La Buvette

One of Potts Point’s most recognisable dining sites has returned, with the team behind Bar Copains, Bessie’s, Alma’s and Vin-Cenzo’s opening La Buvette on Challis Avenue.

Led by Goodies Hospitality co-owners Sali and Nathan Sasi and Morgan McGlone, the neighbourhood wine bar draws inspiration from the intimate, lived-in bars of Paris—the kind of place you drop into for one glass and find yourself staying for dinner.

The opening marks a new chapter for the original La Buvette site and name, which belonged to a much-loved Potts Point institution before it closed in 2019. Studio Gram has worked with the compact space to create a warm, timeworn interior of aged timber, brass, mosaic tiles and worn upholstery, finished in amber, caramel, mustard and deep red tones. There are just nine bookable seats inside, while another 30 walk-in spots spill onto Challis Avenue.

Inspired by a recent research trip Nathan and Morgan took to Paris, the menu approaches classic French cooking with a modern, playful edge. Start with oysters topped with Champagne granita, comté custard gougères or a tart of raw diced tuna and goat’s curd before moving into escargots with café de Paris butter and duck neck and pork sausage served with seeded mustard.

Desserts range from apple pie with French vanilla bean ice cream to a charred macaron with yuzu and finger lime, plus a miniature crème caramel.

Former Mimi’s and Tetsuya’s sommelier Ishan Kaplish leads the drinks program, which centres French wines and French varietals produced both locally and internationally. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sit at the heart of the list, joined by an extensive Champagne selection and Australian wines made by French winemakers. There are 23 wines available by the glass.

French influences extend to the cocktails, including the Buvette Martini with gin, dry vermouth, cornichon and brine; the Garde la Pêche Spritz with French aperitivo, Rinquinquin and prosecco; and the cognac-based French Maid with cucumber, mint, lime and ginger beer.

La Buvette opens from 4pm Monday to Thursday and for lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday, with indoor bookings available and outdoor tables reserved for walk-ins.

Image credit: La Buvette | Supplied