What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? These Chic Spots Around the City!
You might not be embarking on a hot girl Euro Summer this year, but these cafés, bars, restaurants and shops might just trick you into believing you’re on the streets of Paris.
It won't be long until our feeds are swamped with other people's (that are not us) Euro holiday snaps. Whilst we won't deny that a trip to Paris would be nice, a Google of flights from Sydney to Paris brings despair. We're here to serve you the second-best thing - our recs for French soirees you can embark on around Sydney. It's time to trick yourself into thinking that you’re on a Parisian holiday with these French restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. We promise it's the exact pick-me-up you need.
What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? These Luxe French Restaurants
Restaurant Hubert
Bunkered down in Bligh Street, Restaurant Hubert is an uber-romantic Parisian post-war style eatery with elegant velvet-draped touches and fringed lamps throughout. Hubert will have you wondering if you've woken up in France. Fittingly, the wine list is a sight to behold, with an array of tipples available by the glass, half-bottle, or bottle.
15 Bligh Street, Sydney
Bistrot 916
A neo-French bistro, Bistro 916's, concise one-page menu riffs off French-bistro classics but with an undeniable modern Australian twist. Two standout dishes include the rich and crispy boudin noir spring rolls and the quarts de chaum custard dessert topped with a bitter toffee syrup. For Paris by way of Potts Point, Bistro 916 should be your go-to destination.
22 Challis Avenue, Potts Point
Bouillon l’Entrecôte
This traditional French bouillon is all about serving up simple, traditional French fare. Make your way up the stairs past a gallery of French posters, an open kitchen, and an enviable cellar. With white tables, banquette seating, and classic French plates, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into Paris. Start à la française with a drink or two and hors d’oeuvres from oysters shucked to order, rich soufflé with twice baked Roquefort with confit onion and walnuts, soul-warming soupe a l’oignon or even some buttery escargot.
When mains roll around you’re offered an epic selection of plats principaux from duck Magret with perfectly piped pommes duchesse to rock lobster. The main event, however, is their delicious steaks. Their signature chargrilled sirloin is served with fries, walnut green salads, and their famous secret sauce. Make sure you leave room for dessert, their tarte tatin with delicious, thin ribbons of apple served with house-made mascarpone is one of the best things you’ll try in your life.
6 Loftus Street, Sydney
Whalebridge
Sure, you'll have views of two of Sydney's greatest icons so it won't feel exactly like Paris but it's definitely the next best thing. The dreamy harbourside restaurant Whalebridge has one of the best addresses on the planet on the edge of the glittering harbour between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
In an iconic environment but with a playful, relaxed feel, you can sit by the sea knocking back 18-month aged Comte soufflé, Moules Marinieres organic mussels and burnt Basque cheesecake. What could possibly be better than that?
Circular Quay East, Sydney
What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? A Wine at One of These French Bars
Bar Copains
With Copains meaning friends in French, it's the perfect place to catch up with your besties over a glass of vino. Bar Copains' wine list is a mix of natural and traditional drops with a few off-beat options thrown into the mix. Santé!
67 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Lil Sis
Looking for a late-night wine bar that exudes Parisian charm and good vibes? Look no further than Lil Sis! Enter through the wine shop downstairs and browse the curated selection of organic and sustainable wines from around the world. If you're not sure what to choose, pull up a chair at the communal tasting table and sample a few by the glass. For those looking to settle in for the night, head upstairs to the moodily lit wine bar and get comfortable in a booth or at the bar. There is a fabulous selection of wines available by the glass, carafe and bottle.
But Lil Sis is not just about the wine - the grazing-focused bar menu is a delight in itself. From local cheeses and cured meats to Gildas and Ortiz anchovies, there's something to suit every palate. And for a nostalgic kick, don't miss the jaffles - the triple cheese and Heinz spaghetti with cheddar is sure to hit the spot.
Sitchu Tip: Drop by on a Sunday and you can grab a bottle from the shop downstairs with free corkage.
Ground Floor of Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale
What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? Freshly Baked French Pastries
Frenchies Bakery & Pâtisserie
Frenchies Bakery and Pâtisserie employs a team of French-trained pastry chefs that you can find handmaking both sweet and savoury goodies, available to eat-in or takeaway. Swing by for your daily bread - you'll find everything from long-fermented Khorasan to single and double baguettes - or for a well-deserved treat. The range of French viennoiseries rotates regularly but you can expect flaky, buttery croissants, pain suisse and delectable seasonal pâtisseries. Pies, quiches and fresh baguettes are perfect for lunch and the coffee is top-notch. Got a special occasion coming up? Pop in an order for millefeuille, croquembouche or a pavlova!
The Cannery, 4/61-71 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery
What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? This French Deli
Le Petit Marché
Consider your cravings for French deli goods sated. Le Petit Marché has everything you need for a feast of mass proportions including delicate French cheeses, wines, jams and cured meats. Enjoy a baguette in the sun outside before filling your basket with a treasure trove of goods.
15 Roberston Road, Newport
What's Cheaper Than Flights from Sydney to Paris? A Road Trip!
Franquette Creperie
If you'd still like to get a few miles in, head downb to Bowral and stop by Franquette. This charming slice of Brittany offers an indulgent dish for every meal of the day. Swing by mid-shop for a coffee and crepe or revel in a long lunch of shared galettes, cocktails and authentic French cider paddles. Every single item on the menu has been thoughtfully considered from the largely gluten-free offering to the dedicated vegan menu. The drinks list is impeccable so you might need to plan a second visit to sample the best that France has to offer.
329 Bong Bong Street, Bowral
If you powered through this edit of activities that are cheaper than flights from Sydney to Paris, be sure to take a peek at these iconic things to do in Sydney and our favourite walks in the city.
