Who needs the Eiffel Tower when you have the Opera House, right? The harbour city boasts a selection of exquisite French restaurants that transport diners straight to the streets of Paris without the need for a full day of flying. With their impeccable technique and attention to detail, these standout French spots will have you covered whether you’re craving the delicate subtlety of a perfectly cooked sole meunière, or the seductive decadence of a classic crème brûlée, So, step inside Sydney’s best French restaurants and prepare for a world of refined elegance and mouthwatering delights.
1. Restaurant Hubert
One of Sydney’s finest French eateries, Restaraunt Hubert has long been a mainstay of the city’s fine dining scene. Descend a spiral staircase that leads to a low-lit dining room complete with red velvet furnishings, smooth jazz and lush French fare. Menu offerings include classic French dishes and specialties like chicken fricassée and chateaubriand with a perfectly seared exterior and tender meat plus salads, desserts and more. Don’t miss out on the excellent wine selection, curated to complement the dishes and elevate your overall dining experience. This Bligh Street spot is a love letter to all things francais and rightfully considered a cut above the rest. Get more information here.
📍15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
2. Felix
Merivale’s Parisian-inspired bistro promises a slice of Paris right here at home. A warm and intimate vibe is the perfect companion to an excellent menu featuring all the beloved French classics like the filet mignon, perfectly balanced steak tartare and tender chicken. Don’t skip dessert, there’s profiteroles, soufflé, crème brûlée and sorbets to enjoy. Precise in presentation and technique, this cosy spot has to be experienced if you enjoy French cuisine. Check out their stacked menu here.
📍2 Ash St, Sydney NSW 2000
3. Bistro Papillon
Bistro Papillon invites you to experience the vibe of an intimate French bistro. The moment you step inside you will be met with the delightful aroma of delicious oysters and escargots bathed in a velvety, buttery sauce coupled with old posters adorning the walls and a cosy ambiance. The bouillabaisse, which features tender barramundi and mussels comes highly recommended if you enjoy a taste of the seaside. Wrap things up with a classic crème brûlée or chocolate mousse. Check out the full menu here.
📍98 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
4. Gavroche
A Chippendale institution, this suave French destination serves excellent food and vibes in spades. Menu favourites include perfectly prepared escargot, mussels bathed in fermented chili butter and tender and succulent beef tenderloin. End the evening like a Frenchie and sip on a glass of wine or try their unique house cocktails. A star in Sydney’s French dining scene, Gavroche is a must-visit if you’re looking to experience the buzz of Paris right here at home. Get more information here.
📍Level 1/2-10 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
5. Bistro St Jacques
For an evening of sheer culinary indulgence, look no further than Bistro St Jacques. The French bistro exudes old-world charm and an atmospheric environment that is bound to transport you to the romantic alleys of Paris. The menu boasts a delightful selection of French classics with an Aussie twist. Indulge in savoury cassoulet, steak frites or the melt-in-your-mouth snapper and wrap up with a divine lemon tart or treacle pudding. See the full menu here.
📍96 Pitt St, Redfern NSW 2016
6. Lou Lou
This three-in-one bistro, bakery and French deli is quickly changing the conventional perception of French cuisine in the city. While you’ll get classics like steak tartare and steak frites, you can also expect a few delightful twists. Expect caviar service, a delicious pâté en croûte that changes everyday, and succulent côte de porc (pork chop). There’s also an extensive wine list featuring over 150 wines to choose from and breads, cakes, and croissants served at the boulangerie.
📍61 Lavender St, Milsons Point NSW 2061
7. Métisse Restaurant
This French-inspired fine diner offers meticulously presented dishes complete with sensational flavours that will leave you wanting more. Métisse excels in attention to detail, evident in every course. Menu items include duck ravioli with burnt sage butter, seared scallops with parsnip velouté and black truffle tuile. End a meal with a house specialty cocktail or try a classic French dessert like milk chocolate ganache for something sweet. They also do a special 8-course degustation for $250 per person which offers a little touch of France to Sydney. See the full menu here.
📍5/9 Roslyn St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
8. Bon Vin
An upscale French restaurant nestled in the heart of Darlinghurst, Bon Vin creates an intimate and romantic atmosphere complete with a wall of wine bottles. Although the menu is concise, each dish is crafted with precision with a special focus on presentation and flavour. Expect slow-cooked grass-fed beef fillet, duck ravioli, duck cassoulet and more on the menu which changes seasonally with some regular fixtures. There’s also an extensive red and white wine list plus spirits and beers. Get more information here.
📍Stanley Ln, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
9. Bistro 916
Branding itself as a Neighbourhood bistro in Potts Point, this approachable spot packs a punch with a classic yet inventive menu that consists of everything from lobster and steak frites to poisson du jour, Chicken liver parfait and tomato and fromage blanc. Spruce up your night out with desserts like petite madeleines, Riz au lait brûlée and more. Très bon.
📍22 Challis Ave, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011
Whether you’re a seasoned Francophile or just someone who appreciates good food, Sydney’s best French restaurants will leave you longing for more. So, time to enjoy a little slice of Paris in the heart of Sydney, non?