SISU CAFE AND BAR, Picton - Restaurant Reviews & Photos

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Details

About

Our focus is on sharing food, good times, and stories in a casual and relaxed environment. We will use as much of New Zealand and Marlborough produce as possible but bring a Nordic twist to it. Our wine list is focused on smaller producers, and we hope to bring in some exciting new wines for you to try. We have also paired up with Boneface brewery for your Craft beer needs!

CUISINES

European, Healthy, New Zealand, Scandinavian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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5.0

57 reviews

Excellent

50

Very good

6

Average

1

Poor

0

Terrible

0

Anne C

Robina100 contributions

Delicious Delights in Picton.

Jan 2024 • couples

From the moment we asked if there was a table for two available to when we left the restaurant we felt welcomed although a reservation had not been made. And oh boy! My husband and I were so pleased. Not know what to order, the lovely waitress suggested as it was our first time to choose the “we will feed you” menu. Or something to that effect…and my goodness they certainly did! DELICIOUS and a work of art! Food for the senses from tasty flavours to fabulous smells. I require gluten free meals and they were outstanding! The desert was delicious too. We don’t usually have alcohol, however, another suggestion was made to try a White Port mad in Central Otago and we ended up by having two! So goo I have ordered a bottle….alas, sadly, the company which makes it doesn’t ship internationally so it’s coming via a relative in N.Z! I highly recommend making your way here for lunch or dinner. You won’t be disappointed.

Written 13 February 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandy326

Hervey Bay34 contributions

SISU A MUST IN PICTON

May 2023 • couples

We were pleasantly surprised with our meal. Our host was so insightful explaining all our dishes. The waitress was so very helpful as well. The food was amazing. A Finnish take on the serving with sharing plates. One guest just wanted “fish and chips” and out came this amazing piece of fish and a basket of chips. The owner is so accommodating. A great night.

Written 13 May 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brashi

Menai124 contributions

Best in Picton!

Feb 2024 • couples

During our ten-day trip to NZ this was the best meal we had by far. The service was excellent as all the staff, especially the owner, were very friendly and helpful. The menu had a good range of choices for share plates, so you could try a good range of food. The wine list was also good, and the best part was regardless of whether you ordered a glass or a bottle you were given the option of changing to something else if it wasn't to your taste. If you stay in Picton this place is a must, but make sure you book to ensure you get a table.

Written 19 February 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Urs-Beat H

Grindelwald77 contributions

Fantastic food and excellent service

Aug 2024 • couples

We had lunch in this restaurant and as the food and the service were so great, we decided to also reserve for dinner. Every dish was super tasty. The restaurant is somehow more expensive than others, however it is worth every dollar. Those who complain about the portions or other things, should better to go McDonald. We highly recommend the restaurant, it has the level of a restaurant with Gault&Millau points and would deserve to be also recommended by the Michelin Guide. We know what we are talking about, because we own such a restaurant in Switzerland.

Written 19 August 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gina G

36 contributions

Looking for something different? Consider a stop at Sisu!

Nov 2023 • couples

Sisu was recommended to us by a Picton resident we met at a winery in Renwick. We made reservations and had an enjoyable dinner. We ordered four small plates for the two of us (we are not big eaters, so that was adequate). Menu offered us a nice variety for our 4 choices (fish, meatballs, mushrooms and beetroot pancakes). If you are looking for a big, heavy meal, this is not a good choice; but for us we enjoyed our light dinner and nice drinks. Service was fairly good, but they did apologize for a lag in service at one point as they were training new staff to gear up for summer season.

Written 30 November 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea R

Cowra12 contributions

Place to dine in Picton

Apr 2024 • friends

From the moment of arrival, our group was very well looked after and immediately felt comfortable thanks to the staff greeting us. The menu was varied catering to all tastes and food categories. Our meals were exceptional, the stuffed mushrooms being a favourite for us all and staff knew best wines to accompany your meal. Would definitely recommend Sisu to the discerning diner.

Written 13 April 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JacksonFab5

14 contributions

Absolutely delicious!

Apr 2023 • friends

Absolutely delicious and a great asset to Picton! From the moment we sat down we were exceptionally well looked after by Stefan, who recommended the best wines and dishes to share. We ended up trying most of the sharing plates and would throughly recommend Troy's hapuka. Very enjoyable dining experience.

