By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Forget stuffy stereotypes of snobby Francophile culture! It’s time to ban le beret and find a fun new way to flirt with French cuisine.
Fortunately, that’s exactly what’s on offer at Le Frerot Potts Point, the playful younger sibling (it literally means ‘little brother’) of much-loved local favourite Franca Brasserie, which has recently flung open its glass doors and is bringing a fresh, mischievous take on all-day dining.
Part cafe, part bistro, it’s the sort of place where fleeting French kisses meet a cheeky wine and where the serious elegance of fine dining is set aside in favour of feasting that’s a little more joie de vivre.
If Franca is all marble floors, historic charm and polished grandeur, Le Frerot is the younger sibling who leans in with a wink, tousled hair and a sense of fun. It is a Parisian hideaway brought to life in Sydney, a space designed for laughter, indulgence and everyday joy.
From sunrise croissants to late-night bistro dinners, the energy is casual yet sophisticated, playful yet perfectly executed, with an all-day menu that keeps you coming back for more.
Mornings at Le Frerot are an aromatic parade of buttery pastries, wood-fired tartines and indulgent dishes like Moreton Bay bug Benedict or a spanner crab omelette. Every table is touched with warmth and the atmosphere is infused with unmistakable Parisian charm.
Lunch brings a relaxed sophistication, from casual sandwiches for a quick bite to thoughtful plates like tuna Niçoise or smoked duck salad with radicchio, walnuts and pickled beetroot. Each dish has the feel of French craftsmanship with a playful twist, proving that elegance need not be serious.
Evenings transform Le Frerot into a lively bistro playground. Mussels in white wine and kombu butter, roast Wollemi duck breast, Berkshire pork cutlet and Black Angus hanger steak arrive alongside endless fries and an array of sauces designed to make sharing irresistible. A limited-availability burger au poivre offers a cheeky nod to French classics, while Happy Hour encourages laughter, lingering and a touch of mischief.
Guided by Group Executive Chef Jose Saulog, the kitchen honours both comfort and craftsmanship. Jose’s touch balances indulgence with approachability, creating a menu that feels celebratory without ever being intimidating. Le Frerot is a place to savour life’s little pleasures, from the buttery crunch of a morning croissant to the richness of a perfectly cooked duck breast, all served with an unmistakable sense of fun.
Le Frerot also embodies Rivage Hospitality’s vision for everyday charm. Andrew Becher, Managing Director of the group, describes it as a natural little brother to Franca: familiar yet distinctive, playful yet accomplished. A space that delivers a vibrant, all-day destination and a neighbourhood spot packed with Parisian flair where locals and visitors alike can gather.
While Franca remains the glamorous elder, a destination for milestones and celebrations, Le Frerot is the mischievous little brother everyone is talking about. It is where Sydney can fall in love with French dining all over again, not for formality but for the sheer joy of it.
