There’s a new French restaurant in Sydney and it’s serving up delicious French classics and a lot of French elegance.
Stashed away in the backstreets of The Rocks, on the mezzanine level of the Quay West Suites Sydney, you’ll find The Quartier Bistro & Bar. Opening in late 2018, this is a hidden muscatel worth finding.
The hotel’s first signature restaurant resembles every bit the luxe Parisian dining room with its gold sconces, intricate wall panelling and green velour chairs. Of course, the French cafe music doesn’t ruin the illusion either.
It’s a little touristy (it is a hotel restaurant after all), but that’s because everyone’s welcome. Named after the French word for ‘neighbourhood’, the idea is that everyone’s invited to The Quartier. In fact, there’s even a ‘Neighbourhood Lunch Special’ – grab an entree and main for $45pp.
Fresh French fare
Steak, pomme frites, chicken liver parfait – the menu transports you straight to the streets of St Germain, with its gourmet French inspired cuisine. And it’s all the culinary vision of chef Matteo Bisori, formerly of the nearby M Gallery Harbour Rock Hotel.
The petite-sized menu starts with things to share, like bread and butter, oysters and charcuterie. The entree of grilled king prawns is an Oscar-nominated star, so too the moules marinière main (Google translate: mussels marinara).
Meanwhile, dessert time conjures up French-inspired treats like tarte tatin, vanilla crème brûlée and a selection of cheeses.
When the husband and I recently visited, there wasn’t a dish that let the team down. It was all incredibly fresh, cooked to perfection and stuff you dead set want to eat.
Avocado cream and smoked salmon
Grilled king prawns with garlic butter
Moules marinière, served with kipfler potato and chargrilled sourdough; and 300 gram Rangers Valley black angus sirloin
Mud brownies, with vanilla bean ice-cream and mixed berries
The Quartier: The final word…
If you’re after a hip, buzzy venue for dinner with friends, this ain’t it. But if you’re after a refined, yet casual, French restaurant experience, without nose-bleed prices, The Quartier is your girl.
The best bit: Until 31 March, flash your 2019 Mardi Gras Film Festival or Party tickets, and you’ll be treated to a ripsnorter of a dinner package: entree, main and a bottle of wine for $45pp. Beat that!
The Quartier Bistro and Bar | Mezzanine Level, 98 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, New South Wales
quartiersydney.com.au
