Bistro Papillon in Sydney

The best French Restaurant in Sydney. Constantly delicious food from Ludo s kitchen and a great wine list. Very personal service from Xav and the staff in the front of house. You ll find all the greats of French cuisine on the menu. Book ahead as they re always busy in this intimate space.

Best food

Loved it, delicious French food and great service. Great spot for lunch in the cbd.

Fantastic food and service. Highly recommended.

Really nice cosy place with great food.

Fabulous little restaurant.

Very nice food with French flavours.

First class friendly service, food, and atmosphere. We ve been to Bistro Papillon many times and it never disappoints. Our favourite French restaurant in Sydney. Lose yourself in an authentic Parisian dining experience.

Wonderful as always. Best French food in Sydney by a mile!

Absolutely fantastic spot for dinner, small and amazing restaurant. I am recommended to all my friends who work nearby as a great after work wine and dinner spot

Great and authentic food, perfect service. It would be a great restaurant in France too ! Food

This is my all time favourite restaurant in the City of Sydney. Service is very friendly and efficient. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff really care that you have a wonderful time. The atmosphere is outstanding. If you turn your back to Castlereagh St and face into the restaurant you would think you were in a Paris bistro. Highly, highly recommended ! Wheelchair accessibility: Level access from footpath

The restaraunt was recommended by my French daughter in law as her favourite authentic cuisine franchise and we were delighted by tout ce que nous avons mangé. Cétait delicious, merci beaucoup.

Bistro Papillon is one of our favourite restaurants. The food, wine, service and atmosphere is always amazing. We have been coming here for years and we are never disappointed. We feel like we are in a little bistro in Paris. The staff are very helpful. It is a lovely relaxed atmosphere and the food is delicious. They also have a very good beverage list. We will be back.

Its heartbreaking to leave this review, so as Bistro Papillon used to be one of my favourite places in Sydney from 2013! First time ever I didnt feel welcomed to this place. I faced this new rule when you cant order starters, then the main dish, but need to place the full order at ones. This resulted significant delay for the entree to arrive and unfortunately my 3yo boy fall asleep before escargos arrived. When I asked if we could change a table to sit on the sofa, so my son can lie down there and I could eat (he was sleeping in my hands) i was told that they are a small business and they may need that table for walk-ins. (NOTE: two table were available the time i asked one for 2ppl and another one for 4ppl and one of them stayed empty even after we left). I had birthday that exactly day and I mentioned that in my table reservation, however when we ordered desserts, candle wasnt there. Birthday girl next to us, got a candle and a birthday song. Obligation to pay min $70 pp deposit during reservation was very uncomfortable too. (PS we spent over $200 for 2ppl) Overall restaurant didnt look that busy this time, and the vibes were not there, could barely hear the music, waiterest was cold with her communication. So pity to have this experience! I used to come here with my close friends for special occasions and always with my parents, when they were visiting Sydney. It is said that the priority and care goes to potential walk-ins, rather than to existing customers - interesting way to grow business. They definitely lost existing, used be loyal, customers.

Our favourite go to French bistro in Sydney. Gorgeous flavours and a lovely atmosphere.

Food was good as was the atmosphere. But the minimum spend of $70pp is outrageous. The serving staff appeared quite arrogant, plus they spilled drink on me. Definitely put a downer on the night.

We ve been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Love everything about this fabulous, authentic French bistro.

First time trying French cuisine and it was absolutely amazing - the lovely selection of wines and delicious menu offerings and could not leave without having the Creme Brulee(a must have ). Highly recommend and it is now our go to place for authentic French food when were in Sydney...thanks to the team, you all were fantastic

Nice food. Good service. One of the more accessible takes on French quisine that Ive experienced

We had the most wonderful evening. The food, service, everything was first class. Thank you for making it so special.

Proper French food, service and atmosphere. Great value of money. Best to reserve

A great evening to celebrate a birthday, with delicious food and wine. Escargots and Steak frites! What could be better! Vegetarian options: A choice of vegetarian options too

This is a delightful French bistro. Walk into Bistro Papillon and you re already in France. Delicious food, great atmosphere (owner operated, not some ghastly corporate / celebrity chef place) and excellent / unimposing service. Have eaten at this bistro about five times and always keen to return.

Been to restaurant a number of times,last time around 6 yrs ago as I have moved interstate

Food: authentic and delicious. I had the southern style lamb casserole and my friend the beef bourginon, washed down with a bottle of excellent gamay Service: Efficient, friendly and unobtrusive Atmosphere: relaxed bistro-style with fun French posters on the wall Overall, a great place for a business lunch

One of the best experiences we have had. The food, service and atmosphere were superb. We will be back. Vegetarian options: There were vegetarian options but this is really a carnivores experience Dietary restrictions: Nothing to add Parking: This is in the Sydney CBD - very accessible by public transport Kid-friendliness: Not sure if this would suit younger children - our 16 and 14 year olds loved the restaurant Wheelchair accessibility: Can not really comment

OMG what a fabulous little gem in the heart of Sydney! It s an absolute must! Had the Lapin (rabbit) and it was just sooooooo delicious! Given how many rabbits we have in Australia this should be on the menu everywhere! And the vol au vant is up there too! It s a definite must try from me! We will be lack to work our way through this exquisite menu for sure

A wonderful traditional French restaurant. Took me back to France. This is now my go-to.