Written 5 April 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

3Bubs3

Blenheim112 contributions

Picton's best little secret

Mar 2023 • couples

As Marlborough locals we were thrilled to discover this gem of a restaurant right under our noses. The staff were wonderful and the food was a beautifully presented fusion of local and Scandi flavours. The Salted Liquorice Ice Cream is to die for! If your looking for something special you will love Sisu.

Written 13 April 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

denislat

Nelson-Tasman Region4 contributions

Pictons Best

Jul 2023 • friends

I rarely write a review for restaurants but Sisu really deserves to be known about. Fabulously curated and crafted menu, a really great wine list serving interesting wines plus some craft beers, and attentive professional service, with a beautiful view of the sound. We ate there twice on two consecutive days and would happily go back again. Thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Brilliant!

Written 14 August 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue C

5 contributions

Best meal so far in NZ

Feb 2024 • couples

We were recommended SISU by a friend who lives in the area. Staff were great and very helpful. We were not disappointed. If you think Finnish cuisine in a Tapas style with a twist We had the gravlax to start which was great but a little salty. Talking to my partner who has worked in Scandinavia he said dishes do tend to be slightly more salty than the uk. We then had mushrooms wrapped in bacon and cream cheese - little mouthfuls of delight. Then the venison mixed green vegetables and the venison came with pickled cabbage cranberries and a liquorice and red wine jus. Which was the best venison I have ever tasted. I think the green vegetables would have been best eaten first as the venison was overpowering the subtle flavours. We had the lemon pudding which was small but packed with flavour in every mouthful. I also had a scoop of the salted caramel and liquorice ice cream which was the most complex ice cream Ive ever had. First salt then caramel the liquorice. As you eat it all the flavours meld and are a taste sensation on the tongue. Best meal we have had in NZ so far.

Written 19 February 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mardi S

41 contributions

Best food we have had so far

Sept 2024 • couples

My niece recommended SISU to us for lunch after arriving on the morning ferry from Wellington. So glad we took her up on the advice - this is probably the most innovative and interesting food we have had in almost two weeks in the North Island. It’s all small share plates, very good choices, really well cooked and simply delicious. Service was also exemplary with great suggestions and background given for wine and beer. Loved it, would definitely recommend.

Written 20 September 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graham M

Royal Tunbridge Wells368 contributions

A bit different and well worth it.

Mar 2024 • couples

We chose it partly because it was open on Sunday, but were rewarded by interesting food and good service. The menu is a bit daunting so it is worth asking. In particular, portion sizes vary, so you need to take care. We recommend the venison - more expensive but a much larger dish.

Written 3 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Walkaroundtheglobe

Auckland44 contributions

Creative food and wine excellence

Dec 2023 • family

Fantastic and creative food and wine experience: guided by our host we chose some Scandinavian inspired dishes plus some classics. The excellent rose wine was locally sources from the Bladen family winery. The food highlight was the lamb that was cooked to perfection .

Written 21 December 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa A

Glenfield29 contributions

Exceptional service and food

Jan 2024 • couples

We tried to come here when we first arrived in Picton but this place is popular, and for good reason. When we came back after being in the sounds we tried to book again but they were already booked out, they do have a few walk in tables so we went early and were lucky enough to get a one. Im glad we did because it was the best meal and service we had on our trip. Sharing style plates and everything we had was delicious, with the white fish crudo being the stand out dish for us. Highly recommend a visit here if you can get a booking.

Written 14 January 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tracy Jane Neal

Nelson58 contributions

Finnish in Picton

Jul 2024 • friends

Extraordinary. At first, when my dear friend suggested this place, I wasn't overly taken with the idea, but you never know unless you try for yourself, eh? I'm not vegetarian, but honestly, dinner here rated as one of the best ever. There are meat options, but definitely worth overlooking. The spinach pancakes, roast potatoes with sundried tomatoes and beetroot carpaccio were exquisite. We shared the plates and I also had a stunning raw fish dish with little "things" that was a taste explosion. My friend chose crispy cabbage leaves. Service impeccable. Give it a go!

Written 12 July 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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