Bistro Papillon, CBD

When Ludo and Xavier first met in the UK, they dined at Papillion, a French bistro in Bath. When they arrived in Australia, they created a restaurant with the same name in honor of the place they adored and classic French food in general. “We've always kept things simple”, Ludo says. “Old recipes, our grandma’s recipes, but also French classics. That's our concept".

Inside, emblems from their decades of travel and hospitality work adorn the walls, telling the venue's history and story, and the arch column entry is the ideal setting for a French experience. The menu at Bistro Papillon is chock-full of winners, including onion soup with a big fat gruyere crouton, escargots de Bourgogne (a.k.a. buttery garlic snails), and a rich red wine boeuf bourguignon that's perfect for a chilly evening. Simple French classics like duck confit, beef bourguignon, and escargot are made with ingredients sourced from France and Sydney markets and butchers. It's a hearty, cozy spot ideal for a winter feast.

Address: 98 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: https://www.bistropapillon.com.au/