26 of the best French restaurants in Sydney to try right now

It’s getting haute in here.

The best French restaurants in Sydney to try right now offer a taste of the joie de vivre the French are famed for. Whether you’re a food-obsessed Francophile, have a penchant for crepes or flaky croissants, or can’t afford a European escape, here are 26 of the best French restaurants to try in Sydney right now.

THE SHORTLIST

Hidden gem: Porcine

Best for fine dining: Armorica Grand Brasserie

Great for special occasions: Atelier by Sofitel

Best for a romantic night out: Franca

1. Armorica Grand Brasserie

a three-tiered seafood stand at Armorica Grand Brasserie, Surry Hills, French restaurant in Sydney — A savoury seafood tower complete with succulent oysters and lobsters at Armorica.

Executive chef Jose Saulog has brought elegant Parisian bistro vibes to Sydney with flame-licked faves such as the steak cooked over the custom-built Josper grill and served with golden frites. The ambience at Armorica brasserie screams Midnight in Paris as diners from the top end of town fan out around the curved banquettes in the dimly lit space. Menu highlights include the lavish seafood tower and gold-dusted chocolate bar.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Elegant
Location: Shop 1 & 2/490 Crown St, Surry Hills

2. Atelier by Sofitel

Atelier by Sofitel has, like the brand itself, more than a few French flourishes. The word atelier translates to ‘an artist’s workshop or studio’, which is fitting given the painterly precision executive chef Sam Moore applies to the preparation and plating of each dish. Prepare to practise your French with the sophisticated staff who are justifiably proud of working at the $500 million hotel, which has views of Darling Harbour.

Price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: Smart and sophisticated
Location: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Level 3/12 Darling Dr

3. The Charles Brasserie & Bar

ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of The Charles Brasserie & Bar, French restaurant Sydney — The brasserie is elaborately styled with ornate chandeliers. (Image: Supplied)

The Charles is all old-world charm with ornate lighting and rich timber tones, curved caramel-hued banquettes and soaring ceilings. It’s the ideal setting to savour a stunning European experience curated by talented executive chef Billy Hannigan (The Ledbury, UK; Guillaume at Bennelong). The Charles is not strictly French, it’s more European but deserves its spot in our guide for the spatchcock and squab en croute. You’ll also find the flavours of France in the whole dry-aged Aylesbury duck à la presse and chicken liver parfait.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Euro flair
Location: 66 King St, Sydney

4. Pont Dining

Pont Dining is part of Sydney’s stellar Sandstone Precinct on the Bridge Street entrance to the heritage-listed InterContinental Sydney. Here, chef Kanishka Amunugama coaxes the best out of ingredients such as sweet Bangalow pork with chorizo jam and Vegemite butter and oysters topped with burnt cucumber and lychee granita. The sleek eatery includes moody navy-blue hues, and a statement light installation that ties in with the timeless elegance of the hotel.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Slick
Location: 12/117 Macquarie St, Sydney

5. Chez Blue, Rozelle

French pastries at Chez Blue, Rozelle, French restaurant Sydney — Indulge in delicious desserts at Chez Blue, Rozelle. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Sydney’s obsession with French bistros shows no sign of abating with Chez Blue in Rozelle celebrating the impeccable credentials of former Bistro Moncur head chef Mark Williamson. You could easily make a meal of excellent entrees such as salmon rillettes with avocado and croutons, and the tuna tartare Nicoise, with potato galette, egg, and green beans. But the mains are also memorable: steak frites are a staple at the relaxed neighbourhood eatery.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Bistro-chic
Location: 599 Darling Street, Rozelle

6. Bistro Red Lion

the French dining interior at Bistro Red Lion, French restaurant Sydney — The interiors at Bistro Red Lion exude a classic French aesthetic. (Image: Kitti Gould)

French-born chef Manu Fiedel drew inspiration from family recipes for the bistro menu at the revamped 196-year-old Inner West Sydney pub, the Red Lion Expect to see staples from the Fiedel family table such as French country-style pâté served with prune and Armagnac jam on sourdough passed down by Manu’s father. Or his grandma’s matelote (fish stew) of cod and mussel with speck, mushroom and red wine sauce. The new 120-seater dining room is warm and inviting and oh-so-French helping establish the pub as one of the best in Sydney.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Gastro pub
Location: The Red Lion, Level 1/726 Darling St, Rozelle

7. Franca

French fare and wine at Franca, Potts Point, French restaurant Sydney — Dine on sophisticated French fare at Franca. (Image: Supplied)

