Macleay St Bistro

It's my favourite French restaurant and we visit quite regularly. Yesterday we took a group of friends for a birthday dinner and everyone enjoyed! Staff were attentive and friendly, the food was great as usual, and we had an awesome time. Side note: we tried booking online a couple of weeks ago but it said it was fully booked for weeks. We told the waiter about this but he said it actually wasn't, and it may be an error on the online booking system that he will now look into and let the owner know! So if you want to book, best you call the restaurant.

The food was solid overall! The steak frites took a bit of a creative detour from the usual route, think less “classic French bistro,” more “surprise twist,” but it was still a quality cut and packed with flavor. Just not quite what my mental taste buds had RSVP’d for. The garlic prawns? Excellent. And the bisque they’re swimming in? Honestly, I could’ve sipped it straight from the bowl like a fine wine (but, you know, with slightly more dignity). That said, at $39 for five medium sized prawns, the value proposition felt a bit more “fine print” than “fine dining.” The salmon was a highlight, generously portioned, cooked to perfection, and full of rich, clean flavor. No notes. Just applause. The true star of the night, though, was the steak tartare. Flavor? Nailed it. Presentation? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly posing for a cookbook cover, but hey, I came to eat, not to host an art show.

A Culinary Masterpiece in Sydney – Macleay St Bistro is a Must-Visit! Visiting from Miami, I had high expectations for Sydney’s dining scene, and Macleay St Bistro completely blew me away. This charming bistro delivers an unforgettable experience with impeccable flavors, warm hospitality, and a level of quality that rivals the best restaurants in the world. From the very first bite, it was clear that every dish was crafted with passion. The triple-baked cheese soufflé was pure decadence—light, airy, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness. The prawns bisque was velvety smooth, bursting with deep, complex seafood flavors. Then came the eye fillet, cooked to absolute perfection, and the lamb shoulder, which melted in my mouth like butter. To top it all off, the chocolate fondue was the perfect indulgence—rich, silky, and utterly addictive. And then, there’s Stefano, the sommelier, who took the experience to another level. His warm smile and deep knowledge of wines made every pairing feel like a personal recommendation from an old friend. And let me just say—his espresso martini? Easily the best I’ve ever had, hands down. Macleay St Bistro is an absolute gem, a place where every detail is executed to perfection. If you’re in Sydney and want a dining experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite, this is it. 10/10, I’ll be dreaming about this meal from across the ocean!

We had walked past this gorgeous Restaurant for weeks, so booked dinner for our 31st Wedding Anniversary & were not disappointed 🙏 Everything was exquisite, from the service to the menu. I also stand corrected for the 2nd time, by being very surprised at how delicious the Sydney Rock oysters were.....and I am an oyster snob, only ever ordering Pacific in the past. So Thnxyou to Macleay St Bistro staff (extra kiss for Stefano) for a wonderful night. We shall return ♥️ 10/10

Macleay St Bistro is a solid choice for French cuisine in a refined setting. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between elegant and comfortable. Their French onion soufflé was a standout - definitely worth trying. The eye fillet was cooked perfectly, and the chocolate truffles made for a satisfying end to the meal. Overall, the food quality was consistently fantastic across all dishes. The staff were attentive, polite and friendly, which further added to the experience. It's a great spot for special occasions or when you're in the mood for a nicer dinner out. If you enjoy French food, Macleay St Bistro is worth considering.

Everything about our meal was fantastic, wait staff were attentive, food was all amazing. The eye fillet was so insanely tender and make sure you get the chicken liver parfait; it was probably the highlight for everyone at our table. We ordered 2 starters an entree and three mains between three people and we could just squeeze in a dessert to share; so I would say portion sizes were generous. Definitely recommend.

Wow, what can I say, let’s start with the service, very warm, helpful & welcoming. Atmosphere, smart, stylish & relaxing. Most importantly, food, damn delicious! Portion sizes are on the large side, you won’t go home hungry!! We tried many meals & everyone of them was well portioned & tasted amazing. Menu isn’t too complicated, good choice likely to suit most. Pricing is reasonable for this quality food. We’ll definitely be back. Overall experience was very memorable.

A classic French inspired bistro serving up simple and classic French food. Great quality and overall delicious. The French fries served with the steak are a generous portion so don’t let them try and sell you more fries if half of the guests are already having Steak and fries! Atmosphere is great and I loved that even though we were a group we were not forced on to a set menu. The restaurant is a good safe bet for a nice dinner with friends or family or a business partners when you want something safe! Enjoy

The eye fillet with pepper sauce was easily the best steak I have ever had. it was my birthday and the attentive staff made my day extra special. . Thank you !

