They say the waiting is the hardest part.

Which is why you will jump up and down at the news: Bar Tartine, the eagerly anticipated act deux from Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson of Tartine Bakery, has finally opened its doors. And your patience has been rewarded.

Channel Serge Gainsbourg in the beautiful 1,800-square-foot bistro warmed by rustic, painted-wood floors and an elk antler chandelier. Swirl a glass of organic red wine at the elegant marble bar or settle into a table on the long L-shaped banquette.

A prosecco and pomegranate aperitif whets the palate for seasonal nibbles like crostini of Monterey Bay sardines or a bowl of grilled baby octopus in a smoky, chorizo-studded tomato broth. Go ahead and take your time (we’d like to see you try, anyway) with the flaky, olive-crusted black cod in a froth of Meyer lemon.

Unexpectedly light desserts, like the cool and creamy fromage blanc Bavarian with a hidden pistachio crust and the rose-scented roast plums in red wine, are further cause to linger.

Because if you’ve waited this long, why on earth not?

Bar Tartine, 561 Valencia Street, between 16th and 17th Streets (415-487-1600).