The dining room of Franca resembles a scene from a vintage Paris poster. It seems like that is intentional and the experience is tres bougie. Head chef Luke Davenport (Noma, Hubert) works alongside executive chef Jose Saulog (Armorica, Parlar) to produce very French fare that is as sophisticated as the surrounds. Think coral trout paired with spanner crab and a mille-feuille topped with vanilla custard, blackberry and rosemary ice cream. Expect to see a who’s who of Eastern Suburbs A-listers on the weekend.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Classy and convivial
Location: Shop 2/81 Macleay St, Potts Point

8. Bistro Rex

the dimly lit interior of Bistro Rex, French restaurant Sydney — Copper finishes add flair to the elegant Paris dining room. (Image: Supplied)

Bistro Rex is chic and elegant and evocative of big, grand Paris dining rooms from the 1950s with French oak, mosaic tiling, a zinc-topped bar and copper finishes. Expect modern French bistro favourites from the team led by Fabio Salvatore (ex-Lumi, Icebergs & Totti’s) such as steak frites, cheese soufflé and chicken liver parfait topped off with a pear frangipane tart with honey whiskey ice cream. Bistro Rex is part of the new Potts Point Village precinct.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: A showstopper
Location: Shop 1, 50/58 Macleay St, Potts Point

9. Bon Vin Darlinghurst

the French bistro interior at Bon Vin Darlinghurst — Bon Vin is a hidden French bistro. (Image: Supplied)

Wondering where Sydney’s bon vivants go to celebrate Bastille Day? They pour into the subterranean sandstone dining room Bon Vin , a much-loved fixture hidden down a laneway in Darlinghurst. Here, you’ll find chef Lisa Nicholson who has fixed her gaze on creating upscale French cuisine with a twist. The sense of joy at Bon Vin is paramount, and it has all the feels of a house party in Perigord wine cellar. Do order the duck confit.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Romantic
Location: Stanley Ln, Darlinghurst

10. Chouchou Bistro & Bar, Bondi

the dining interior of Chouchou Bistro & Bar, Bondi — Step into the classic Chouchou Bistro & Bar. (Image: Supplied)

Forget the more formal French bistros of old. The new wave of French bistros in Sydney represents the best of the classic neighbourhood bistro. Chouchou is well and truly on that train in Bondi. It’s the kind of place we want to see more of. Expect to see Alliance Française students practising their language skills with the French staff and country-style dishes such as magret de canard or gnocchi a la Parissienne.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Rustic
Location: 13 O’Brien St, Bondi Beach

11. Claire’s Kitchen

a classic black and white French dining interior at Claire's Kitchen — Head to Claire’s Kitchen for an authentic French brasserie experience.

Olympians feeling nostalgic for Paris should book a table at Claire’s Kitchen in Surry Hills for a throwback to an authentic French brasserie experience. From Tuesday to Friday, the mezzanine level, Le Salon, puts on a bit of red lippy and goes all Moulin Rouge offering diners a cabaret show alongside their three-course French menu. Whether you’re here for the show or the cuisine, you’ll be treated to exceptional service by Marc Kuzma, also known as Clair de Lune, and his dedicated team.

Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Fun and fantastic.
Location: 35 Oxford St, Surry Hills

12. Four Frogs

a close-up shot of a crêpe at Four Frogs, 1 Macquarie Place — Indulge in crêpes, galettes and margaritas. (Image: Four Frogs)

The four French owners behind the Four Frogs brand opened their first restaurant in Mosman in 2013. More than a decade on, the crêperies have sprouted everywhere from Circular Quay to Randwick, Lane Cove and Mosman.  Whether you like your crêpes sweet or savoury (galettes), the crêpes are cooked to order with a diverse array of fillings. Enjoy Nutella, strawberries and vanilla ice cream crêpes to cap off a romantic dinner date.

Price: $$
Atmosphere: Busy and bustling.
Location: Gateway Sydney, 1 Macquarie Place

13. L’Amuse Bouche

Say cheese! Your bouche will be firmly amused at L’Amuse Bouche in Surry Hills with the indulgent option of all-you-can-eat raclette, which is poured over potatoes and charcuterie. Rally the troops and head into this rustic bistro in a sandstone terrace in Surry Hills for rustic French fare prepared with care by chef Rudy, who hails from Marseilles.  The restaurant is known for everything from its anchovy spread to its quiche and crème brulee.

Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Oh so French.
Location: 2/411 Bourke St, Surry Hills

14. Bouillon l’Entrecôte, Sydney

pouring sauce over a dish at Bouillon l'Entrecôte, Sydney — Wagyu Beef Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food. (Image: Bouillon l’Entrecôte)

In Paris, a bouillon is traditionally a brasserie with a casual ambience that serves a variety of simple delicious dishes. And that almost always includes a rich beef bouillon or broth that is enriched by simmering short ribs. Sydney’s Bouillon l’Entrecôte dips its beret to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, the famous  one-dish steakhouse that opened in 1959 Paris. It brings the best of both worlds together with its simple, quality menu and great cuts. And oui, the bouillon forms the basis for a lot of the dishes.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual and chic
Location: 6 Loftus St, Sydney

15. Martinez, Quay Quarter

bouillabaisse at Martinez, Quay Quarter — Enjoy the rich, hearty flavours of fresh bouillabaisse at Martinez. (Image: Supplied)

Executive chef Alex Wong (Lana) has looked to the south of France to produce crowd-pleasing mains at Martinez that are reminiscent of the region. Order a plate of tuna cru a la Nicoise and a glass of Champagne and sit on the sun-splashed terrace, which has views of Sydney Harbour. The precinct also has some of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney. Oh, and did we mention there’s rosé on tap at Martinez? Secure an early evening table to graze the night away.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: TGIF every day of the week
Location: 50 Bridge St, Sydney

16. Frenchie’s Bistro & Brewery

pasta and wine night at Frenchie’s Bistro & Brewery, Rosebery — Book at table at Frenchie’s for pasta and wine night. (Image: Supplied)

Frenchies is a viable contender for the best Aussie-French bistro in Sydney. The 120-seater bistro at The Cannery, Rosebery, attracts brew dogs as well as expats and tourists who go full force on steak frites nights on Thursdays. It’s easy to appreciate the simple, rustic style of cooking on offer here. Want to combat the #cossylivs crisis? The Thursday night special is just $39 for a butcher’s cut steak, bottomless hand-cut fries and a beer or wine. Buy a freshly baked baguette from adjacent Frenchie’s Bakery and chew the end off like a wannabe Parisian.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Gastro pub with great French grub.
Location: The Cannery, 6/61-71 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery

17. L’Heritage French Bistro, Chowder Bay Mosman

Saint Jacques with hazelnut butter at L'Heritage French Bistro, Mosman — Saint Jacques with hazelnut butter is a crowd favourite at L’Heritage French Bistro.

Don your best Riviera wear and pass the Beaujolais. L’Heritage is one of the best French bistros in Sydney for both its location and authentic French fare. There are occasions when chef Julian Audibert might wield his tweezers (such as when he’s adding a squid ink crisp to the lobster, tuna and salmon tartare). But what L’Heritage leans into are comforting French classics such as bouillabaisse or mussel marinières frites. A viable contender for the most romantic French restaurant in Sydney.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Darling location for date night.
Location: 7b Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman

18. Bistro Moncur

pouring red syrup over dessert at Bistro Moncur French restaurant in Sydney — Be sure to leave room for French classics like soufflé. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Bistro Moncur is quite the institution having occupied the same corner spot in Woollahra for more than three decades. To this day, Bistro Moncur is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney, as perfect for a dinner date with your new crush as a spot for a special anniversary. Head chef Tom Deadman is a wizard at French fare. Much of the produce used in the kitchen is sourced as locally as possible, such as the plump cèpes plucked fresh from the forest. Dining here is as much about the excitement of securing a table under the monochrome mural as it is getting a feel for the well-heeled Woollahra life.

Price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: A temple for Francophiles.
Location: 116A Queen St, Woollahra

19. Monopole

smoked eel at Monopole, French restaurant Sydney — Don’t miss out on the anguille fumée (smoked eel) at Monopole. (Image: Supplied)

Sydney’s acclaimed Monopole restaurant has relaunched as a French restaurant. And it’s giving ‘gatho at your mate Jean-Claude’s digs in the 9th arrondissement’. The word ‘monopole; is a derivative of a French term meaning ‘single vineyard’. It could also mean single-minded, which has been the modus operandi of Monopole since it moved from Potts Point to the city. Expect pretty posies and convivial vibes in the warm, inviting space where Brent Savage’s signatures mille-feuille d’anguille fumée and burger de Canard are de la mode.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Classic French
Location: 20 Curtin Place, Sydney

20. Gavroche

canapés selection at Gavroche, French restaurant Sydney — The exquisite canapés selection at Gavroche. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

Gavroche is one of the jewels in the crown of Chippendale, otherwise known as Hippendale for its street art and buzzing backstreets. Walking through the imposing oak entrance feels like stepping into an antique postcard with vintage touches such as brass-railed banquette seating, hand-painted tiled walls and a VeloSoleX motorised bicycle from the 1950s. The menu designed by chef Batiste Gouraud pays homage to classics one might see scrawled on a Parisian bistro blackboard such as escargots de Bourgogne or canard confit with Paris mash. Dig in.

Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Casual-chic
Location: Level 1/2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

21. Loulou Bistro

French fare at Loulou Bistro, French restaurant Sydney — Loulou Bistro dishes up authentic French fare paired with French drops. (Image: Supplied)

Nobody will bat an eyelid if you arrive for dinner at Loulou Bistro with a baguette with the end bitten off. You see, Loulou is equal parts boulangerie, bistro and traiteur – a triple threat nestled on a corner spot in Milson’s Point. Spot the smug locals who stroll to the restaurant from their mansions in Lavender Bay or Kirribilli, knowing the bistro is one of Sydney’s best French restaurants. Highlights include a caviar service and an extensive selection of champagne. Don’t try to resist the ridiculously good chicken liver parfait with brioche or apricot mille-feuille.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: The French bistro of our dreams.
Location: 61 Lavender St, Milsons Point

22. Bistro St Jacques

a meat dish at Bistro St Jacques, French restaurant Sydney — Tuck into hearty French favourites at Bistro St Jacques. (Image: Supplied)

Bistro St Jacques is the little French bistro that could. Unpretentious, timeless, and honest are all words bandied about to describe the dinky dining room that has been going strong for a decade. Housed in a charming terrace on a tree-lined street in the heart of Redfern, Bistro St Jacques keeps the focus on traditional Gallic recipes with dishes such as the coquilles a la St Jacques’ roasted scallops, mushroom duxelle, gruyere bechamel and souffle au fromage. Combat the #cossylivs crisis with the lunch special of Champagne and oysters for $45.

Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Like stepping into a vintage French poster.
Location: 96 Pitt St, Redfern

23. Macleay St Bistro

Macleay St Bistro has long been of the best French restaurants in Sydney. The timeless institution – all soft sage-green and deep-red hues – has been lovingly recreated at the Paris end of Potts Point just a few doors down from its original Macleay St location (now home to the Grumpy Baker and Bar ). The food is better than good, with chef Callum Brewin known for serving up memorable French classics using locally sourced ingredients. The signature Chateaubriand served with a peppercorn jus with hand-cut triple-cooked potatoes and greens is a standout.  As for the crème brulee: it’s a classic.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Paris wine bar from the 50s.
Location: 96 Pitt St, Redfern

24. Porcine

a French dish at Porcine, Paddington — The menu at Porcine is filled with mouth-watering seafood and seasonal vegetables.

Your Paddington mate is not telling porkies when he says Porcine is one of the best French restaurants in Sydney. Porcine is led by firm friends Nicholas Hill and Harry Levy who have worked together at Sepia, Saint Peter, Don Peppino’s and the three-Michelin-starred Ledbury in London. Let your evening routine include a drink downstairs at P&V Wine & Liquor Merchants before heading upstairs to the homey bistro which is perennially packed with Paddo locals. Compulsory is the canard à la presse, Sydney’s only tableside duck press service.

Price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Be transported to the epicentre of France.
Location: 268 Oxford St, Paddington

25. Beckett’s Bar + Dining

a spread of food on a white table at Beckett’s Bar + Dining, Paddington — Bunker down in Beckett’s Bar + Dining for delicious French fare. (Image: Supplied)

You will be sheltered from prying eyes from all sides while bunkered down in Beckett’s , one of the most beloved French restaurants in all of Sydney town. Housed within a sandstone cottage that was built in 1857 for a Sydney pharmacist, the restaurant went on to become home to Darling Mills, the original farm-to-table restaurant. Playwright-director Wendy Beckett is behind the restaurant and cocktail lounge so expect a bit of theatre. Now headed by chef Frederic Plat, Beckett’s still echoes with stories from Sydney’s past, all of which have become amplified in the new space.

Price: $$$$
Atmosphere: New York meets mid-century Paris.
Location: 268 Oxford St, Paddington

26. Bistro Grenier

The French word grenier translates to ‘attic’ ‘loft’ or ‘granary’. And this French bistro suspended within one of Sydney’s best bars is a whole lotta fun. The bistro is a top spot to visit after binge-watching the annual Alliance Française French Film Festival flicks with your Francophile friends. Odd Culture Group is known for its inclusive approach to hospitality and any place that advertises ‘the freaks are welcome’ gets a big tick from the team at Australian Traveller. Forget about pulling your hair into a neat bun. This is Newtown babes. Therefore, you can rock your skullet and enjoy yourself over a pissaladière or bavette steak.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Fun and freaky.
Location: 266 King St, Newtown

Discover the best Italian restaurants in Sydney

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.