Manu Feildel opens the family vault to bring guests his versions of French classics like braised baby leeks with truffle gribiche dressing, double baked Comté cheese soufflé. Housed in Rozelle’s historic Red Lion Hotel, the nearly-200 year old pub has been elegantly refurbished to retain its vintage charm, perfectly matching Feildel’s comforting bistro fare. 726 Darling St, Rozelle; redlionrozelle.com.au.

There’s no degustation at chef Dan Pepperell’s Bistrot 916, just a one-page a la carte menu of everyday French dishes, sans the cheesy cliches. All the mains are variations on the steak frites form, with duck, mushroom and seafood versions to choose from. In keeping with the bistro theme, the former Lotus 2.0 site has been given a modest makeover of black walls, dark timber panelling and clothed, candlelit tables; the perfect cloak of darkness for a romantic date. 22 Challis Ave, Potts Point; bistrot916.com.

It’s hard to imagine Sydney without the subterranean French kiss that is Hubert. A restaurant we needed that captures the very essence of the restaurant ideal where friends congregate to relax the shoulders, bend the arm and pull on a bib at the communal table; and it’s ok to swing from the rafters. Well, perhaps not, but they expect you to loosen the tie and have fun. 15 Bligh Street, Sydney; swillhouse.com/venues/restaurant-hubert.

If you’re after lunch with a slightly French accent, Clam Bar in the CBD is a must. In the coveted 44 Bridge Street space, Clam Bar is the third venue by hospitality guns Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Mikey Clift (as well as Pellegrino 2000 and Bistrot 916). The Clam Bar menu is a bit all over the shop, with flavours from Japan, the US, South America and, of course, France. As such, next to your steak tartare and crudite, you’ll find empanada or a Barnsley chop. 44 Bridge Street, Sydney clambarsydney.com.

Expect fuss-free French fare with a focus on nose-to-curly-tail cooking at Porcine, owned and run by renowned chefs Nik Hill, from Woolloomooloo’s Old Fitzroy Hotel, and Harry Levy, from ex-Italian diner Don Peppino’s. The former Micky’s site has been transformed thanks to a coat of fresh paint and an array of gilded antique fixtures, turning the grungy Oxford St cafe into a postcard-perfect Parisian bistro. 268 Oxford St, Paddington; porcine.com.au.

Part French wine bar, part Mediterranean grill, Le Foote is one the crown jewel of the Swillhouse crew. It’s a little less traditional than big brother venue, Restaurant Hubert, but the DNA is distinctly French. Endive is doused in chardonnay vinegar, the sausage is less ‘duck’ and more canard and potato is served en croute. Housed in one of the Rocks’ most beloved pubs, the heritage-listed building was established in 1838 and still has all the rustic charm you could want. 101 George Street, The Rocks swillhouse.com/venues/le-foote.

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 brasserie is the centrepiece of a new drinking and dining precinct by Etymon Projects (the same group behind Loulou Bistro & Boulangerie across the Bridge), so, it’s no wonder that although the doors have only been open for five days when we visit, the whole experience feels so comfortably, splendidly worn in. There’s a wine bar, all-day diner and basement speak-easy for late night drinks, and of course, the grand brasserie. 66 King Street, Sydney thecharles.sydney.

From the dark curved-back chairs to the white subway tiles and cute little table lamps, this beautiful inner-city offering from Merivale looks like it has been plucked directly from a Parisian side street. But it is the food that seals the deal. Head chef Mike Flood focuses on fresh produce and French classics, from tartare de boeuf to chicken liver pate, gruyee souffle and minute steak au poivre. Seafood lovers have all the fresh prawns, oysters, lobsters and Moreton Bay bugs they could wish for, while desserts include tarte tatin for two and profiteroles (of course!). Wash it down with a tasty drop from the carefully curated wine list by Franck Moreau, Merivale’s master sommelier, and you have everything you need for a truly French experience, bar the Eiffel Tower. 2 Ash St, Sydney; merivale.com.

With an ethos of welcoming people with open hands and open minds, it’s no surprise that the warmth of this Potts Point favourite embraces you from the moment you arrive at the door. “Our common language is food,” Franca Brasserie declares on its website – a statement that speaks to the heart of anyone with a love of inventive contemporary cuisine. Shop 2/81 Macleay St, Potts Point; francabrasserie.com.au.

Loulou seems designed to cover all our French cravings. The design is a perfect mimicry of a Paris bistro: light-wood tables, bentwood chairs, marble tops, black-and-white tiles in the corridors. The menu requires great deliberation; from crudités to caviar, steak tartare to chicken liver parfait – and with warm brioche! – how to choose? 61 Lavender Bay Road, Milsons Point; loulou.sydney.

Bistro Moncur has been open for more than 30 years, providing classic French fare created with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, and a concise wine list of hand-picked French and Australian wines. The secret to success? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Consistently friendly service, elegant French classics, and one of the most visually striking dining rooms in Sydney make Bistro Moncur a generational favourite. 116A Queen St, Woollahra; bistromoncur.com.au.

The casual neighbourhood bistro is the sort of place you might find in the 10th arrondissement in Paris. Hoist yourself on to a stool around one of the marble tables in the elegant bar adjacent to the bistro where a few sips of the croissant-washed martini will help make your evening one of high spirits. The aperitif is made using Four Pillars Gin and has a buttery texture with hints of vanilla, allspice and cinnamon. 599 Darling St, Rozelle; chezblue.com.au.