Typical Parisian restaurant ambiance combined with a delicious menu, excellent wines and great service.

A beautiful little find in Sydney. Looks, feels and tatses just like being in Paris. Amazing service, great food and lovely wine. Highly recommend.

The steak and veal kidneys were fantastic, the red wine great and the service delivered by the young French guy with the lovely smile was warm. We would highly recommend Papillon. Thanks again for a great meal.

Finally a true French bistro with a rustic/authentic and tasty cuisine ! All the classics are here, I highly recommend that cosy and nice restaurant Food

Once again, Bistro Papillon provided an exemplary experience. The food is simply the best. I was a little concerned as they have changed the sauce in the mussels and had an addition of curry. It was sublime. I have never had mussels this good, ever. Thank you so much. Just keep doing what you are doing. The atmosphere is loud but stimulating. If you want a quiet, intimate meal, best try somewhere else. Five stars for me.

Been to a few French restaurants in Australia but this is the real deal!..Best authentic French cuisine..great intimate atmosphere & super staff...what a find!

Best French Onion Soup in town!

The french onion soup was to die. Husband said the duck confit was a little dry :( The mussels were so fresh and really tasty but I was a little put-off by the taste of good ol Clives curry powder in the broth (it was distracting). The service was good and the decorations are sexy. I like that this is a small restaurant with nice vibes. Will come back!

A rustic French bistro in the middle of the Sydney CBD that was almost packed on Tuesday night. Good food for a decent price. Small wine selection but the bottle we chose was delicious despite being the entry level one.

As always, delicious food and friendly staff. Wonderful!

Such a disappointing experience after having relatively high expectations about this place. Location is great, cute fit-out and cozy atmosphere. The food was very average. The worst part was our waitress, who was extremely rude and every simple request (e.g. a third plate for bread for the third person as there were three of us but only two of us got a plate) was met with discontent and things were literally thrown onto our table. Unfortunately, even excellent service from a male waiter who helped us with wines at the start did not help. Will definitely not be back and won t recommend this please to others, there are a few great french places in Sydney that serve delicious food and go out of their way to ensure pleasant experience for their patrons.

Pure indulgence and hands down one of Sydneys best-kept secrets! We recently had the pleasure of dining at Bistro Papillon once again, and it was nothing short of an extraordinary experience (again)! The intimate, stylish yet warm atmosphere made us feel as though we had been whisked away to a bistro in the heart of France. Everything on the menu is truly authentically French and it s hard to choose because everything sounds divine! The chef and his team are true culinary maters! Every dish we ve tried was simply exceptional. From the Tarte Flambée Alsacienne as a starter (such a special treat!) to the divine Moules et Frites, or any of their other incredible meat, cheese or fish dishes we ve tried, everything is mouthwateringly delicious! The wine list is as well curated as the food. As a born Euro myself, I felt catapulted into the magnificent and sometimes naughty French cuisine we all dream of. The service was flawless, with attentive staff who were both incredibly charming and knowledgeable. This incredible place in the heart of Sydney is a must for lovers of French cuisine or anyone who appreciates beautiful food. Whether you re sharing great moments with a special loved one or for a day/night out with friends, business lunches or with family, Bistro Papillon is the perfect companion for an extended late lunch or dinner. We cant wait to return and explore more of their exceptional menu!

Excellent experience. Going to Bistro Papillon feels like youve just travelled from Sydney CBD hustle to Alsace region in a blink of eyes. My French partner and I love to go there to celebrate special occasions. Food is divine and authentic, waiters make us feel at home. Definitely recommend it (Ps: they have Picon!!)

Delicious and varied menu, suiting a variety of palettes, friendly and timely service and an atmosphere that is not too loud, nor to quiet, its just right.

Magnifique. That s why we keep going back

Delicious French food and wine in a charming, cozy, atmospheric restaurant. Excellent service from beginning to end. We had the baguette and butter, oysters, mussels, and beef tartare to start, then a couple of Le Colonel (a delightful palette cleanser) before our mains of beef bourguignon and duck confit. All capped off with a wonderful crème brûlée and Calvados Dupont digestif. We enjoyed every bite and sip. If you want to experience French classics in the heart of Sydney, come here - you won t be disappointed!

Heres a review you could use: I recently dined at this charming little French bistro in Sydney, and it was an absolute delight! The food was delicious, with every dish beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor. The staff were not only very nice but also impressively efficient, ensuring that everything ran smoothly throughout the meal. However, the real highlight was the desserts simply spectacular! They were the perfect end to a wonderful dining experience. If youre in Sydney and looking for a place with great food and outstanding service, I highly recommend this bistro!

Fabulous little French restaurant that always delivers great food service wine and ambience

Small little French restaurant with great and varied food choices ! Authentic French food that comes really quickly

Love coming here. The food and the service are always outstanding

Probably one of the best steaks and crème brûlée ive had in a while and the mushroom sauce was made from heaven

dont hesitate, the food is great, the staff is great very good FRENCH restaurant in Sydney

The last time we were here was 2012 and everything is still as good!!

