Origine brings a breath of French bistro culture to Commercial Bay, courtesy of star chef Ben Bayly’s French childhood memories. The space is chic and lively — parquet floors, leather banquettes, an oyster bar up front — buzzing with CBD energy at lunch and romantic charm by night. The menu leans classic: steak frites with silky béarnaise, onion soup blanketed in gruyère, duck leg confit falling off the bone, and showpiece seafood towers. Yet local produce shines in each dish, and there’s a certain Kiwi informality that keeps the mood light. With fabulous French wines by the glass and très bon service, Origine is every bit the bustling brasserie Auckland needed.