Sydney Restaurateur Andrew Becher has confirmed he will open the doors to his third restaurant this April.
Taking the place of Toko on Crown Street in Surry Hills — which relocated to the CBD in 2022 after 15 years — Armorica joins Becher’s fine-dining portfolio which currently spans Franca and Parlar.
The 150-seater is the latest addition to the city’s growing presence of French-inspired brasseries, with Armorica set to hone in on foundational dishes served in a luxe environment.
“Armorica is a Parisian brasserie that embraces the timeless charm of classic French dining,” says Becher. “We want to bring the fun, energy and excitement of dining in the City of Lights right here on Crown Street.”
Franca and Parlar Executive Chef Jose Saulog is also heading up the culinary offering at Armorica, and will take full advantage of a Josper wood-fired grill.
The menu will be broken down into small plates and larger options to share as well as a section dedicated to steak frites that will see meat sourced from Australia’s finest producers.
Teaser dishes include coral trout crudo with finger lime, foie gras torchon and a seafood tower with oysters, prawn cocktail, octopus roulade and lobster.
Group Executive Pastry Chef Travin DeHoedt says he will take inspiration from seasonal ingredients when it comes to the dessert offering as well as France’s most iconic sweet treats.
“Simplicity is the focus, letting the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves,” he says. “Think imported Valrhona chocolate, alongside native Australian produce in a modernised approach to classic French desserts.”
The beverage list will skew towards wine, with more than 400 drops sitting alongside a cocktail program set to reflect drinks you’d come across in Paris.
Becher has collaborated with Steel and Stich and Contempo and Co on the fitout of the space, which features timber ceilings, handcrafted European oak joinery, brass gantries and leather banquettes throughout.
Armorica will open from 21 April for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and lunch Friday to Sunday.