When you’re craving pate, steak frites or tarte tatin, head to one of these incredible restaurants serving up traditional French fare in Sydney.
Armorica, Surry Hills
Discover Armorica Grande Brasserie, the latest addition to Sydney’s culinary scene by renowned restaurateur Andrew Becher. Drawing inspiration from classic Parisian Brasserie culture and contemporary cuisine, Armorica takes you on a gastronomic journey through the flavours of Northern France with a modern twist. Indulge in delectable Australian seafood and meats, expertly prepared on a custom-built Josper grill, while savouring the hand-picked selection of over 400 wines from classic regions worldwide.
Luc-San, Potts Point
Craving a French twist on Japanese flavours? Luc-San in Potts Point delivers. Chef Luke Mangan blends his French background with Japanese influences, creating dishes like steak tartare with fried sushi rice. Fresh local produce takes centre stage, alongside a fiery robata grill for smoky skewers. And to top it off, don’t miss their playful cocktails, think Okinawa Vespers with nori-infused gin.
Monopole, CBD
Monopole’s recent transformation into a full-fledged French restaurant is a delightful surprise. Chef Brent Savage’s menu showcases quality French cuisine with a modern twist, while the wine list boasts an expanded selection, particularly highlighting Burgundies. For a true taste of France, explore their fixed-price lunch or early dinner menus, or simply indulge in a la carte. Monopole offers a charming escape to French flavours, presented with a touch of Sydney sophistication.
Brasserie 1930, CBD
Embark on a culinary journey at Brasserie 1930, where traditional brasserie fare takes on an Australian twist. With a focus on curing, smoking, fermenting, preserving, and pickling, this exquisite dining destination within the luxurious Capella Sydney hotel offers a menu crafted from fresh, local ingredients sourced from small, independent farmers. Indulge in shared plates of oysters, caviar, charcuterie, and Paradise prawns, followed by produce-driven starters and main courses showcasing the artistry of the theatrical charcoal grill.
Kittyhawk, CBD
Kittyhawk has reminded us why they should remain at the top of our French dining list with their new menu launch! Nestled down Phillips Lane in the CBD, step off the streets and into a space designed around the Liberation of Paris in 1944. Combining old-world charm with a modern French-inspired menu, an impressive cocktail list and live music every Thursday night, we’d bump Kittyhawk to the top of your date night list. The new menu highlights include Duck Liver Pate with cornichons and tawny port jelly, Steak Tartare with shaved parmesan, Baked Fish Of The Day with lemon crust and spinach, and frites (never forget the frites).
Loulou, Milsons Point
Fresh sourdough, sweet bakery goods, charcuterie and rotisserie chicken. These are a few of our favourite things at Loulou! Head Chef Billy Hannigan serves up French bistro classics in a more approachable way for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, follow your nose to the Boulangerie where you’ll find fresh artisanal baguettes, croissants and batards. There’s also a Traiteur within the venue offering house-made produce and meals to take home.
The Strand Bistro, Darlinghurst
On the ground floor of this newly renovated pub sits one of our favourite, more casual spots to enjoy fine French cuisine. Drawing expressions of turn-of-the-century Paris, The Strand Bistro promises a sense of old-world sophistication without the pretence. Humble steak frites, duck leg pie with mash and gravy, and baguettes with cultured butter sit proudly upon Head Chef Alex Kavanagh’s classic French-inspired menu.
Manon Brasserie, CBD
Manon Brasserie in the Queen Victoria Building offers punters a refined taste of the European lifestyle whether it’s at breakfast before work, a long lunch or an ambient evening dinner. The decadent menu has been expertly designed by Chef Thomas Boisselier, transporting guests with authentic French flavour by the bucketload. Find out more here.
Porcine, Paddington
P&V Wine Merchants are joined by their upstairs neighbours, Porcine. This French bistro has taken over the former Micky’s Cafe space on Oxford Street, with a duo of hospitality heavyweights at the helm. Porcine is all about good times, great food and delicious wine. Expect a shared-style menu of French bistro classics including Duck Pâté, Garlic Mussels and Grilled Ox Tongue.
Restaurant Hubert, CBD
There are countless incredible restaurants in Sydney but none quite like Restaurant Hubert. It’s more than a bar and restaurant, with a 120-seater theatre located in the venue. Head Chef Dan Pepperell is at the helm of the kitchen executing a classic French menu with nods to a past era of fine dining, but there’s no pretension here. Expect French bistro cuisine served in a relaxed, approachable way.
Franca, Potts Point
At the helm of Franca, a modern brasserie and bar, is Executive Chef Jose Saulog (ex-Glass Brasserie, Tetsuya’s Restaurant). Diners can expect a menu spanning a variety of cities and regions in France and neighbouring Mediterranean coasts. This Potts Point gem isn’t just about showmanship; it’s about an elegant and comfortable experience that deserves a top spot on your Sydney dining list.
Gavroche, Chippendale
Gavroche is anything but ostentatious. It’s good, honest, French bistro food that’s classic and full of flavour. It’s as if Chef Frenchmen Frederic Colin has taken a French bistro from Paris and planted it in the middle of Sydney. Along with some great French wine and an order of Burgundy snails baked in their shell with parsley and garlic butter, you could easily feel as though you’re in Paris for a one-night holiday.
Got a French restaurant to add to our guide? Reach out – newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com
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