Strolling along the banks of the Seine or skiing down Mont Blanc might require a lengthy aeroplane trip, but you can enjoy the best flavours of France right here, in the heart of Sydney. From bistros serving up outstanding seafood to stellar steak restaurants with a family feel, the best French restaurants in Sydney have something for everyone. With cracking crème brulées, fresh fruit tarts and matcha pancakes, it’s tempting to skip straight to dessert, but don’t overlook the rich bourguignon or refreshing bouillabaisse.
Head up to Manly for a literary-inspired venue serving up French classics, or visit Greenacre for an all-day cafe that keeps things nice and simple. In Rhodes, artfully plated dishes delight diners for brunch and dinner. In the heart of the CBD, French and Japanese flavours come together for an unforgettable taste sensation.
Read on for the best French restaurants in Sydney and book your spot on OpenTable today.
The best French restaurants in Sydney – read on for a guide
For one of the best French bistros in Sydney – secure your spot at Bistrot 916 in Potts Point
Head down to Challis Avenue at the ‘Paris end’ of Potts Point and grab a table at Bistrot 916. Carefully placed warm lamps and hanging lights create a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The menu here isn’t overstated, instead, this neo-bistro keeps things short and sweet with a selection of carefully chosen classics of French cuisine. Begin with a seafood taster like mussels served with toasty brown butter or abalone with tangy rémoulade. For an entrée, try traditional French dishes like chicken liver parfait or bourguignon made with escargot. Duck, steak and lobster frites are always popular choices, and Bistrot 916 adds a mushroom option for vegetarian diners. Speaking of mushrooms, the meaty, sautéed wild mushrooms are a great accompaniment to any dish. Finish your evening with some light and fluffy madeleines or a caramelised riz au lait brûlé (a delightful cross between rice pudding and a crème brûlée).
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For an elegant French steak restaurant – head to La Boucherie in Baulkham Hills
Elegant and familial, La Boucherie welcomes diners into a space where they can relax in the capable hands of its staff. Family-run and owned, La Boucherie prides itself on bringing a personal touch to each meal. Owner Sabrina Marcel might be out back making sure to order the finest local produce for your plate or behind the bar serving up cocktails. Head chef Sami Lasson refined his craft at multiple Michelin-star restaurants, and he brings his expertise and French background to this special steak restaurant. Using farm-to-table produce, La Boucherie serves up French cuisine with an Aussie twist. Huîtres aux poireaux (oysters baked and served with a cheesy leek fondue) are a great starter, or try the foie gras of the day served with brioche and fig jam. The steak tartare is the chef’s specialty, and the tomahawk for two is a great sharing option. The restaurant makes the red wine jus, creamy mushroom and blue cheese sauce options in-house, too. In fact, you can add the in-house sauces to any dish you like, as can an indulgent side of petite lobster tail roasted in garlic butter. Alongside a range of wines, the drinks menu at La Boucherie includes some sweet digestifs to close out your meal, a few fruit-flavoured sakes and several fun cocktails. Pair these with a classic Paris-Brest choux pastry and cream dessert or a platter of French cheese and pear chutney.
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For a unique literary-style meal at one of Sydney’s best French restaurants – book at Hemingway’s in Manly
The typewriter font on the menu comes as no surprise at this literary bistro where bookshelves line the walls. Candle-style lighting evokes a classy, creative atmosphere where you can relax with a glass of wine and a shared plate of French cheeses, olives and baguette. The classic seafood stew bouillabaisse is one of the most popular items on the menu at Hemingway’s Manly, made with saffron and Pernod liqueur. Alternatively, the beef bourguignon slow-braised stew is a hearty option perfect for winter evenings. Sides of ratatouille or thinly sliced gratin dauphinois are the perfect delicate addition to your meal. Finish things off with a traditional vanilla crème brûlée with a glass of the recommended Muscat. Bottles of French and Australian wines fill out the drinks menu, and diners can also try one of Hemingway’s signature cocktails. The sweet and sour Ernest’s Nightmare blends cognac and amaretto with tangy passion fruit flavours and refreshing watermelon liqueur.
