French food in Sydney is quite the scene, with famous spots all over the CBD. 

Whether you’re craving a classic dish like Coq au Vin or something more modern, there’s a French restaurant for you. From cosy cafes to upscale bistros, you can taste the elegance and flavours of France right here in Sydney. It’s not just about the food – it’s a cultural experience that brings a slice of Paris to your plate. 

So whether you’re a foodie or just love good eats, Sydney’s French food scene has something special waiting for you. Get ready to dive into iconic dishes like Croissants, Macarons, Escargot, Coq au Vin, and more, and experience the delicious charm of French cuisine in the heart of Sydney.

15 Delicious French Foods in Sydney

1. Croissants: 

Buttery, flaky pastries ideal for breakfast or a snack, often paired with coffee or tea. These golden delights, with their crisp exterior and soft, buttery layers, are a staple of French bakeries worldwide. It evokes the aroma of Parisian mornings with every bite.

Croissants

2. Macarons: 

Delicate almond-based cookies with creamy fillings, available in a variety of flavours and loved for their crisp exterior and soft interior. With their delicate shells and luscious fillings, macarons are not just desserts.  They’re edible works of art, intricately crafted to delight both the eyes and the palate.

Macarons French Food

3. Escargot: 

A classic French appetiser featuring tender snails cooked with garlic butter and parsley, known for its rich flavour and tender texture. While the thought of snails might be daunting, the tender morsels, are delicately infused with garlic and herb butter. It offers a surprisingly delightful culinary adventure that’s a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Escargot

4. Coq au Vin: 

A hearty chicken stew braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, offering a comforting and flavorful meal. This timeless French dish in Sydney, steeped in tradition and flavour, transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of taste. It is with each tender morsel of chicken enveloped in the rich, velvety sauce.

Coq au Vin in Sydney

5. Boeuf Bourguignon: 

A slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, carrots, and mushrooms, perfect for warming up on chilly days with its robust flavours. The slow-cooking process allows the flavours to meld together. It results in a dish that’s not just a meal, but a culinary journey through the heart of Burgundy, France.

Boeuf Bourguignon

6. Crepes: 

Thin pancakes are versatile enough to be filled with sweet or savoury ingredients, making them a delicious option for any meal. Whether filled with sweet or savoury delights, each delicate crepe offers a canvas for culinary creativity.It is inviting diners to savour a symphony of flavours with every bite.

Crepes French Food

7. Foie Gras: 

A luxurious delicacy made from duck or goose liver, served as a pâté or seared, often paired with sweet accompaniments. While its production may be controversial, there’s no denying the decadent allure of foie gras, its rich, creamy texture and luxurious taste. It is made a delicacy reserved for special occasions.

Foie Gras

8. Ratatouille: 

A flavorful vegetable stew with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, highlighting the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. With its vibrant colours and robust flavours, ratatouille is a celebration of the Mediterranean’s bounty, transporting diners to sun-drenched fields and bustling markets with every spoonful.

Ratatouille food in Sydney

9. Tarte Tatin: 

An upside-down caramelised apple tart, served warm with a flaky pastry crust and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The caramelised apples, nestled in a buttery pastry crust, offer a taste of indulgence that’s both comforting and sophisticated, a dessert fit for royalty.

Tarte Tatin

10. Quiche Lorraine: 

A savoury pie filled with a creamy egg custard, bacon or ham, and cheese, suitable for any meal of the day. Whether served warm or cold, each slice of quiche Lorraine is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, with its delicate custard filling and savoury ingredients perfectly complementing one another.

Quiche Lorraine in Sydney

11. Duck Confit: 

Another delicious French cuisine you must try in Sydney is the Duck Confit. Tender duck legs slow-cooked until crispy on the outside, offer a rich and flavorful dining experience. The labour-intensive process of confit transforms humble duck legs into a culinary masterpiece, with each bite offering a symphony of flavours and textures that’s truly unforgettable.

Duck Confit

12. Cassoulet: 

A hearty bean stew with sausage, duck confit, and sometimes pork, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. This hearty stew, with its layers of savoury goodness, is a comforting embrace on a cold winter’s night, warming both body and soul with its rich, satisfying taste.

Cassoulet

13. Salade Niçoise: 

A vibrant salad with tuna, eggs, olives, and vegetables, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a refreshing meal. Bursting with colours and flavours, each bite of salad Niçoise is a journey to the sunny shores of the French Riviera. Where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of ripe tomatoes and briny olives.

Salade Niçoise

14. Bouillabaisse: 

A fragrant fish stew with tomatoes, onions, and saffron, showcasing the fresh flavours of Mediterranean seafood. With its fragrant broth and succulent seafood, bouillabaisse is more than just a meal – it’s a sensory experience that transports diners to the bustling fish markets of Marseille.

French Food Bouillabaisse

15. Soufflé: 

A delicate dessert with a light and airy texture, offering a decadent treat with flavours ranging from chocolate to cheese. The light, airy texture of a perfectly risen soufflé is a testament to culinary mastery, with its delicate flavours and ethereal presence captivating diners from the first bite to the last.

Soufflé

FAQs

How has French food influenced Sydney?

French food has left a lasting impression on Sydney’s culinary landscape. It’s infused the city with sophistication and elegance. French-inspired cafes and bistros are now widespread in Sydney. Local chefs have adopted classic French cooking techniques. French ingredients, flavours, and cooking styles are integrated into Sydney’s culinary fabric. They enrich the gastronomic offerings across the city.

Why is French food so popular in Sydney?

French food’s popularity in Sydney is due to several factors. Firstly, its reputation for quality and refinement resonates with Sydneysiders. They appreciate fresh, high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques. Sydney’s multicultural nature ensures a diverse dining landscape. Among cosmopolitan offerings, French cuisine stands out as sophisticated. The romantic allure and cultural cachet of French food contribute to its popularity. It draws diners seeking a taste of Parisian charm and indulgence. Overall, the enduring popularity of French food in Sydney speaks to its ability to captivate hearts and palates with its timeless appeal and culinary excellence.