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.
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. The chefs take pride in providing personalised service such as opening oysters and delicately slicing steak for customers.
But then we expect nothing else as this is part of the dynamic Swillhouse Group. The masterminds such great spots as The Baxter Inn.
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.
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.
Felix is a brasserie tucked away in Sydney’s central business district. This restaurant offers a retro, chic atmosphere. But then it’s part of the ever-reliable Merivale Group, so a certain attention to detail is expected – and delivered. Heck, even the gorgeous chandeliers were shipped in from France!
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. All-in-all, this is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a vibrant and sophisticated night out.
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.
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.
If it feels as if Bistro Moncur has been part of the Sydney fine dining scene for decades – that’s 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. And if there is one of their impeccable souffles on the menu when you visit – order it!
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.
For an authentic French bistro dining experience, head to Bistro Jacques. This restaurant offers fresh, finely-balanced 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. A perfect example is their stunning ‘Coquilles a la St Jacques’ ($30) – Roasted Scallops with Mushroom and a lush Gruyere Bechamel.
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.
We love at deep, leather banquette. And the olive green ones at Franca Brasserie are not only supremely comfortable, but they also contrast beautifully with the red velvet dining chairs.
But elegant dining space aside, Franca is more than just a pretty face. The food is divine too.
Spoil yourself and order the Chicken Liver Parfait Eclair ($12). Satin-smooth mousse with a Hazelnut Praline & Beetroot Powder, it’s sublime. Also stellar is the Bread Crusted Barramundi accompanied by Smoked Potato Puree, Leeks and Grenobloise ($48).
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Although the Wine List is good, we’re a sucker for a Cocktail before dining. Our recommendation? The Nod To The Calvados ($26) which combines Christian Drouin Calvados, Dolin Dry, Strega, Spiced Syrup, Apple Juice & Citrus always hits the spot.
With elegant decor, immaculate service and the perfect Gaelic ambiance, if you shut your eyes, you could believe you were in Paris. Especially if you’ve just devoured their Le Souffle Gratine ($29) – a divine Twice Baked Goat Cheese Souffle with Confit Onion and Walnuts.
Everything on the menu at Bouillon L’Entrecôte is exquisitely prepared and presented. However, our top tip is to keep an eye on their Plats Du Jour ($44). A selection of classic dishes that rotate with the days of the week, you are bound to find something you like. Personally, we are huge fans of Wednesday’s Joue de Boeuf Confite. A deeply fragrant plate of Braised Beef Cheeks (Wagyu MBS 5+) and satiny Paris Mash, it is unforgettably good.
And did we mention the extensive Wine List?
Ah yes. If you hanker for a genuine French dining experience, book at table at Bouillon L’Entrecôte.
Surely with a name like La 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.
La 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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. Whilst it’s hard to pick a favourite dish, the Charcoal Roasted Whole Fish with Sauce Verte, Fennel & Caper Berries (MP) is always incredible.
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.
Armorica first grabbed our attention thanks to one particular dessert. The Signature Chocolate Bar. An indulgent slab of cocoa-forward Valrhona Chocolate Mousse, Salted Caramel & Choc Chip Cookie. And we can assure you it is worth every cent of its $29 price tag.
But don’t just book at Armorica for the Sweets. There is so much more here to excite a foodie. The Spanner Crab Cake ($14) is sweet and delicate whilst the Duck Breast with Plum Jus is pink middled with textbook crispy skin. And don’t get us started on the Aligot ($18) – Pomme Puree with Gruyere 1655. If you had to eat it everyday for the rest of our lives, we’d die happy.
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.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
