Armorica is a genuinely nice restaurant with a quiet, moody interior where people walk in hushed tones and, if you’re well dressed, you may get stares from others wondering if you’re someone. It’s that kind of place. It’s where price meets quality, and that naturally attracts a clientele that is sophisticated and unafraid to spend over $100 per person. You can eat here under that figure, but once you add drinks you’ll reach it, and if you go for some of the more expensive meat dishes, you’ll breach it from mains alone.
I happened to meet the owner, who recommended certain dishes and — when I told him I was vegetarian — actually sent an email to the head chef right there (he showed it to me) asking him to add more vegetarian options.
That said, vegetarian is not the focus here — luxury French cooking is. My friend had a steak special, I think it was a Monday or Tuesday deal, and unlimited steak was $65 or something. He said it was great, but I don’t eat meat. It looked cooked to perfection.
I got a collection of sides along with a pasta. I had a sweet potato glazed with maple syrup, a nice, light, crispy salad with very fresh lettuce, and some French fries. The fries were good. The pasta was slightly smaller than expected but the sides were larger than I expected, so it washed out. To be honest maybe the sweet potato and salad were my favorite dishes? Along with my cocktail, which was actually great.
I ordered an old fashioned, which was on the sweet and light side — not one of those super bitter and strong old fashioneds you get in parts of the American South.
Overall a very nice place. If you’re looking for a fine dining date spot, it’s likely one of the best restaurants in Sydney.
As a reference, our total bill was about $160 AUD.
Armorica Grande Brasserie
490 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
armorica.com.au
(02) 9145 2990
Bookings recommended.
