New Sydney eatery to have a serious French accent

Sydney's hip inner city suburb of Surry Hills is get a new French brasserie from next month.

Restaurateur Andrew Becher, the owner and operator of European-inspired restaurants Franca and Parlar, will open his third venue, Armorica Grande Brasserie, on April 20.

Armorica is being billed as a 150-seat restaurant that draws on classic Parisian brasserie culture in a contemporary way.

It will take over the site that had been occupied by Toko over the past 15 years.

Amorica is named after an ancient Celtic region that once encompassed much of modern-day Brittany and spanned into what would later become Paris.

“Armorica is a Parisian brasserie that embraces the timeless charm of classic French dining," says Becher. "We want to bring the fun, energy and excitement of dining in the city of light right here on Crown Street.”

The menu will centre around wood-fired cooking and executive chef Jose Saulog (ex Bells of Kilcare) aims to showcase the best of Australian seafood and meat.



The menu will feature small plates including a coral trout crudo with finger lime; as well as Foie Gras ‘Torchon’ (top image).

Also featured will be a seafood tower featuring oysters, prawn cocktail, octopus roulade and rock lobster, as a well as a classic steak frites.

Armorica's wine list spans 400+ labels with a focus on some of the classic wine regions of the world.

Becher has collaborated with renowned American Illustrator David Plunkert on a selection of original art that will feature throughout the restaurant.

Let's hope it is good as another French eatery in Surry Hills: chef Jacob Brown's late, lamented Tabou.   
Armorica is located at 490 Crown St, Surry Hills, and will open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and lunch Friday to Sunday. See www.armorica.com.au