Felix

Comfortable, dependable, reliable, convivial; Felix is all this and more. And let’s add desirable, even sexy, to the list. There are times when nothing will do like a traditional French bistro - that urban atmosphere, familiar menu, oyster bar, white-tiled walls, a bamboozlingly big wine list, and polite white-aproned waiters. Here you get all that with a twist. Pork rillettes doesn’t come with the traditional bistro cornichons but with pickled zucchini; its large, wet, salty zing combined with the spicy, rich meat makes this dish potentially the best of the evening. There are mussels with chorizo, a butterflied trout with beurre noisette, and spatchcock, roasted just right and invitingly arranged on its white plate with a side salad that’s at once crisp and soft. Come for food and conversation after work or a concert, and be revived by Felix’s energetic elegance.

And ... Sit outside on a weekend, and watch the passing parade of Sydney party-goers.

THE LOW-DOWN
Vibe Vibrant, well run, repro-Parisian bistro.
Best  bit Warm, professional service, appetite-appeasing food.
Worst bit Loos off a concrete fluoro-lit stairwell.