Love, Love, Love this is my favourite restaurant. This was my third birthday celebration there and I had a wonderful time.

Really atmospheric restaurant with great food, wine and service! Really enjoyed it and will definitely be back!

Having been coming here for years and it never disappoints. We have never had a bad dish and the service is always first class

I celebrated my birthday with friends at the Bistro this weekend, and had the MOST wonderful evening. You were all so attentive, kind and patient with our table, and most importantly, the food was just delicious. We all left with full tummies and happy hearts, with many of my friends saying they wanted to return with their husbands. I know I would love to head back and try out more on the menu soon! Thanks so much for making it a lovely evening for me - A bientot!

A beautiful restaurant with gorgeous food. A fantastic example of French cuisine and I always thoroughly enjoy my visits. A must do!

Wonderful food and great service in an intimate setting.

We have a great time at Bistro Papillon every time we go.

Always a pleasure to dine at Bistro Papillon

On our Sydney weekend away from responsibility I wanted to treat my beautiful wife to some French Cuisine and Bistro Papillon delivered wonderfully. We were welcomed with a happy bien venue into a fabulous cosy and comfy vibe. The Bastille Day menu, service and hospitality were everything we wish for in a special night out together. Don t think, just book.

Great day on Bastille Day

Another fabulous meal! Classics done well, and perfect ambience. Thanks Bistro Papillon for a really enjoyable evening.

My sister and I had a truly lovely experience at Bistto Papillon. The food was comforting and authentically French which we adored...having both spent much time in France. Service was great...fun and attentive. Great list of French wines. Atmosphere was fabulous on a cold night in Sydney. Very cosy and intimate. Can thoroughly recommend.

Great French restaurant in Sydney.

Just not what it used to be.

Weve been coming here for eleven years and we hope for many years more. Love the food and service.

We loved! Perfect place for a romantic dinner.

A great little French Bistro in Sydneys CBD. Classic dishes done to perfection and a nice tight wine list. Definitely be back. Highly recommended.

Love this place!

Wait staff were very warm and welcoming. Easily convinced us to try different things and were very attentive and personable. Vegetarian options: Didn t enquire Dietary restrictions: Didn t enquire Parking: Didn t need any, but also didn t see any lot outside the building. Kid-friendliness: It s an adult space, both in clientele and decor :) Wheelchair accessibility: Considering how cozy the space is, I would call ahead so that plans could be made.

Always amazing! Best French in Sydney

Lovely quaint place with yummy food and very generous portions.

The food and service were excellent. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, just like an old European bistro/restaurant.

So good on Saturday night that we have booked again for our last meal in Sydney before flying home. NUF said! And second time round was again superb. Un petit coin de la France a Sydney. Magnifique!

One of the best French restaurants you will find in Sydney, authentic food, service, ambiance. We go here as a couple for our milestones or as a special above our other special places. Shhh Don t tell anyone, it s only little

Made a booking a few days in advance around 5:45pm but I kindly requested whether it is possible to accommodate 6:30pm instead and they confirmed it was fine. Upon arrival the night of the booking at 6:30pm (though my colleague was 10mins late), we ordered the beef tartare which was bland, the duck was dry and tough, and the beef was unappetising. As we left, the busboy decides to have the last word and says in his sarcastic tone, next time, be on time. Cant help to laugh, cringe and wonder whether he even listens to himself. If the restaurant disagreed on me coming at 6:30pm, then they shouldve said no. Not hard.... But safe to say, there wont be a next time. I usually leave a very generous tip for restaurants when it comes up as a option on the eftpos terminal when it is time to pay the bill, I am just so relieved I dismissed it for Bistro Papillon.

A little quiet when we were there but the food and service are excellent. We had the onion soup, vol au vent with spätzle, and risotto.

On a spur of the moment lunch, I decided we should dine at a French restaurant, well we found Bistro Papillon perfect in every way. My husband and I had the most wonderful lunch in this lovely French restaurant tucked away in the city a couple of weeks ago. We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience, and the food was perfect in every way. The food was fresh and a traditional French style with a subtle modern twist. The staff were attentive and friendly, and we look forward to dining again soon!

Friday relaxed lunch for two. All perfect including delicious onion soup, pork rillettes, steak frites, sublime lamb casserole, creme brûlée and apple tart accompanied by a nice Cotes du Rhone. Efficient service with a smile. Nice atmosphere. About $90 each for 3 courses plus wine. Thank you to the Papillon team.

A very romantic little French restaurant. The dishes are quite delicious and cute.

Just excellent, atmosphere, meals, service,... everything was like home. I recommend a thousand times!! Just excellent, the atmosphere, the meal, the service... everything felt like home. I highly recommend it a thousand times!!

