[category]
[title]
There’s a fresh breeze blowing through Franca – and it’s transporting us to coastal Europe. Formerly known as Franca Brasserie, this Potts Point fave has dropped the “Brasserie” and French focus to embrace a more fluid, sun-soaked European identity. The shift isn’t so much about reinvention as it is about refinement; they say it’s a return to the idea of lingua "franca", the shared language that once connected cultures along coastal Europe.
Under the direction of founder Andrew Becher and executive chef José Saulog (also at Armorica and ex-Parlar), the menu has moved away from heavier French brasserie fare towards something lighter and more expansive. Think food from the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Levant that’s anchored by classic French technique and designed to be shared. Franca has swapped traditional à la carte for a shared-style approach, encouraging a more relaxed rhythm at the table.
"We feel the time is right to draw in flavours from Spain, Italy, North Africa and beyond," says Saulog. "The result is generous, confident food that we feel suits this city and suits this space."
Start with moreish snacks like crab toast and a mushroom parfait tart before moving to tuna, scallop and prawn tartare with a finger lime dressing. We loved the grilled squid with chorizo and butter beans.
The menu has a fresh pasta section – and the doppio ravioli with pumpkin and goat’s cheese in brown butter and sage is bellissimo. For mains, try the bonito with confit ratatouille, the Dory meunière with brown butter and parsley, or a steak.
We loved the new dessert offerings, particularly the banana mille feuille banana diplomat, walnuts and cereal ice cream.
In keeping with the menu change, the interiors have also been lightened and lifted, with sun-washed neutrals, soft citrus tones and muted greens that nod to olive groves and Euro summers.
In addition to cocktails, mocktails, beers and spirits on offer, there’s also a long wine list of vino by the glass – the wine list is a thoughtful mix of Australian and European wines.
Franca’s new chapter feels fresh and inviting – a vibrant, versatile hub that marries the spirit of the Mediterranean with the chic, neighbourhood charm of Potts Point.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.