Overview
Much-loved North Shore bistro Loulou has landed across the harbour with a stylish new outpost set above Martin Place Metro. The latest opening from fast-growing hospitality group Etymon (The Charles, Poetica) exudes the same relaxed elegance as the Milsons Point original, this time tailored to the pace and polish of a CBD crowd.
Spread across two levels with seating for 175, the expansive new venue — located next door to grab-and-go sibling Petit Loulou — balances classic bistro charm with modern polish. Think: smartly upholstered banquettes, stone, timber and cork textures, and a shimmering silver ceiling downstairs that nods to the slicker pace of the city. Designed by Darlinghurst studio Tom Mark Henry, the space easily transitions from a breezy, sun-washed dining room by day to a moody boîte by night across three distinct areas: an upstairs oyster and wine bar anchored by a striking marble bar, a more intimate dining room below, and streetside tables perfect for people-watching with a glass of wine in hand.
Steven Woodburn
The all-day menu stays true to Loulou’s brand of refined yet approachable French fare. The CBD spot opens from 7am on weekdays, meaning early risers can drop in for the likes of caramelised brioche with berries and fromage blanc or sourdough crumpet topped with chèvre and avocado — ideal for a bloody mary-backed breakfast meeting. Lunch and dinner are centred around bistro staples and Loulou favourites like fruits de mer, John Dory in sauce champagne and steak frites with a three-day pepper sauce. A new addition, the Sandwich Américain — a steak frites baguette served exclusively at lunch — takes care of any cravings on the go.
The drinks program is equally sharp. Alongside a tight cocktail list — which includes lesser-seen classics like the grasshopper and ramos gin fizz — there’s a 350-strong wine list with a strong French focus that straddles the fence between adventurous and accessible, with a nice spread available by the glass and a handful by the half-bottle, too. The after-work crowd is looked after with a dedicated happy hour, L’Apéro, from 4–7pm. Stop by for $2 oysters and escargots, mini martinis and Loulou’s signature kir royale for $13 and $18 cheeseburgers with frites.
Steven Woodburn
Top images: Steven Woodburn.