Third visit here in just over 12 months. A much sought after venue, with two evening sittings. Menu is traditionally French with a varied by the glass wine list , as well as old favourites by the bottle. Our meals were delicious, the duck rillette a standout. Service is spot on, attentive and the wait staff are always anxious to share the delights of their dessert menu The serving staff keep a sharp eye on glasses ( full or empty ) and get through the 2.5 hours before the next sitting with plenty to spare. The room can get a bit noisy sometimes , and a phone light often needed to read the menu, but overall a delightful dining experience. We shall return again

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Sydney. It is a classic French Bistro where you could pick any dish off the menu, and then say that you picked the best meal. The wine list is not extensive, but every wine that is on it is well selected and a great example of style. An essential for every order is the Le Colonel. This is a lemon and lime sorbet with vodka added to it when served at the table. By the time that they have explained that you tell them when to stop pouring, they have already filled each glass to the brim. Classic Bistro Papillon service. If you take the early sitting (5.45pm), they will give you a friendly reminder about the time as their second sitting starts at 8.15pm. It isnt a case of trying to push you out the door, but they want to make sure you still have the perfect dining experience. On one occassion we arrived about 15 minutes late, and while we were having mains we were reminded of the time, and it was so that they could place a dessert order if we wanted it, so that we could enjoy that without time pressure. It is a charming restaurant, with excellent food, and service to match. They have the balance of professional whilst friendly mastered to an art. Reservations are a must, as the numbers are limited. Having said that, you are not crammed in and your conversations and experiences remain very private. A must for every person dining out in Sydney to experience. Once you do, I expect that like me, you will become on of the many regulars.

As always the food was delicious ,see you again at my birthday

The food was extraordinary!! I felt I was home in my French family s kitchen. So tasty!! And the service and vibe were perfect!! Thank you so much! Merci beaucoup!!

My wife and I dined there recently for our anniversary and it was superb. Beautiful food, lovely ambience and friendly service. The bisque de fruits de mer was a stand out. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend.

Lovely environment, gorgeous food.

Food was fresh and traditional French style with a modern twist. Will definitely go back.

Lovely authentically French restaurant in the heart of the city. Great food, wine list and atmosphere with friendly staff.

Always great to visit this hidden gem in Sydneys CBD, it is my favourite place for lunch. If you want a great meal, great service and a little bit of Paris do you self a favour and visit! I normally drop in for a business lunch but yesterday treated my son to a meal there during school holidays! He loved the whole experience. Big thanks to our amazing waitress who looked after us so well!!

Best experience & food, maybe ever! This gets 11 out of 10. Worth every penny. Definitely try a little of everything.

A truly wonderful night out.The food was delicious.The sauce with the duck was amazing Excellent service also.We will certainly be back Food

I must say the main dishes were truly terrible. My steak was so dry and bland, the beef meat was not firm. It was very loose and tasted not fresh. I can t believe this quality would cost me $65. And the French fries was average, I can t see anything special compared to McDonald s. My partner s rabbit pasta was also awful. It just tasted strange, and the pasta was very hard. I feel like the chef doesn t know much about how to control heat and fire when cooking. Speaking of entrees, the snails was also quite average. The duck paste was great for my first bite, the orange puree was great tho, love the layered flavours. Probably the best dish on today s table is the green salad, very fresh, crispy and juicy. The customer service was also average. This place has minimum cost which is $70 per person, so I would expect for a very nice and delicious meal for our anniversary. Unfortunately, the result as you can see, just not as what we expected. It s so sad and disappointing for me to choose this place to celebrate our anniversary. Shame :(

During a stop in Australia for work, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon Bistro Papillon while wandering through the streets of Sydney. Being French and accustomed to the fine cuisine of my homeland, the place piqued my curiosity. So, I gave in to the temptation of lamb leg, beef bourguignon, and other culinary specialties from my country. And I must say, I was more than pleasantly surprised. The welcome from Benoit and Amandine was excellent and warm, not to mention that fabulous accent that couldnt be hidden even with all the effort in the world (typical French). But where Bistro Papillon truly excels is behind the stoves, with uncompromising traditional cuisine that richly evokes the French terroir. The dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious, with a superb balance. Whether its the lamb leg jus, the depth of the bourguignon sauce, or a simple ratatouille, for me, its flawless. Ill skip over the wine list, which offers excellent vintages at reasonable prices, and desserts like a real crème brûlée and I insist on the real. In short, if youre looking for the atmosphere of a French bistro with a team whose accent will not disappoint you, and offering a truly traditional table, step through the door of Bistro Papillon and let time slip away over a good glass of wine and a dish that will remind you that eating is a moment to be savored. ************ During a stop in Australia as part of my work, what was my surprise to come face to face with the Bistro Papillon while strolling through the streets of Sydney. Being French and accustomed to good cuisine back home, the place piqued my curiosity. So I gave in to the call of leg of lamb, beef bourguignon and other culinary specialties from my country. And I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. The welcome from Benoit and Amandine was excellent and warm, not to mention this fabulous accent that we could not hide even with all the efforts in the world (sacred French). But where Bistro Papillon excels is behind the stove, with uncompromising traditional cuisine that exudes the French terroir. The plates are as beautiful as they are delicious, with superb balance. Whether its the juice from the leg of lamb, the base of the Burgundy sauce, or a simple ratatouille, its flawless for me. Ill give you the wine list which offers excellent wines at reasonable prices and desserts such as a real crème brûlée, and I insist on real. In short, if you are looking for a French bistro atmosphere with a team whose accent cannot deceive you and offering a truly traditional table, go through the door of Bistro Papillon and let time pass over a good glass of wine and a dish that will remind you that eating is a moment to be enjoyed.

