The 15 Best French Restaurants In Sydney

Nothing beats heart-warming, home-style French food. Fortunately, whether you’re visiting Sydney or you’re a local looking for an indulgent and rich meal, Sydney offers a myriad of options for amazing French cuisine.

With so many restaurants on offer serving delicious variations on French fare and all of the highest quality, knowing where to begin your search can be a challenge. 

Whether you’re looking for an authentic French meal, a French meal with an international twist, or a classic French dessert, there’s something for everyone. To help you get started on your food journey, we’ve put together a list of the best French restaurants that Sydney has to offer. 

The 15 Best French Restaurants In Sydney

The 15 Best French Restaurants in Sydney

Restaurant Hubert

Location: 15 Bligh St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9232 0881

Restaurant Hubert is a charming and sophisticated eatery that specialises in serving traditional French dishes and desserts. The aim here is deliver food that carries the essence of Paris.

The bistro-style layout includes a central dining room which is perfect for intimate dining. The team at Restaurant Hubert strives to create an elegant and theatrical dining experience. 

Restaurant Hubert’s menu consists of a wide range of French delicacies. The chefs take pride in providing personalised service such as opening oysters and delicately slicing steak for customers.

The menu contains a range of seafood, shellfish, meat, and vegetable dishes. Their specialities include Duck a L’Orange featuring pan-fried Wollemi duck breast.

Happily, there are also a great variety of desserts. And if you prefer something more savoury, the cheese boards are excellent.

Restaurant Hubert can host banquets for a minimum of four people. This is a memorable way to mark a special occasion. With this in mind, they also offer wedding and event hire for anyone looking to host a chic celebration.

Finally, the restaurant regularly holds live music such as jazz evenings, adding another level of sophistication to their dining experience. Book a table here and enjoy one of the top French restaurants in Sydney.

Wondering where to go for French food in the Victorian capital? Here are our Best French Restaurants in Melbourne.

Pros: 

  • Event and wedding hire
  • Live music 
  • Large menu 
  • Takeaway 

Bistro Papillon

Location: 98 Clarence St, Sydney , NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9262 2402

Bistro Papillon provides a romantic atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner.

The staff here delight in serving honest and authentic French cuisine and amazing French wine.

They strive to serve simple classics, packed with flavour and character. The result is the slice of France, captured on a plate.

They are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere that nurture links with its local community. So the restaurant is a go-to venue to enjoy good company and delicious food. 

Bistro Papillon’s menu consists of a range of entrees, ‘plats de resistance’ containing a variety of classic French dishes, sweet and creamy treats, and a great selection of cheeses.

Some of their specialities include Moules Mariniere. This superb dish which comes with steamed black mussels, white wine, thyme, garlic, butter and parsley served with a fresh baguette. Yum!

Bistro Papillon offers hosting for private gatherings, celebrations and corporate events for groups of 6-30 people. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a chic and sophisticated destination. 

Pros:

  • Classic French dishes 
  • Event hire
  • Takeaway 
  • Delivery 

For the flakiest Croissants in Sydney, see here.

Felix

Location: 2 Ash St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9114 7303

Felix is a brasserie tucked away in Sydney’s central business district. This restaurant offers a retro, chic atmosphere. This is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a vibrant and sophisticated night out.

Felix prides itself on delivering traditional French cuisine. Along with serving authentic French food, the restaurant aims to create the ambience of a Parisienne setting. 

Felix excels in fresh, simple dishes that are honest and full of flavour. Each dish is carefully crafted by knowledgeable professionals. Here, even the extensive (and very fine) wine list is curated by a master sommelier.

So naturally, for every dish, there’s a perfect wine to it to pair with.

The menu consists of fresh seafood such as the wood-fired Big Glory Bay Salmon with green beans, toasted almonds, and lemon beurre noisettes. Another stand-out is the locally sourced meat such as the Roast Cannon of Spring Lamb with flageolet beans, peas, leeks, and green olive tapenade.

And desserts are pretty irresistible too.

All-in-all this is one of the best French restaurants in Sydney.

Pros:

  • Great wine list
  • Extensive menu 

Bistro Rex

Location: Shop 1, 50/58 Macleay St, Potts Point, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 9332 2100

The next of our best French restaurants in Sydney is located in the centre of Potts Point and has stunning views of the city.

Bistro Rex is modelled on a traditional Parisian Bistro so, not surprisingly, they whip up authentic French cuisine with a modern twist.

The restaurant prides itself on delivering food made from high quality, fresh and native ingredients.

Committed to sustainability, they are also proud to support local suppliers and businesses. Moreover, Bistro Rex is part in an environmentally conscious recycling programme and is committed to sustainable practices.

Bistro Rex’s menu offers a selection of French Bistro favourites. These include classic Steak Frites, Cheese Souffle, and Chicken Liver Parfait. They also serve a french style Sunday roast with a Whole Champagne-Roasted Pasture-Raised Chicken. 

