Element Bistro

I felt like an impostor sneaking into the city under the cover of darkness to dine in this restaurant; by day full of the legal profession, but by night a warm, intimate, well-priced little bistro. Suit world has left an impression on the menu, which is written in English and quite accessible, so even diners who find French food forbidding will find familiarity in dishes like Corned Beef with roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Parsley and Mustard Sauce ($27). Matthew Barnett’s cuisine is the perfect foil to a winter night ‘ start with a hearty bowl of French Onion Soup ($16), then move on to perfectly rendered Confit Duck with Seared Scallops on a bed of savoy cabbage, with lardons and veal jus ($29). For a lighter choice, start with the best incarnation of a stuffed Zucchini Flower ($6/each) I’ve tried to date ‘ prawn and sauce Vierge. Gloria Gonzales (who put together the surprisingly affordable wine list) is perfect on the floor ‘ warm, hospitable, and eager to please. As I commented on the warmth of the place for solo diners, she offered to sit down with anyone who felt lonely! It’s good ‘ right down to the Crème Brûlée ($13) and the complimentary baguette pieces with Lescure butter.

Element Bistro
163 King Street, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9231 0013
French $$$