A wonderful experience. Great job recreating the food of France not a Parisian tourist trap but like the hearty food of real France! Visiting Sydney but I will make this a MUST STOP the next time I m in town! So rare to find a place like this! Merci beaucoup!

Simple, cozy and authentic. Our go to French restaurant.

A fantastic French restaurant! Romantic and rustic vibe that makes it a perfect restaurant for your date night. The menu had everything you would expect to find on a French menu, including an excellent selection of wine. I had the beef tartare, which was delicious and fresh! The staff were wonderful too! I really appreciate that one of the waitresses let me practice my French with her and responded back in French! 100% recommend and will be back! Complimenti!

Best French food in Sydney and in particular it s not pretentious like a lot of the other places. Great friendly staff and very nice menu with classics done very well and some seasonal variations. Merci!

Well what an amazing experience from the minute you walk in. Service, atmosphere and food absolutely fantastic. Honestly felt like we were in France. A must if you re in Sydney.

This is a small cosy French restaurant. We had the braised rabbit reginette pasta and the smoked pork sausage and lentils. Both were delicious, as were our entrees and dessert. The waitress was friendly and each dish was served promptly.

Fantastic place. Great looking and tasting food, friendly service.

Great French dishes. Staff are super nice and attentive. Top notch French restaurant.

Great experience in the whole dinning time. First time dine in, researched from google map. Thoughtful host, amazing atmosphere, and tasty food. Definitely recommend to those wanna have a french cuisine with a warm atmosphere. Luckily we arrived before 9pm on tuesday night, the last order time shall be around 915pm.

Update 14 February 2024 Romantic restaurant You d have to look far and wide to find a better valentine experience. Kicked off with a glass of champagne and surprise from chef. Had a choice of entree, main and desert. Excellent service, food, atmosphere and experience. The restaurant is perfect for couples as it s long with plenty of tables for two. You won t be disappointed. French and Fancy This French restaurant is the perfect place for a date night. Intimate and romantic settings with plenty of tables for two against walls so you can lean in and get cozy. The decor is stunning with a wall of French inspired pictures candles on tables and soft lighting. Service is excellent but not intrusive, food very good and has variety of drinks including cocktails. The location is easily reach from Wynyard train station. Clean bathrooms. Enjoy this one Love Local Guide- M Just visited again and food absolutely awesome! Vegetarian options: On menu

Expensive, slightly under average French food. For the price, I expected above average, perfected French food but something was always missing in each dish E.g. onion soup had stems of herbs and could have been more punchy, oysters could have been fresher and apple tarte could have retained a bit of crunch. Unfortunately, service was also rushed as there are tight time slots.

We love the service, the ambience and the food is extremely tasty.

Excellent, delicious food. Very prompt and attentive service.

I love this place. I have been here with my wife a couple of times, and it has become a firm favourite. The service is fantastic and the food matches.

Unprofessional and offensive behaviour by staff on arrival.

A gorgeous traditional French bistro (other than a French-inspired local restaurant). The food was authentic and delicious. Highly recommend confit de canard . It s smell so good and the skin is crispy than you expected and the inside is juicy as well.

Best French restaurant in Sydney! Authentic flavours, affordable and super friendly staff. Merci beaucoup!

Sentiment of this butterfly space seems to differ quite a bit between my friends and acquaintances. But personally, the dining experience, accommodated by our men Benoit & Benoit has been enjoyable. The slightly bustling yet still cozy atmosphere wins me from the get go. The entrée section with all its characteristic off-the-top-of-my-head dishes call to me. Seeking to return simply for wine and entrée only light dinner. Even my dinner date for the night, who had never tried French cuisine, felt very comfortable with the menu. The post-entrée palet cleanser offered can quickly become a habit. While les plats de résistance are intriguing, Ive always had the craving for the duck pasta (forgive my misplaced memo s.v.p), so Im not much help there. Wine list isnt unnecessarily extensive, and Ive well smiled at the reds Ive ordered (white not yet attempted). My date and I finished the meal with some coffee and a scoop of each of the 3 ice cream/sorbets on offer (all 3, of course) Looking forward to my next visit.

Beautiful menu, tasty dishes, friendly service. Very (too) noisy like all restaurants in Sydney.

AWFUL STAFF , condescending attitude of the staff, that alone made us flee. what a pity because the menu seemed interesting but this restaurant gives a poor image of France in Sydney. advice to the manager: do not take people for cash cows. RUN AWAY !!!!

