LOCATION
Set in the heart of Five Ways Paddington, L'etoile Restaurant and Bar is an easy destination from all of Sydney - within walking distance from the eastern suburbs, 10 minutes from the city or a quick ride from the North Shore by public transport or taxi.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
With celebrated chef Manu Feildel at the helm of this beautiful French ship, guests can expect nothing but the real deal. Having demonstrated his passion for modern French bistro cuisine in Bilson’s restaurant, Manu has made the move to the gourmet intersection that makes up Paddington’s Five Ways. C’est formidable, we hear the locals whisper to each other – although it’s no big secret anymore. The aromas of a traditional seafood bouillabaisse are enough for any passer-by to look twice and lick their lips. Skip up the stairs and into its converted terrace house to be greeted by a tastefully decorated dining room complete with chic black and white photos of renowned French movie stars and cosy red cushioned banquette tables.
A succinct menu simply bursts with Frenchy goodness so begin with silky sausage of scallops with a crustacean bisque or stay true to the classics and order the terrine of duck. Follow accordingly with the butcher’s cut of beef with bordelaise sauce or try the simple but fresh market fish with a lemon butter. Desserts shine just as much as mains, so spoon into a vanilla creme brulee or a raspberry bavarois. What ever you choose, make sure you pair your meal with a regional French wine – the staff are only too happy to help find a perfect match.
Annabel Wise, May 2009
DETAILS
Located in a stunning heritage Victorian terrace at hip Five Ways Paddington, a star is born chez L'etoile, where co-owner and celebrated 3-hat chef Manu Feildel shares his passion for modern French bistro fare. Pair Manu’s signature classics like Boudin de Saint Jacques and Boeuf de Boucher with excellent wines from the diverse and affordable French and Australian list - or enjoy a cheese plate, a glass of vino and great conversation at the friendly bar. Cap off your visit with warm attentive service from the French-speaking staff and you'll understand why Vogue Entertaining & Travel calls L’étoile ‘so French you’ll imagine you’re dining in Montparnasse’.
CHEF DE CUISINE
Manu Feildel was destined to become a great chef from the moment he was born – his great grandfather, grandfather and father were all chefs. From humble apprentice in his father’s restaurant in France, to Head Chef at London’s Livebait (nominated UK’s best seafood restaurant in 1998), Manu joined popular Hugo’s at Bondi Beach Sydney in 1999 and subsequently opened the kitchen at the infamous Hugo’s Lounge at King's Cross. After 18 months, Manu moved on to Restaurant VII (awarded Two Chef’s Hats from Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide). In 2004, renowned Australian chef Tony Bilson approached Manu to open Bilson’s. By 2008, Bilson’s had won an impressive Three Chef’s Hats for 3 years running under Manu’s executive helm.
FUNCTIONS
The delightful food, a stunning space and personal service allows Manu and the L’étoile team to customise functions to suit any occasion: casual chic lunches, degustation dining, flirty cocktails and canapés, special occasion parties, classy corporate events or simply sheer indulgence.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The intimate dining room seats 45. The heated sheltered sandstone courtyard is perfect alfresco dining for a maximum of 45 or caters for 90 for a fabulous cocktail party. The Parisian-style footpath tables along Five Ways offers great people-watching and a village vibe for casual dining.