This iconic fine dining institution has a sun-drenched room overlooking the lush courtyard and feels warm and inviting. Having seen four different owners since 1981, it is now in the hands of chef-owner Sid Sahrawat and his wife Chand. The French Café serves modern New Zealand cuisine based on European traditions, but with Asian influences. The Hawke's Bay lamb rump, a nod to the chef's Indian roots, celebrates the prized Kiwi ovine.