Just had Valentines Day dinner at Bistro Papillon. Faultless. I think this may be the best and most authentic French restaurant in Sydney. Both of the French waiters provided effortless friendly yet professional service right throughout the evening. We shared a charcuterie plate which was well portioned and of the highest quality small goods. The accompanying baguette was as fresh and as good as any I ve ever had in Paris. We both had the beef fillet for main course. Medium rare for myself and the often mis-executed blue for my partner. Both were cooked to perfection by chef, and nicely rounded out by the traditional frites and simple salad. Perfection. Dessert was a generously portioned Crème Brûlée for me ..would be big enough to share between 2, and the well thought out cheese platter for my date. We prefer a lighter red, and the beaujolais recommended by the waiter from the wine list ticked all the boxes without being overly expensive. The restaurant itself is perfectly lit and the eclectic decor gives the feeling of being in the heart of Paris. I can highly recommend the bistro to anyone looking for a great night out in the city, with value for money in a great space with perfect food and service. Well done.

An amazing dinner experience. The staff were incredibly friendly and kind, the french cuisine was excellent and the atmosphere of the small, french style restaurant was reminiscent of being in Paris. Will be going back and highly recommend to anyone.

Beautiful dining room with loads of character. No physical menus, everything is via QR codes; call me old fashioned but I like a wine list you can touch and feel Food was good, wine was excellent, service mixed;. Thursday night, not super busy but after 80mins I got the I know you re just finishing your wine but can you please vacate the table which I thought was a bit rough and killed the vibe of the night unfortunately.

Great little French restaurant Food and Service were excellent for our romantic lunch Recommended dishes

Good food and promptly looked after us (even though they were busy) knowing we had to be at a show. Definitely would go back.

Celebrated my partners birthday at Bistro Papillon and we really enjoyed it! The drinks and the food are all absolutely amazing. The waiter was very nice and kind to us, made us feel very welcome. Definitely a great place for french food, highly recommend!

Intimate, cosy French bistro in a little nook of Sydney with friendly staff. The oysters (Les huîtres) were plump & delicious, and the escargots are a must to order - fresh and served in buttery goodness. Bouillabaisse was cooked with super tender barramundi, and mussels. Finally closed off the meal with their crème brûlée - lovely caramel aftertaste to end the night.

I love this restaurant. The food and service are consistently good. Especially love the mushroom risotto! My one recommendation to make the experience better is to discontinue the user of QR codes. This place is too nice for it, and the actual service is lovely. Thank you for a lovely night.

Outstanding experience. Delicious food and fantastic service. Will definitely be back.

Great escargot but that was where it stopped. Really dry and unappetising beef, small dessert for the price we paid. QR code menu.... Min $70pp spend but food was not worth it. Recommend going to Hubert instead. Way nicer atmosphere. Free bread, cheaper and better quality dishes over there.

Great wait staff, top food and some Belgium beer.. perfect long lunch

My favourite French restaurant in Sydney!!! Live everything about it. Food excellent, great service and cute ambiance. Taking me back to France.

Was authentic and we definitely enjoyed the food and the wine. Delicious! Food

Merci mille fois! Our impromptu lunch was awesome - service, vibe , authentic French bistro with amazing food - sublime. This is the real deal. The flash French bistros in Sydney just don t have the same ambience nor attention to cuisine I reckon. These guys are terrific. Merci!!

Perfect place for a romantic dinner.

Had a lovely evening at Bistro Papillon! Service was first class, food is delicious. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back.

Fantastic little French restaurant in the city. Loved the food and the service. Pork medallions were superb.

The food was good and the atmosphere was friendly. It is a very very small but clean restaurant. Very dark, but comfortable. The 2 boys working there were very friendly, attentive and quick. The portions were normal and enough for one person for each food to continue 3 courses. I would have appreciated more if when I called about the parking the day before, instead of telling me : I am not sure , I would have been informed that there are Wilson carparks and Sequre carparks ( underground carparks) on the same street as google did show us just some of the carparks in the streets around and tgey were difficult to find as the city is very difficult to drive and find the way by GPS. The carparks rates are ridiculously expensive specially the brand called Sequre which is mostly a valet parking. Generally a good experience and a good time there. Parking: There are 2-4 underground parkings in the same street and the street around. The parking fees are 20-35 per hour. The valet parkings( the brand name is sequre is ridiculously expensive but there are Wilson car parks too )

A little cramped. Tables closed together. The escargot was tasty. Had an incident where the waiter tried to remove my coat from under the foot of the chair with me still sitting on it, resulting in me falling off and onto the floor. Apart from asking if I was ok, once I managed to get up off the floor, there was no apology from either the waiter or manager!! This marred my entire dining experience. Disappointing as I was really looking forward to this Bastille day dining experience.

This place is a little gem tucked away in the city. Everything was really nice and tasty except for the pork and duck casolette. It was a bit dry and salty for my liking. The drinks were amazingly paired with the food we ordered. I highly recommend the crème brûlée and the steak. It was a 100000/10!! A bit loud for a small restaurant which I understand as we went there for bastille day. The staff are friendly and really looks after you. Overall, i had a great experience and will definitely go back

Food and service was great, they get the food out to you pretty quick :)

Bastille day was fun

The service was excellent, prompt and courteous although upselling we didnt mind and the recommendations were really matching our selection. The food was fresh and tasty. We spent two hours there and really enjoyed it. I recommend the pork dish.

