The Salle a Manger lives up to its name's translation, a dining room, but with elegance and atmosphere from its marble bar, fireplace and chandelier to its upholstered chairs. It's French, but not a bistro, and it's classic, but not just the classics. Chef Patrice Repellin wants his diners to enjoy fine French cuisine and a special night out, and that's been his aim for more than a decade. Entree tasting platters might pair pork rillettes or smoky rabbit terrine, shots of chilled cucumber soup topped with goat's cheese foam, marinated octopus with aioli, or St Helens oysters with vodka and lime granita. Fall-apart tender rabbit is richly braised with dijon mustard sauce, and there's always good steak and fish,  maybe hapuku fillet with sorrel and champagne sabayon. Desserts include classic vanilla creme brulee, or coffee crumble with chocolate sorbet, vanilla meringue and blood-orange gel. You can finish as you started, with a tasting plate – a sweet chequerboard.

Open Tues–Fri noon–2.30pm; Tues–Sat 6–10pm
Typical prices E $19 M $38 D $19
Cards DC AE MC V
Wine Long, quality list strong on French and Victorian varietals; pricey, but you can't go wrong; BYO Tues–Thurs one bottle per reservation (corkage $15 a bottle)
Owners Patrice & Catherine Repellin
Chef Patrice Repellin
Seats 45; outdoor seating; bar

And … Drop in for aperitifs and a platter of whatever is on hand between 5pm and 7pm.