Pros:

  • Takeaway 
  • Locally sourced produce and ingredients
  • Sustainable practices 

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Bistro Moncur

Location: 116A Queen St, Woollahra, NSW 2025 Ph: (02) 9327 9713

If it feels as if Bistro Moncur has been part of the Sydney fine dining scene for decades, that because it has. And rightly so. This sophisticated establishment offers a quintessential French dining experience. They serve authentic French cuisine made with the best of Australia’s seasonal produce.

The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming, whilst the space itself is chic. This is a great restaurant to visit if you’re looking for somewhere sophisticated to enjoy great food. 

This French bistro offers an extensive menu enjoyed by many. The options change regularly, but always include classics, specials and delicious wines. Bistro Moncur strives to uphold tradition whilst fostering a unique experience.

The entree list includes favourites of Burrata and Monterosa Tomato with strawberries, basil and pine nut vinaigrette. On the main menu, you might find Pan-Roasted Fillet of Snapper with potato dauphinoise, broccolini, cauliflower puree and Sauce Vierge.

Their menu offers a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes and a couple of vegetarian options. 

If you wish to dine at the best French restaurants in Sydney, you have to have Bistro Moncur on your list.

Pros:

  • Extensive wine list 

Bistro St Jacques

Location: 96 Pitt St, Redfern, NSW 2016 Ph: 0478 705 704

For an authentic French bistro dining experience, head to Bistro Jacques. This restaurant offers fresh and wholesome dishes made with sustainably sourced produce and ingredients.

The aim here is create authentic dishes with straightforward flavours and clean presentation. They believe in simplicity and not over-complicating a combination of delicious flavours.

Bistro St Jacques is committed to offering sustainably sourced produce such as their grass-fed beef cuts, as well as promoting sustainable wines. 

They offer an extensive menu that includes a selection of entrees, mains, sides, cheeses and desserts. You’ll notice that their menu changes frequently as they align their menu to what’s seasonally available.

They also offer a great wine list which makes a perfect pairing for the dishes on offer. 

Fancy whipping up a French dessert at home? See our French Vanilla Slice Recipe

Pros:

  • Sustainable and locally sourced produce 
  • Simple and clean food

Loluk Bistro

The 15 Best French Restaurants In Sydney

A little different from the pack, Loluk Bistro specialises in serving Southern French cuisine.

Their menu aims to create a home cooked feel in a space that offers wholesome and hearty food. The bistro has a cosy atmosphere that reflects the South of France and makes guests feel like they are at home. 

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Loluk Bistro’s menu includes a selection of entrees, platters, mains, sides, desserts and cheeses.

Southern French favourites such as Escargot en Persillade are a must-try. This famous dish features snails in parsley and garlic butter. Another great option is their Souffle aux Deux Fromages, Crème de Champignon, Salade Frisee – double cheese souffle, mushroom cream and frisee salad.

Their menu includes a range of dishes that cater to different dietary requirements including vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. 

Thanks to its Southern spin on French cuisine, this is definitely one of the best French restaurants in Sydney.

Pros:

  • Dishes cater to different dietary needs 

Editor’s Note: We are sad to hear that Loluk Bistro has closed its doors.

La Guillotine

Location: 518 Kent St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9264 1487

Surely with a name like Le Guillotine, this eatery could only serve a range of delicious, traditional French dishes? This restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal.

Le Guillotine has a Parisian atmosphere synonymous with romance – so it’s ideal for an intimate dining experience. The restaurant began as a traditional French omelette house and has since grown into a popular French bistro that offers a range of classic French favourites. 

Their menu covers entrees, omelettes and desserts. With a tapas style menu that encourages trying a selection of dishes, La Guillotine makes a great lunch choice. They also have a great wine list which works nicely with the entrees. 

La Guillotine offers hosting for parties and celebrations. For these events, they provide a set menu with dietary alternatives available. 

Pros:

  • Offer event catering 
  • Provide dietary alternatives 
  • Takeaway 

The Little Snail

Location: 3/50 Murray St, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: (02) 9212 7512

The Little Snail is a chic restaurant that offers a classic French set menu. What’s more, the Little Snail specialises in hosting corporate events, celebrations and parties of up to 200 people.

They aim to offer authentic French cuisine that caters to your every need. This is a great choice for anyone looking to host a large, memorable event. 

For those dining in, they offer a selection of menus including a lunch menu, dinner menu, kids menu, and a la carte menu. Their dinner menu consists of classic French dishes.

One of the specialties includes Escargots de Bourgogne. This dish includes a dozen snails marinated in herb-infused court bouillon and oven baked in garlic butter. If you’ve never tried it, we recommend that you give it a go.

Their menu offers a range of dishes that include fish, meat and vegetarian options. 

Pros:

  • Event hosting and catering 
  • Takeaway 

Why not treat yourself to one of the Best High Teas in Sydney?

Four Frogs Creperie

Location: Gateway Sydney, 1 Macquarie Pl, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9241 2277

The Four Frogs Creperie serves proper French crepes. The team here serve fresh, handmade crepes made with love and care. Each is made to order using the freshest and finest ingredients.