Food was fast but service could improve. Quality of foods were nice with reasonable price. Service wise, when we order, staff has no problem hearing us but when we request for extra cutlery they ignored.. I thought it was mistake but when we ordered extra dishes again they were very attentive but again we asked for some tissue and they couldn t hear us very well and we had to ask few times. We would have ordered dessert if service was better. So we went to other shop for dessert even though we had enough time left for our reservation.

This was a first visit for me. Food was traditional French and serving sizes were good. Extensive selection of wine. Service was very attentive and polite. Liked the atmosphere. Could have just a bit more light for reading menus.

Upscale restaurant, combining delicious dishes with excellent service. Awesome French food: 5/5

Omg i dont even have the word to describe how delicious it was. The food service and atmosphere was so nice it got me into an euphoria mood, it felt like i was high and i never felt that before. I do not even exaggerate, i am French and really picky with my food but i never had such food in Australia, it is a 10/10 Ill highly recommend the place, shout out to the service it was a full show. It is not even pricey for 2 people with a 3 course meal + drinks our bill was only 220$ it is so much worth it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Bistro Papillon. The oysters were delectable, and the steak was sublime. My meal was perfectly complemented with champagne, preeceded by a refreshing vodka and lemon sorbet apéritif.

Top notch french restaurant with such great service! The waiters were fantastic. The food was amazing; definitely worth every penny. I will definitely be going back again and will be recommending it to all my friends.

Un bistro incroyable ! A true French culinary experience with a mix of well know/traditional choices as well as lesser-known dishes from an Australians POV. What makes this place is great quality food, intimate dining experience and genuine french employees. A bientôt bistro Papillon !

Great place and it was full at 5.30pm! The service was excellent and authentically french! The waiters accommodated by poor french, but it made the evening fun! The onion soup was great, but we had the special the cassoulet and it was quite dry and not too much flavour. I think Id visit again and have something else. Also the Profiteroles had ice cream not cream, seemed a little strange not very french... but was nice.

Beautiful intimate location with amazing attentive customer service. Napoleon spritz was refreshing. Bread was delicious when warmed up and dipped with the escargots sauce. The sauce could do with even more garlic in my preference. Oysters were great. Lemon sorbet with vodka palette cleanser was really good too. Tagliatelle pasta was the best, creamy and lemony with dill which paired well the seafood. The steak and frites was good but not amazing. The crème brûlée was good too but not my favourite. Overall recommend this place!!

This cozy bistro oozes good food and atmosphere! Our attentive waiter, Benoit, recommended the Lobster Bisque which impressed my husband and I chose the classic beef bourguignon, tender beef and smooth creamy mash melted in my mouth with every spoonful! Awesome service, accompanied with great food made a memorable evening! Merci Beaucoup.

Friendly and Intimate atmosphere, only a few tables so they take a good care of you. All the staff was French. And the food was authentic.

Our favourite French restaurant in Sydney!

Great atmosphere in the restaurant, dimmed lights, real French personnel. The food was excellent, the service as well. I really enjoyed. It s pricey

The food was great and the staff is very friendly. I had snails for the first time and they were delicious. Will come back for more for sure.

Looking for an authentic French dining experience? Look no further. Amazing food and service!

The food and service are great. The quality of each dish is fantastic. I would recommend to try their beers, very refreshing. Highly recommend to book prior as the venue is small.

Fine traditional French food. These guys are the real deal. I loved everything about this place. Im French and I have struggled to find proper French food in Sydney. Bistro Papillon didnt disappoint!

This place has me feeling like I was in a bistro in France. The French speaking waiter, champagne and all the classics will have you coming back for more. The space and service and warm, we had a palette cleanser of lemon sorbet and vodka! I only wish I left room for dessert. Can t wait to go back.

Epic little spot, food was fantastic

Good selection of wines. Service is excellent! The Beef bourguignon was very nice. We will be back. A small restaurant with lots of character.

Absolutely delightful French restaurant! From the moment you step in, the ambiance sweeps you away to the charming streets of Paris. The atmosphere is enchanting, creating a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Now, lets talk about the food its not just good, its downright delicious and authentically French. I had the pleasure of savoring the fantastic duck, a true culinary masterpiece, and the rabbit was nothing short of amazing. Each bite felt like a journey through French gastronomy. To elevate the experience, I paired my meal with some exquisite red wines. The combination of flavors was beyond perfection, creating a symphony for the taste buds. The attention to detail, the friendly staff, and the overall warmth of the place make it more than just a meal; its a celebration of French cuisine. If youre looking for a culinary escape to Paris without leaving town, this gem of a restaurant is an absolute must-try!

Sometimes when we are far from home we need to rediscover the tastes and smells of our country. At the butterfly bistro I found myself at my grandmothers table!! I have rarely eaten so well French even in France. Everything was perfect, from the presentation to the cooking and the quality of the products. Its difficult to single out one dish from the rest because everything was so perfect. We accompanied all this with a wine recommended by the house and then we touched the stars. You sprinkle it all with impeccable and attentive service with each table in the restaurant and a Roaring Twenties atmosphere without a false note to arrive at this pure moment of happiness. Go eat at the butterfly bistro and you will see that the hardest thing will be not to return there every day.

