CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This upscale, modern French restaurant has been a past recipient of the Restaurant of the Year award that's bestowed by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Known for a great wine list and excellent service, Banc offers dishes like fillet of beef rossini and caramelized scallops to a young, trendy crowd. The Art Deco interior features a few decorative extras, including mirrors and green marble pillars with low lighting. Formal or stylish attire is recommended, and reservations are essential. TRAIN: Martin Place stop.

INNER CITY. Bistro Lulu is perfect for clientele with a curious palate. The menu offers dishes such as cheddar-glazed cod with parsley carrots, sirloin with Cafe de Paris butter, and organic salads. This relatively new French restaurant has grabbed the attention of locals in-the-know. The wood interior is intimate and cozy, and outdoor seating is available. Open for lunch and dinner. Smart casual attire; reservations recommended. BUS: from Elizabeth Street City to Paddington.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This restaurant is the place to be seen in Sydney, and you'll likely dine alongside some of the city's most well-known denizens while you enjoy French dishes such as honeycomb tripe with blood sausage or pork Lyonnaise sausages. Located close to the Central Business District. TRAIN: to Bondi Junction. BUS: 389 to Queen Street.

Housed in an old butcher shop, reflected in the meaty menu, minimal decor and the metal lights, Bistrode is an intimate space with a small courtyard. The style is modern English/French bistro - think hearty chunks of meat with beautifully prepared vegetables and delicious sauces - aiming for great food over fancy accolades. The husband and wife team of Jane and Jeremy Strode, formerly of the much acclaimed though now defunct MG Garage, offer unfussy, well-prepared food including great pastries and desserts. WALK, ten minutes from Central Station or BUS 302 from Castlereagh Street to Crown Street, Surry Hills.

DARLING HARBOUR. This café has something for everyone: It's a bar by evening (sometimes even with a DJ), a breakfast café by morning, and a lunch locale by day. The Blackbird Café specializes in hot stone pizzas, and you can often expect a hippie crowd in the brightly colored locale. Help yourself to the board games in the lounge area before or after your meal. Reservations accepted for lunch only. TRAIN: Town Hall. MONORAIL: Darling Park.