Manon Brasserie

Located in the Queen Victoria Building, this lavish French brasserie is a grand addition to one of Sydney’s most dramatic pieces of architecture. It's by hospitality veterans Manny Spinola and Marco Ambrosino, the same duo behind sleek Bondi eatery Lola's Level 1.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu here centres around classic French dishes. Breakfast is heavy on tradition, with pastries, baguettes and both croques madame et monsieur taking centre stage. Come lunchtime, it's soupe du jour, burgers, and bone marrow tartine. Crepes and waffles are available later in the day.

The dinner menu reads like a roll call of classic French hits. There's a raw bar of oysters and caviar, and simple dishes such as beef consommé and baguettes served with radish, anchovies and butter. Escargots are a-go, served out of the shell. Also try the steak frites or the crab bisque souffle, the latter crafted in traditional New Orleans style. For dessert, it's mille feuille or the vanilla souffle.

The wine list features more than 400 bottles, mainly French. Guests can sip gosset by the glass on one of the dark velvet bar stools, facing the arched, mirrored bar, or on one of the 80 outdoor seats. The tables, which face the statue of Queen Victoria and run down the York Street side of the building, bring a Parisian people-watching vibe to the busy corner.