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For one of Sydney’s best French restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner – save your spot at Le Black Owl in Greenacre
Oeufs sur baguette – eggs cooked your way, served on a house-baked baguette – is one of the signature dishes at Le Black Owl. Hopefully, that gives you a sense of the refined simplicity served up at this Greenacre gem. With an all-day cafe menu and an ever-changing, pared-down dinner menu, it’s easy to find something to enjoy. On the café menu, try toast aux champignons, sourdough bread served with a range of sautéed mushrooms and soft brie. For something a little more substantial, a grilled minute steak sandwich with caramelised onions is a great choice. A deliciously sweet option is the espresso-soaked brioche french toast served with vanilla bean ice cream and candied pecans. On the dinner menu, couples can split a spatchcock chicken or the steak of the day. The tender 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shank goes great with a side of panzanella salad. A slice of moelleux au chocolat (chocolate cake with almond praline) is always a popular dessert option. Le Black Owl doesn’t serve alcohol but offers a range of classic and signature mocktails; ginger, honey and lemon come together in the comforting Gingjitsu concoction.
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For French-Japanese flavours – grab a chair at Le Petit Flot in Sydney’s CBD
Head to The Tank Stream Hotel in the heart of the CBD for one of the best French restaurants in Sydney. Le Petit Flot serves up straight-forward, sustainable cuisine in a modern, rustic dining space. The chefs here aren’t afraid to let the produce shine with minimal interference. Dine at your own table or grab a seat at one of the large communal tables or the bar. It’s the subtle Japanese flair that helps set this restaurant apart from the other French offerings in Sydney. Chicken liver pate served with yuzu kosho a fermented chilli and yuzu seasoning) on toast is a great canape to prepare for the meal ahead. Move on to some seared scallops with wakame (kelp) butter and barramundi served with mesclun salad and seaweed butter sauce. Add some sauteed greens or creamy whipped potatoes on the side and you’ve got a meal to remember. Finish things off with a cheese plate with water crackers and dried fruit or a smooth chocolate fondant served with a tangy berry coulis.
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For one of the best French restaurants in Sydney for brunch with croissants – book a table at Cafe Montmartre in Mosman
Go to the back of the Cafe Montmartre concept store and head to your table at its café add-on. While the store brings new trends and old antiques from France to Sydney, the café brings the flavours of the country to complete the sensory experience. An all-day menu offers French café favourites for brunch, lunch and dinner. Savour the sharp, cheesy flavours of a croque monsieur or madame made traditionally with Gruyère cheese and served with mesclun salad. A drizzle of truffle oil enhances the oeufs mouillettes (soft-boiled eggs with toast soldiers), while the tartine d’avocat is one of the best smashed avos you’ll find in the city. Pastries are always on the menu, including croissants served plain, with jam and butter, filled with chocolate or stuffed with ham and cheese. For dessert, choose from a range of tarts, including blueberry and a gluten-free apple option. Pair your meal with a cold-pressed juice, organic coffee or a sparkling glass of dry prosecco.
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For an artistic French brunch with a Japanese twist – head to Auvers Dining in Rhodes and Haymarket
Inspired by Auvers-sur-Oise in France, the final home of Vincent Van Gogh, Auvers Dining in Rhodes and Haymarket serve up brunch throughout the week and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. Another French restaurant with a Japanese touch, the unique flavours at Auvers keep diners returning. If you visit for brunch, the must-try on the menu is the signature Auvers pancakes (served with red bean paste and topped with a premium matcha glaze and strawberry sorbet). For something savoury, try the egg benedict served with a smoky ponzu hollandaise on top of a flaky toasted croissant. Add eggs your way on the side and try a cup of the Auvers house-blend coffee. If you visit for dinner, start with ‘fusion tapas delights’ like mac-and-cheese croquettes with konbu sauce or corn-salted egg calamari with lemon curd. As you move onto the mains, you’ll find each dish has a suggested wine pairing. If you order the salmon wellington served with laksa foam and nori yoghurt, consider a glass of the Church Road chardonnay. Pork belly with tonkatsu sauce and apple yuzu tastes even better with a Leeuwin Estate riesling. The signature Auvers pancake is on the dessert menu here (pair it with a matcha latte) or order another glass of Riesling and try the black sesame ‘froggy’ fried ice cream.
📍 Rhodes — Check availability
📍 Haymarket — Check availability
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The best French restaurants in Sydney offer a wide range of classic and creative dishes. They make the best use of local Australian produce, cooked with traditional techniques. Some stick to the old rules and recipes, while others blend flavours and techniques to create something brand new. Of course, you don’t have to pick just one restaurant on this menu. Start with croissants for breakfast at one, move on to steak sandwiches at another and finish the day off with bourguignon and fine French wine.
