The capacious Crown Street site formerly known as Toko is now the home of Andrew Becher’s latest grand venture, Armorica. No stranger to dropping a casual few mill on a resplendent refit, this grandiose renewal is as tastefully opulent as one has come to expect from the self-confessed Francophile behind Potts Point’s fine-dining duo Franca and Parlar. Armorica Grande Brasserie is a grand, glittering jewel on Sydney’s crown (street) and is a stellar option for a romantic evening.

Known for its encyclopedic wine list and multi-million-dollar fit-out, Armorica has become a lynchpin of Crown Street’s buzzy bar & restaurant scene, since it arrived in Surry Hills in 2023. From the same group behind the similarly Continental-skewing restaurants of Franca and Parlar, Armorica’s wheelhouse is made up of bistro-inspired sharing plates — think dry-aged proteins cooked on the restaurant’s Josper grill or leviathan seafood towers — washed down with a selection of New and Old World wines, plus signature cocktails. For a shot of much-needed joie de vivre, we’d recommend securing a Friday dinner booking: when Armorica’s buzzy, curvaceous dining room is filled with the sounds of live jazz & blues.

Discover Armorica Grande Brasserie, the latest addition by renowned restaurateur Andrew Becher, known for the success of Franca and Parlar. This Parisian-inspired gem in Surry Hills pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Northern France while infusing Executive Chef Jose Saulog’s contemporary flair. Indulge in the finest selection of wines from around the world, with over 400 bins to choose from, and immerse yourself in the opulent atmosphere of Armorica, where meticulously crafted interiors and deep red tones transport you to the lavish dining scene of Paris.

Like its sister restaurants Franca and Parlar, Armorica Grande Brasserie is a nod to long-held European traditions. While Franca honours the older language of France, Parlar pays tribute to the older language of Spain, and Armorica is the name for the olden territory of northern Brittany. Armorica Grand Brasserie is the new Parisian-inspired bistro in Surry Hills that restaurateur Andrew Becher says will “embrace the timeless charm of classic French dining.” 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills armorica.com.au.

The lavish French-influenced dining space boasts timber detailed ceilings, European oak joinery, brass gantries and an open kitchen centred around a custom-built grill. The grill is put to full use at Armorica, with plenty of fire-heavy dishes that utilise top Australian produce to create classic northern French feeds. From steak frites and aged pork cutlet to grilled rock lobster and whole chicken served with chicken skin and thyme gravy, you’ll be left impressed — and full — from the grill menu.

Speaking of French delicacies, a wander through the leafy suburb of Surry Hills will likely take you past the grand doors of Armorica, a brasserie on Crown Street. Plush seating, romantic lighting and marble lighting set the tone for your meal, which will be made up of Gallic staples. Their steak frites and escargot garlic bread are outstanding, along with their luxe, silky pastas and a to-die-for brussel sprout gratin.

Inspired by grand Parisian brasseries, Armorica sits in the heart of Surry Hills. The sprawling, 150-seat dining room still manages to be intimate, with wine-coloured leather banquettes and moody lamp lighting. The menu is unapologetically celebratory, featuring slices of duck terrine with crusty baguette; fire-kissed whole WA rock lobster with buttery grenobloise emulsion; and an impressive one-kilogram T-bone.

Those crazy about cocoa need to try this luxe chocolate bar at Armorica; it's crafted from a rich French Valrhona chocolate mousse, layers of salted caramel and chocolate chip biscuit encased in a gold-brushed chocolate shell. Pair with a signature Foret Noir cocktail with Belvedere, Mr Black espresso liqueur, fig leaf, raspberry, balsamic and red plums for the ultimate end to your French feast.

The name is a nod to an ancient Celtic region of France and the food and wine served in the grand dining room is distinctly French leaning. Armorica marries the atmosphere of a power lunch place in Paris with a movie set vibe. The staff who welcome you at the entrance will welcome you with a mega-watt grin before whisking you to your table.

Armorica is a 150-seat Parisian Brasserie that pays homage to the city of lights, embracing the timeless charm of classic French dining, with that certain je ne sais quoi that only the French know how. Linger with your lover over the 400+ strong wine list. 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Seafood towers and five types of steak frites are just some of the highlights at this stylish brasserie from the Franca team. Slide into a red leather banquette and admire the capacious dining room – or perhaps that perfect spiral of lemon peel floating in your Martini.

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