Macleay Street Bistro is a Sydney dining institution serving classic French Cuisine. They are currently celebrating 35 years of service with a 1970s inspired, classic French menu. This coincidentally includes some of our favourite dishes - you cannot beat a classic. Macleay Street Bistro is set in a converted terrace house and on appearance the restaurant is your cliché French fine dining restaurant. White tablecloths with tables set impeccably with the crockery and wine glasses. The set up and decor may be classic French, however the music is modern and upbeat, as is the maître d, Clive. The service at this joint is extraordinarily professional, whilst still personable, with Clive providing plenty of character. He comes with a wealth of experience and it shows in leaps and bounds. This was one of the best dining and service experiences we have experienced in Sydney. What better way to start a meal than with a refreshing cocktail - a beautiful French martini - chambord, vodka and pineapple juice. A recommended start to your meal at Mcleay Street Bistro. Another traditional start to any bistro meal is Bread and Macleay St Bistro uses quality artisan producers to supply the restaurant. A French Baguette from Sonoma is accompanied by another Sydney favourite, Pepe Saya butter. We were visiting for their impressive celebratory six course degustation menu incorporating their classics to reflect on and celebrate their 35 years of operation. The First course was the pan seared scallops, prepared to perfection combining with added texture provided to the dish by the hazelnuts and an earthiness from the roast cauliflower and contrasted by the light cauliflower purée. This dish was paired with a Riesling, the Framingham from Marlborough New Zealand a sweet wine with strong flavours of lemon and rasins, this conjuring memories of lemon cordial, when you indulge and get a little heavy on the cordial. This wine nicely matched with the sweeness of scallops. For the Second course, we get hands on with the Macleay St Bistro organic grass fed eye fillet steak tartare with house made mini baguette. The plate is beautifully presented with a mound of thin strips of beef and an egg yolk on top that brings the dish together. This surrounded by little quenelles of Dijon, eschallot, Cornichon, Anchovy paste and capers. Break open the egg yolk, mix it with the beef strips, then combine other flavours to taste. This incredibly rich and beautiful tartare was paired with a Joseph Faiveley Pinot Noir From Burgundy, France. A lighter style red which helped cut through the richness of the tartare. What a fabulous pairing, they sure know their stuff here. The third course was a twice baked French onion soufflé with truffle butter and a wholemeal sourdough roll. This is comfort food, the perfect winter dish that will warm the soul. Light and fluffy, sitting in a pool of cheesy goodness, you most certainly need to try this. The flavours of this dish complimented by a Vincent girardin Chardonnay from Burgundy, France. The the wood flavours from the oaked chardonnay and the sweet onion and cheese of that twice bake soufflé were truly magnifique. The fourth course was a divine organic grass fed eye fillet with fresh parsley and sauce au poivre, a great cut of meat, cooked medium rare, it melts in your mouth. The wine of choice Mon Coeur, Syrah, Rhone valley, France. What else would you pair with a steak? The penultimate dish was the fifth course, a classic Macleay st bistro Creme brûlée Served with chateau la caussade Sainte Croix, Bordeaux, France. The perfect end to the meal. When you think you are finished, the staff bring our house made chocolate truffles, rich and beautiful. What a perfect dish to end on. For a meal that is truly special, do make a showing at Mcleay Street Bistro for the weekend lunch offer. A 6 course classic French menu for $90, for matching wine add $75. All items cooked to perfection and served with a great wine pairing. You receive an authentic French Bistro experience, make sure you bring your appetite and enjoy the experience that will have you embracing winter in Sydney with some comfort food and service that is equally comforting. Bon appetite!

Excellent and outstanding food!!! We had the rack of lamb with artichokes and the seared chicken breast with mushrooms and potatoes plus a side leafy salad that was topped off with a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. The food was cooked to perfection!! The service was excellent. We had reservations for the Monopole originally but it had a horrible atmosphere and decided to wing it at this French bistro. We are so happy about our decision. The prices are normal for a French bistro. I need to mention that the service is superb again. The entrance is awkward because you have to enter the restaurant to ask for seating. Don't be shy and just go in. By the way, we enjoyed Profiteroles with ice cream and hot chocolate sauce for dessert.

No Stars! I couldn't post without at least one star. What a f**king disappointment!! Every time my partner and I visit, I always order the same dish - steak tartare. The moment the dish set down in front of me, I knew the restaurant had lost my patronage. Was told the portion was 200grams. BULLSHIT! Tiny, tiny portion at $39. I felt f**king insulted. We looked around and most tables were empty. We finished our meal and asked for the bill. The bill had a more expensive wine added. Seriously?! The lone waiter adjusted the bill to correct pricing. We will NEVER return again.

This is an institution in Potts Point and the new owners have really breathed new life into it(Breakfast on the weekends) The menu is still fantastic. Classic. Brilliant atmosphere. Intimate. Romantic.

Amazing 6 course meal celebrating their 36 years classics. I have tried many steak tartare, even in Paris and theirs is definitely the best I have had. I loved escargot and most I had are drizzled with garlic butter. Theirs has a creamy based sauce and was divine....wish I lived here!!

I just walked in to make a reservation, and the host ignored me for over 5 minutes while he finished chit-chatting with a mate. He literally made eye contact with me, and just continued on finishing his conversation. Rude as. I walked out. No reso.

I small quiet place, which aspires to making French fare. I had the french onion soup and coq au vin which was a good effort for French fare outside of France which is my barometer. Worth a try if you want a change. The french wine by the glass was great. A good experience.

My friend and I went there for dinner on 18 April 2015. The restaurant was somehow empty and it's clear that there were available tables. We walked in and asked a table for two. The SNOOTY waiter said everything's fully booked without even bothering to check with the maitre d' inside! So I've decided to ring the restaurant and double checked if this was the case. The guy on the phone said - 'Yes sir we have a few available tables outside'. So we went back about 2 mins after the call to find our table. The same SNOOTY waiter welcomed us and clearly trying to make excuse that 'he thought we had no reservation so he said it was fully booked.' I said, 'yes, we didn't and in fact I did make a reservation over the phone just two minutes after you refused us!' - What's this jibber jabber about? There is nothing as infuriating as having denied of something, pretend that it didn't happen and then make excuse about it (after attempting to blame other people). I can understand that in some restaurants that one can experience a 'sewage' quality of service but the food is 'to die for'. In this case, the quality of food kept up with the poor service. It was a bit average and very expensive for the value one would get! I've been to many restaurants (even Michelin star ones) and I wouldn't even consider the food a 'restaurant quality'. Perhaps if one would like to enjoy an occasional pretentious night eating pub food - yes, I'd recommend this place. Overall, the customer experience (both service and food) was very poor! I hope this comment gets properly escalated to the owner. At the end of the day, it's all about continuous improvement!