“Sisu is a little eatery which is a combination of what we love, good food, wine, and beer. ”
We are still the same two people on the mission that we started two years ago to bring something different to Picton.
Our focus is on sharing food, good times, and stories in a laid-back environment. We use as much of New Zealand and Marlborough produce as possible but bring a Nordic twist to it. Food is small plates made to share; tasty, simple and made with quality products. Our wine list is focused on smaller New Zealand producers. We bring in exciting new wines for you to try that you may not have even heard of. We have three craft beers on tap and more in cans. The cherry on top is our ever-growing Gin selection.
SISU
A Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. It is held by Finns themselves to express their national character.
So, who are we?
Stefan is the face you may have seen running around the restaurant. He’s background is in wine. He studied winemaking and travelled around to do vintages in multiple countries and worked in hospitality on the side, gaining more than 10 years of experience on both jobs. Inkeri you don’t see as often as she’s hiding in the kitchen. She studied to be a Chef in Finland and lived in Norway before coming to New Zealand. Cooking is all she’s ever done and has worked in the industry for over 13 years after the studying.
Ever since we met here in Marlborough in 2016, we've had "discussions" about what kind of hospitality place we would like and how we would run it. Sisu is one of those hypothetical arguments turned into a reality. Just a cool little place where we would love to go to ourselves.
Our description of Sisu is an extraordinary determination and courage in the face of extreme adversity; or like Stefan says: "persistently stubborn against all odds".
We went against all odds opening a new completely different type of place in Picton with all the difficulties hospitality has been facing, so the name is very fitting. Those same struggles continue two years later, but we carry on by using all of our Sisu spirit and focusing on the positives. Originally, we thought about the name years ago as I was telling Stefan about the meaning of Sisu when a photo popped up of Finnish people sitting out on the restaurant terrace drinking beer in the rain. It was taken on a summer day, which obviously meant that you had to sit outside.
That's basically Sisu in action.