Little Jean

Double Bay has had a little makeover, and riding on the coattails of the impressive InterContinental Hotel, is Little Jean. Tucked away on the fringe of a shopping mall and a construction site, it’s not in the prettiest of spots, but amazingly, once you step inside, you’re welcomed into a relaxed and streamlined space. It’s like a first-class airport lounge, so keep it classy with freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters ($20/6) and glasses of Prosecco ($9.50) from Victoria’s High Country. The café (bistro by night) is by the guys behind the Golden Sheaf’s bistro and showcases seasonal, sustainable produce to the nautically clad families of the east. The Bruschetta ($16) with house-cured salmon is fresh and filling DIY job with just the right amount of tart radish, fennel and capers. The Steak Frites ($28) are Frenchy and chic like the clientele, but uses an Aussie “butcher’s cut” sirloin and comes smothered in maître d’hotel butter. On the lighter side, and my personal standout, is the Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) balancing a creamy and nutty tahini and yoghurt dressing. For something sweet there’s a selection of house-baked pastries. It’s so hard to be faithful to just one – go on, double your pleasure, double your fun.

Little Jean
1 Kiaora Road, Double Bay
Ph: (02) 9328 0201 littlejean.com.au
Modern Australian, Café $$