Le Rebelle

Inspired by the nostalgia and romanticism of the old-world bistros of New York and Paris, Le Rebelle is sleek neighbourhood bistro inside the old Circa site opposite The Astor Theatre. The narrow building is divided into three sections: a casual drop-in drinking space in the front; a fully-fledged dining room at the back (a small original stained-glass window separates diners and the kitchen); and in the middle is Circa’s original handcrafted wooden bar and ornate ceiling, alongside a 10-seat terrazzo high table.

Owners and husband-and-wife team Sarah and Liam Atkinson are long-serving hospitality troupers with a combined CV that includes Print Hall, Ku De Ta, Star Anise, Miss Kitty’s Saloon, Kitsch Bar and Lalla Rookh.

In the kitchen, the team serves bistro classics prepared with great ingredients and modern flair: think blue manna crab on brioche toast, glazed Wagin duck and frites with a silver gravy boat of béarnaise, and a Wagyu cheeseburger that shouldn’t be missed. There’s also a serious in-house dairy program taking care of a rotating selection of international cheeses.

Sarah, meanwhile, has assembled a tight list of 49 bottles with an emphasis on French, European and Australian producers. European aperitifs including Suze, Lillet Blanc and various vermouths are also available. For even more wine, Le Rebelle's sexy spin-off, Bar Rogue, is also on Beaufort Street. It's just a ten-minute walk away.