All of their dishes are made in-house, including their crepes, sauces, milkshake and even their buckwheat flour. 

Whether you’re after something sweet or savoury, Four Frogs Creperie offers an extensive menu that includes over 50 crepes and galettes (savoury crepe).

The French are famous for their cheeses, and rightly so. And great cheese deserves to be displayed on a beautiful (but practical) cheese board. For an excellent Cheese Board that will look fabulous at the centre of any dining table, click here.

Their crepes include classic topping favourites such as butter with sugar and lemon and more adventurous flavours such as chocolate coconut ice cream and rum.

Their galettes cover classic favourites of ham and Swiss cheese and more adventurous combinations of pork and apple cider sausage with Swiss cheese, mushrooms and slow cooked onions in cider.

There really is something for everyone. They are committed to providing delicious crepes for all. With this in mind, their crepes include gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Pros:

  • Unique flavours 
  • Wide selection of crepes 
  • Takeaway 
  • Delivery 

See our guide to the Best Places to Eat Pancakes in Sydney

Le Bouchon

Location: 104 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest, NSW 2065 Ph: (02) 9966 0906

Le Bouchon is a traditional French bistro bringing a taste of France to the Lower North Shore of Sydney. The restaurant offers a rustic, warm farmhouse atmosphere that makes for an intimate dining experience.

This is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a welcome and hearty environment with a home-cooked style meal.  

They offer a variety of menus including a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that each includes French classics.

They also offer a degustation menu which runs to 8-courses, along with premium matching wines. This is a great experience to share with friends and family for a memorable occasion. 

For more North Sydney dining options, click here.

Pros:

  • Large menu choice
  • Degustation menu 
  • Takeaway 
  • Delivery 

Editor’s Note: Sadly, we’ve learned that Le Bouchon has closed. We will let you know if we hear anymore.

Chez Pascal French Restaurant

Location: 440 Rocky Point Rd, Sans Souci, NSW 2219 Ph: (02) 9529 5444

Chez Pascal is a traditional French restaurant that serves authentic French cuisine in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere that makes for a convivial dining experience.

The dishes here are composed with flair. They pride themselves on transporting guests to old world France with their soulful and rich flavours. 

With an award-winning chef on hand, you’re sure to enjoy some top quality dishes. Their selective menu includes a range of classic entrees including traditional Onion Soup and mains including Filet de Boeuf a la Bourguignonne.

In addition, they offer a range of fresh seafood and meat dishes. 

Pros: 

  • Award-winning chef
  • Takeaway 

If you love red meat, give our Best Steaks in Sydney a try.

Atelier By Sofitel 

Location: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Level 3/12 Darling Dr, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8388 8888

Atelier by Sofitel offers South of France cuisine with a modern twist.

Dedicated to introducing delectable French cuisine to Australia, Atelier by Sofitel serves inspiring dishes made with fresh flavours and unique ingredients of the highest quality that represent the essence of France.

They pride themselves on delivering a sensory dining experience. This is a great place to visit for anyone looking to indulge in fine dining yet loves heart-warming food. 

Atelier by Sofitel offers a range of menus including buffet breakfast, le petit buffet breakfast, a dinner menu and le petit dinner. With a wide selection of food on offer, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Each of their menus also offers vegan and vegetarian options

Pros:

  • Caters to dietary restrictions
  • Variety of menus 
  • Takeaway 

Metisse Restaurant

Location: 5/9 Roslyn St, Potts Point, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 8590 7698

Metisse Restaurant is run by a father and daughter duo. One of them is Chef Opel Khan who is also an author and TV personality, the other is his daughter, Lucinda Khan who stands to be the youngest Head Chef in Sydney. They specialise in serving classic French dishes with a generational twist.

Their menu pays homage to 30 years of gastronomic adventures with inspiration from all over the world. They strive to challenge the way we dine by marrying the old and the new to create new flavours.

Their menu consists of an 8-course degustation menu which includes dishes you will never have tasted before. This is a great place to visit for anyone looking to have a completely new and memorable experience. 

For both innovation and technical brilliance, this is one of the top French restaurants in Sydney.

Pros:

  • Degustation menu 

For all things sweet, see our guide to the Best Chocolate Shops in Sydney

Claire’s Kitchen At Le Salon

Location: 35 Oxford St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: 0493 233 870

Last, but not least, on our run through the best French restaurants in Sydney is Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon. This eatery specialises in serving French cuisine with a modern twist. This restaurant stands out for its eccentricity.

Each dish has the base of a classic French dish which is then fused with a modern spin to create a burst of unique and vibrant flavours.

An example is the Tourte a la Ratatouille. This includes ratatouille, tofu and vegan cheese pie with balsamic ketchup.

Another favourite is the Carre D’Agneau which includes a rack of Junee gold lamb with carrot and cumin puree, dutch carrots, broad beans and roasted garlic jus. 

The restaurant also runs a range of events and entertainment. These include nights of live music, fireworks and a 6-course degustation dinner. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a unique and vibrant dining experience. 

Pros:

  • Unique flavours
  • Live music 
Dylan Cole
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