A wonderful French evening in Sydney! We enjoyed ourselves in a cozy atmosphere with top-notch service! Thank you I recommend 100%!

Our close friends got married and held their small and intimate wedding dinner there. The food and staff were amazing. We had the whole place to ourselves. Its small but had the right vibe to it. Would go back

Classic French fare - a great long lunch to be had

A petite bistro serving traditional french dishes. Warm and inviting with parisian decoration filled with old posters and photos creating the french theme. Food is delicieux enough to satisfy any Francophile. Service is commendable despite a packed lunch crowd. Reservations are highly recommended. Bon appétit!

My favorite French restaurant hhh

NOT RECOMMENDED. We made the reservation online for Thursday and we realized we made a mistake on the date. We called immediately after the reservation to move it to Friday. Over the phone, the lady told us it s okie. We showed up on Friday night and we were told that the reservation should be on line, even the lady got the phone calls, and she even come out said she remembered the phone call, they still charged us in full for no show (we showed up on time) and we can t have a table. This is a restaurant I will never return, and I will share this story to our friends and families. If you run a hospitality business you better learn how to provide customer service. Never experience restaurant can t provide service over the telephone, even with Michelin 3 star restaurants. There are way better French restaurants in Sydney with better food and BETTER Service.

My experience at Bistro Papillon wasn t in line with my expectations based on other peoples reviews. In fact, I found the food to be rather disappointing. For entree we had the onion soup which was bland and I found it odd that the cheese croutons were served separately from the actual soup. The chicken liver parfait was again quite bland and lacking flavour. The beef tartare though was very nice and the only dish I actually enjoyed on the night. For mains we had the steak which was nicely cooked however bland and lacking seasoning. The beef bourguignon was fork tender but again lacking seasoning. For dessert the creme brûlée was ok and the profiteroles looked nice but was underwhelming. The service though was good if a little too quick (the food was served so quickly that we were in and out of the restaurant in less than an hour).

How it took me so long before finding this place I am not sure. One of the best restaurants in Sydney. The food was Devine and the service second to none. Would highly recommend this place to anyone. The French onion soup was the best I have ever had, the snails delicious, and the boeuf bourguignon mouthwatering and the desert to die for. Add the amazing service and vodka pallet cleanser, and the desert wine from a small village in France, you have the perfect dining experience. Thank you so much. We will be back!!

The food was ok, nothing exceptional and over priced. Service too attentive, barely time to swallow your last mouthful and the dishes were being whipped away. Food came out far too quickly as well. As with another review given we were done within an hour, just felt too rushed. Restaurant appealing inside, just a pity about the rest of the experience

Fantastic French bistro with great authentic service

Very strange restaurant. Used the online reservation to try and get a table and there was never a table available on any dates. Contacted the restaurant and they doesn t seem willing to assist. Placed myself on their waitlist and there was no further response.

Average to good food, however one would expect much more for $45 per main.

Nice little french spot, elegant menu, and intriguing decor. Will be back soon!

Lovely and cosy spot. Great food and better service

Delicious classic French food, excellent service and warm ambience. I am gluten intolerant and was excited that they offered GF French Onion Soup and Beef Bourguignon. Both scrumptious, as only the French do so expertly. We shared a creme brulee for dessert. It was perfect too. The palate cleanser between courses was cleansing with a naughty splash of vodka on top! We enjoyed a lovely Bordeaux. Will definitely return.

The food was not authentic French and the wine was average. The service and atmosphere were nice.

I went to Bistro Papillon as a frenchie and Im not disappointed at all. The staff is absolutely adorable, helpful and kind. The food is great too, its qualitative and excellent! Not disappointed to have gone there and I will surely go back before returning to France!

I went to Bistro Papillon last week as a French person. The food is excellent and very qualitative. The staff is very attentive, adorable and caring for their customers. The universe, the decoration and the French music are really a great positive point for this restaurant. I strongly recommend to go in this restaurant !

Wonderful experience at Bistro Papillon, service was quintessential French and the food was great. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals.

Simply the best French restaurant in Sydney. Authentic and incredible food, and a brilliant wine list. Its like being transported to France. I come here regarly and have done so for years. One of my favourite places, it never disappoints, from the romantic interiors to phenomenal service. Thanks for an always amazing experience, Bistro Papillon.

Perfect dining experience. Intimate, excellent service (friendly and attentive, but not annoying) and, most importantly, absolutely knock-out French cuisine. Everything both my friend and I ordered was delicious. I even loved that when I asked for a red wine, I wasnt handed a wine list - simply asked light, medium or heavy? I answered light. Beaujolais or Pinot Noir?. Beaujolais. It arrived immediately was delicious and, best of all, $10. This is my new favourite restaurant.

Unfortunately the food and service was terrible. Quite a shame as we chose this place for a birthday celebration.

Food was fantastic and beyond expectations and the service was amazing and friendly.