French brasserie Ananas is returning to The Rocks on 6 May in a space next door to its former location.
The restaurant originally ran from 2012 to 2016, but closed because the original space was “simply too large to operate comfortably”, according to Hunter St. Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker.
The restaurant will now sit directly above Hunter St. Hospitality’s Sahtein, which opened in the historic Argyle Store building last month, taking over from The Dining Room.
Tucker says the restaurant deserves another chapter.
“We’ve been looking for the right environment to bring it back for years. This room has the same sandstone bones and warmth, but in a footprint that allows it to function properly,” says Tucker. “We’re taking what people responded to and refining the experience so it works for today.”
Executive Chef Mike Flood (ex-Felix) will take the helm alongside Head Chef Christian Jones, under the overarching culinary direction of Santiago Aristizabal.
The move to reopen is strategic, with few modern French brasseries in The Rocks. “French cuisine sits comfortably within our repertoire, particularly with Mike leading the charge,” says Tucker. “Ananas had a clear identity and a loyal following during its original run. This version honours that history while ensuring it works sustainably in this space.”
Flood says the menu will reflect a modern French brasserie, grounded in tradition but not confined to “recreating a Paris corner exactly as it is”.
Spanner crab, apple, cucumber, and chives
Crudo with confit lemon and capers
Onion soup
“The menu draws from across France and shifts with the seasons,” says Flood. “For launch, the menu leans more towards a classic Paris brasserie mood – deeper sauces, butter, a bit more richness on the plate. As we move towards spring, it lightens and leans south, with olive oil stepping in and dishes becoming brighter. The idea is familiarity and comfort, with moments of decadence when you want to dial it up.”
Signature plates will be available year-round, including Fruits de Mer, Soupe à l’Oignon, Navarin d’Agneau, Steak au Poivre with frites, and a Paris-Brest.
The restaurant seats 100 with a private dining for up to 60, complete with its own bar.
Ananas will open for daily lunch and dinner service on Wednesday 6 May, in time for Mother’s Day.
Photography by Chris Pearce.
For exclusive hospitality news every Tuesday and Thursday, subscribe here or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Dining and Cooking