Little Bonny's chicken shop brings French-Australian fare to Menai

It doesn't get much more Sydney than this. On Thursday, December 21 Menai gets its first taste of a project that mixes equal parts Michelin-trained chef, design house Luchetti Krelle, restaurant and chicken shop.

The city has been spreading its talent in 2017, with Menai the latest recipient.

"Fifteen years ago all you could do is ride your motorcycle around here - now it's a bustling area," says Daniel Sorridimi from Cronulla's Blackwood Pantry, who is opening Little Bonny's [in Menai] with his business partners.

The plan is a "refined take on the classic Australian chicken shop" with a modern 50-seat restaurant attached.

"We'll be doing weekly specials on the rotisserie, Balmain bugs and suckling pig," Sorridimi says.

"Chicken shops have started to evolve, you only have to look at London and Paris and what Merivale has done in Paddington. I feel like everyone needs a neighbourhood chicken shop."

Architecture firm Luchetti Krelle (ACME, The Butler, Momofuku Seiobo) is behind the design, which includes a custom-built concrete bar and banquette seating.

Chef-partner Rob Lechowicz (Chateau Cordeillan Bage and L'Abeille) has two imported French rotisseries at his disposal.

At Little Bonny's the menu will bridge regional French cooking with the Aussie chicken shop. Indeed its signature chook will come stuffed with a "French" mix of marjoram, roast onion and garlic. Bring it on.

Open daily, 10.30-9pm.

F1.03 5-21 Carter Road, Menai, littlebonnys.com.au.