Banc Brasserie & Wine Bar

Banc is an elegant brasserie, bistro and wine bar on the corner of George Street and Queen Street Mall, in the heritage-listed building that previously housed the Bank of New South Wales.

To eat, there's a tight European-inspired menu that complements the building’s grand interiors. For an entrée, you might order bug tagliatelle with chilli and marjoram; or pork belly with ginger caramel, scallop, pea and apple. Follow with a classic steak frites or seafood bisque for a main.

The wine list stretches beyond 350 bottles and lines up organic, natural and biodynamic wines alongside ballsier Australian drops. There’s also an extensive Coravin section for those wanting to explore more expensive options by the glass. Six locally focused beer taps are joined by a cocktail list that mixes signatures with variations on the classics.

A long timber bar is intended to resemble the old bank teller desks, but the old baby grand piano that once belonged to the owner’s grandparents is a homey personal touch. And when you slink into the gold-coloured velvet banquette in the brasserie section, you’ll feel right at home.