For Rotorua locals, Atticus Finch has firmly established itself as the best pours and plates in town – so it’s no surprise that the speakeasy meets metropolitan bistro took home three wins at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards, including OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design.
Owner Sidak (Sid) Saluja, who hails from India and has been in the hospitality industry for 10 years, purchased Atticus Finch three years ago after moving to New Zealand in 2013. With a background in business management, Sid initially worked as a manager at Atticus Finch from 2016 until 2018 before he officially took over the reins. Working in the tourist town of Rotorua meant he quickly learnt the importance of time management skills and working under pressure, particularly in the busier summer months.
Sid credits setting the bar high, and upholding high standards, for why Atticus Finch consistently achieves and maintains its award-winning level. The team turn dining experiences into more than just a meal – a destination to linger over lively conversation, playful plates and thoughtful concoctions.
“From the time someone comes in until the time they leave, we try to set an experience.”
“When it comes to standards, what we do here really is on a different scale to other restaurants. It’s all about ambience and the quality of service that we provide to our customers. I’ve learnt to provide that standard where people come in once and just want to come back, whether they’re from town or out of town.”
Situated in the middle of “Eat Streat” in Rotorua, the menu at Atticus Finch is designed to share. A combination of carefully selected ingredients that allow a series of tastes to be passed around and enjoyed together. The food is fresh, innovative, flavoursome and made from scratch. The beverage menu showcases inspired selections of local craft beer, wine by the glass and seasonally crafted cocktails made with Atticus Finch’s very own syrups, fresh fruit and herbs.
But it’s not just the menu that makes it the best in town. Along with clever design, Sid says music is a huge part of the ambience – and ultimately enjoyment – for diners, and it’s important to him that the space is licensed by OneMusic.
“When it comes to indoor and outdoor, the volume and the kind of music we play, it’s nicely balanced throughout the premises.”
“When people are sitting next to each other, music is what joins them. It plays a big part in creating that vibe where people stay connected.”
Check out Attius Finch, 1106 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua.
