Macleay St Bistro is a unique French restaurant in the heart of Potts Point, Sydney. It is one of the area’s oldest food institutions celebrating FOURTY years in operation this year, no small feat in the very competitive Sydney food landscape.
The menu here is overseen by Chef Callum Brewin who’s working experience includes a stint at Pied à Terre, a Michelin star fine dining restaurant. I recently visited this Potts Point local favorite and here’s what I had.
Appetisers and Entrees
- Sydney rock oysters with Lemon & mignonette sauce – The oysters were a pleasant way to open the meal, serving as a great palate cleanser with its brininess.
- Chicken liver parfait confiture de figues & red onion confit – Macleay St Bistro’s rendition of chicken liver parfait has a smooth creaminess paired perfectly with the gherkin and confit
- Garlic prawns chili bisque – This creamy bisque was delicious!
- Twice-baked French onion souffle with truffle butter & petit baguette – the picture says it all, it doesn’t get more indulgent than this
- Steak Tartare – I have always been apprehensive about trying raw beef but I have to say this was the highlight of the entrees for me, it is surprisingly bursting with flavours
- Pan-seared scallops – served with cauliflower puree & hazelnut butter, you cant go wrong with fresh scallops really
Mains
- Organic grass-fed chateaubriand with bearnaise sauce, chunky potatoes & green beans for two – the meat was medium rare, tender and juicy. Highly recommend you soak up your piece in the sauce prior to eating.
- Pan rendered fillet of duck breast with peaches, Eschallots & Armagnac Jus – While I really enjoyed the beef this was my favortite main dish; the duck was juicy and tender, the peaches gave it just that right amount of sweetness.
- Traditional Beef Bourguignon with Paris Mash – Macleay St Bistro’s take on beef bourguignon is a hearty rendition with tender braised beef pieces. A very hearty and comforting dish
Desserts
- Classic Macleay St Bistro Creme brulee – The custard is smooth and not overly sweet, you will get that proper crack of the sugar surface when you dig in, a sign of a well made creme brulee
- Profiteroles a la Creme de Vanille with Warner chocolate sauce – the pastry is light and crisp, and the puffs are filled with a generous serving of custard, what more could you want?
Final Verdict
Overall, Macleay St Bistro is a great spot if you’re craving some authentic French fare. The service is friendly and warm, the staff is extremely knowledgeable about their menu (we were served by the extremely charismatic Stefano Conti). This Macleay St Bistro experience has only made me look forward to my next visit.
Restaurant: Macleay St Bistro
Location: 73A Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Menu and Online Bookings – https://macleaystbistro.com.au
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