Sydney’s new heritage French bistro on the shores of the harbour
Opening in December 2020, L’Héritage is a beautifully styled French bistro in Chowder Bay in Sydney’s harbourside suburb of Mosman.
I haven’t been able to get there myself as yet (thank you Northern Beaches lockdown!) but I’m definitely keen to explore it once I can.
Housed in an historic building overlooking Clifton Gardens and Sydney Harbour, the L’Héritage venue was once home to the Navy and was used as a soldiers drill hall. High ceilings, original fixtures and open spaces, not to mention views of Sydney’s sparkling harbour, add a sense of light and style.
There appears to be a bit of a vintage vibe, which of course gets my tick of approval!
Even better is the fact that L’Héritage is the work of experienced restauranteurs, husband and wife team, French-born Pierre Rayrolles and his Sydney-born wife, Alena. The couple have already owned two Parisian brasseries as well as Frenchy’s Cafe, also in Mosman. Joining the Rayrolles is head chef Julien Audibert-Lebon – also best friend of Pierre. The bistro is a long-held dream of the trio to bring French heritage to the table in an Australian historic location.
French-born Julien began his career in busy Parisian kitchens when he was just 16. Since then he has worked alongside leading chefs including Dominique Grel, Stephane Vieux, Jean-Michel Guilloteau, Pierre Hermé, Patrice Hardy and Marc Davis.
“Our menu is my personal interpretation of the meals I love to eat when I’m out in the local bistros of Paris. ‘With recipes and knowledge handed down through the generations, French cooking is my passion,” says Julien.
An elegant white interior is complemented by dark timber floors and bentwood chairs where diners can enjoy such French classics as Croissant Benedict, together with Australian favourites including granola served with organic coconut yoghurt and mango coulis. Lunch options include entrées like chicken liver pâté, Escargots (snails) and salmon rillettes.
Mains include Canard à l’orange (duck with orange duck jus), Entrecote frites (scotch fillet with chips), Bouillabaisse (seafood stew), Poisson du jour (fish of the day) and Gnocchi ricotta aux petits legumes (ricotta gnocchi served with vegetables).
Of course, save room for dessert and choose from Mousse au chocolat, Poire Belle Helene (poached pear with Chantilly cream and Belgian chocolate sauce), a selection of house-made gelato or imported French cheese.
The drinks list includes selected Australian and imported French wines, together with traditional aperitifs and digestifs.
L’Héritage bistro is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinners and events.
Bistro L’Heritage
7b Chowder Bay Road Mosman, Sydney.
All photography by Will Taylor Photography
