Siostra - CLOSED

Overview

The good folk of Grey Lynn can now rejoice, for there is a new yet immediately familial neighbourhood joint that has joined Richmond Road’s beloved culinary line-up.

Created by talented sister duo Esther and Beki Lamb who are no strangers to Auckland’s hospitality scene (their other conquests include Ponsonby’s Sunday Painters), Siostra takes inspiration from the pair’s Polish ancestry and delivers a wonderfully homely atmosphere that makes you feel as if you could sit back and while away an afternoon with a good friend, a glass of wine and their delectable charcuterie platter.

The menu shows wonderful promise with a well-curated selection of innovative Mediterranean-style dishes. For starters we tried the smoked almonds ($7), of which I can only describe as a bowl of tiny edible barbeques that went down quite the sophisticated treat with a nip of whiskey. Continuing our inadvertently manly approach to the evening, we ordered for our mains the char-grilled T-bone steak with crab and smoked cheese stuffed jalapeno and buttermilk slaw ($34), and the six mushroom tart served with rocket and parmesan ($26). The T-bone was nicely seared and packed a serious punch accompanied by the quietly explosive jalapeno parcels. The six mushroom tart was indulgent and creamy, the tart crumbling with freshness at the first bite and its sweetness offset nicely by the generous slivers of parmesan – although we imagine the style of dish would better befit a lunchtime crowd.

The wine list is impressive – long yet not intimidating, and there is a short but sweet selection of non-alcoholic options on offer too, including one highly recommended vanilla-infused soda ($5). We have made a bold and underlined mental note to return shortly to test out their imaginative dessert creations - my eye is on the prune and Armagnac crème brulee ($14), however I wouldn’t say no to a deep fried apple pie with dulce de leche ice cream ($14) either. I have a feeling the dedicated Richmond Road community are going to have an absolute blast getting acquainted with this latest addition to their neighbourhood.