Auckland’s Culinary Landmark Shuts Down Amid Economic Struggles
Sidart, one of Auckland’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, has officially closed its doors and gone into liquidation, marking the end of a 15-year chapter in Ponsonby’s vibrant culinary scene.
The restaurant’s owner and head chef Lesley Chandra announced the closure via social media, describing the decision as “not made lightly.” He expressed deep gratitude to loyal diners, staff, and suppliers who supported Sidart through years of innovation and community spirit.
“We are deeply grateful for the support, memories, and experiences we’ve shared with each of you over the years,” said Chandra. “While this chapter ends, the relationships and memories built here will remain with us all.”
A Victim of Tough Economic Times
Chandra revealed that rising costs, declining patronage, and staff shortages made the business unsustainable. He said that customer traffic had dropped by 50–60% compared with 2023, while ingredient prices — including basics such as flour and sugar — had soared.
“Times are tough, the economy is not so great,” Chandra told Stuff NZ. “We couldn’t raise prices too much; otherwise, we’d have zero customers.”
He also confirmed that most of his employees had already secured new positions in other restaurants, softening the blow of the closure.
From Award-Winning Beginnings to a Bittersweet End
Founded in 2009 by acclaimed restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat, Sidart quickly rose to prominence in New Zealand’s fine dining scene. The restaurant earned multiple national awards, including Restaurant of the Year at Cuisine Magazine’s Good Food Awards in 2019.
In 2021, the Sahrawats sold Sidart to Lesley Chandra, a former employee and friend, to help him achieve his dream of restaurant ownership. The Sahrawats described it as an act of “paying it forward” — mirroring the support they received when starting their own culinary journey.
Under Chandra’s leadership, Sidart continued to deliver an elevated dining experience, blending modern techniques with Pacific and Fijian influences. Dishes like his signature fish curry with prawn and cassava — inspired by his mother’s cooking — became favorites among regulars.
Industry Challenges Reflect Broader Trend
Sidart’s closure is part of a wider pattern of restaurant shutdowns across New Zealand, as the hospitality sector grapples with high inflation, labor shortages, and shifting consumer behavior. Many fine dining establishments have struggled to balance quality with affordability amid reduced discretionary spending.
According to the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, more than 200 restaurants have closed nationwide in the past year, with urban fine dining being among the hardest hit.
What’s Next for Chef Lesley Chandra?
Despite the disappointment, Chandra remains optimistic about his future in the culinary world. He said he plans to return to kitchen work in other restaurants to focus purely on his craft.
“Good and bad, there’s always an opportunity to learn,” he reflected.
A Farewell to a Culinary Icon
For regular patrons, Sidart represented more than a restaurant — it was a place of connection, creativity, and celebration. Long-time customer Martin Leach, editor of Ponsonby News, described the closure as heartbreaking:
“We always went there for a posh night out. Everything was sensational — friendly, professional, and truly special.”
As Sidart closes its doors, it leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence and artistry that helped define Auckland’s fine dining culture.
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