a new identity, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu inspired by hearty Italian flavours. The change reflects Chef Chandra’s desire to create an approachable and enjoyable dining experience while maintaining the high level of quality and creativity that has defined Sidhart’s reputation.
Classic & Contemporary Italian
“One of my first key roles was cooking Italian cuisine with Chef Ben Bailey at Baduzzi,” says Chandra. “With this transformation, I want to bring the essence of Italian cuisine — simplicity, warmth and community spirit — to our guests in a way that they will find inviting and delicious. This is a new chapter for Sidart, but one that is deeply rooted in my passion for Italian food and past experiences.”
The new Cidart menu will feature a variety of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, including daily specials like crudo with capers, cucumber and golden balsamic, and steak tartare with egg yolk, cornichon and crispy potatoes.
Pasta lovers will love the South Island scampi with fazzoletti and tomato and ricotta ravioli in black garlic truffle sauce, while tiramisu is a traditional sweet favourite, as is the caramel lemon tart with macadamia and fennel pollen cream.
Each dish is crafted using the finest ingredients and celebrates the rich traditions of Italian cuisine with Chef Chandra’s unique twist.
Redesigned interior
The restaurant’s interior has been recently refurbished to maximise the spectacular views of the Auckland skyline, and the Alhambra Room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a relaxed, intimate and stylish space perfect for casual dining with family and friends.
The decision to pivot to a casual Italian dining experience was made after much consideration and customer feedback, and Chef Chandra and the team are excited to invite both regular and new diners to experience this fresh and vibrant chapter in Sidhart’s journey.
Sidart’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and the same level of care, creativity and dedication to exceptional dining is apparent in every dish and detail of the new restaurant concept.
For more information about the new Sidart, including menu details and bookings, visit www.sidart.co.nz or follow @sidart_auckland on Instagram.
Sidart has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s fine dining scene since 2009, with a reputation for innovative cuisine and impeccable service. Under the direction of Chef Leslie Chandra, Sidart has now evolved into a casual Italian restaurant that combines the best of Italian culinary tradition with a fresh, contemporary approach.
Profile: Chef Leslie Chandra
In September 2021, Leslie Chandra became the new owner of Sidart, continuing the 12-year tradition established by previous owners (and founders) Sid and Chand Sarawat.
Originally from Fiji, Leslie fell in love with cooking at the age of 16. He started out washing dishes and worked his way up to other kitchen jobs but was soon drawn to the rigour of the environment. His passion for organisation and discipline led him to undertake a 12-month culinary diploma course at the Auckland Hotel and Chefs Training School at the age of 19.
After several years of work and travel, Chef Leslie came to work at Baduzzi under the mentorship of Chef Ben Bailey, who recommended Leslie to Chef Sid Sarawat, who was looking for a Head Chef to help develop the menu and run the kitchen for his new restaurant, Cassia.
Chandra first took on the role of Head Chef at Kassa in 2014, supporting Chef Sid and the team in creating a renowned, eclectic, modern Indian menu that has gone on to win multiple awards.
In 2016, Leslie and his partner Lucia took 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 returned to the Saharawat umbrella to take up a research and development role created specifically for him at Sidart. He headed R&D at Sidart until September 2018, when the Saharawat family acquired French café Sid and appointed Chandra as the new head chef.
Chandra returned to Sidhart as Head Chef in June 2021 and assumed full ownership in September 2021.
