Sydney’s Iconic French Brasserie Is Back in The Rocks

Ananas opened in The Rocks in 2012 and made its name quickly — a glamorous French brasserie with pineapple lamps, champagne and an interior that felt somewhere between a Parisian flea market and an Art Nouveau time capsule. It moved to Darling Harbour in 2016. Now it’s back on Argyle Street, in a sandstone room above Sahtein, and the people behind it believe this is the version that works.

Concrete Playground covered the return, and Hunter St. Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker explained it plainly: “It was ambitious and had a clear point of view, but the original space was simply too large to operate comfortably. We’ve been looking for the right environment to bring it back for years. This room has the same sandstone bones and warmth, but in a footprint that allows it to function properly.”

The Kitchen

Leading the kitchen is executive chef Mike Flood, who previously helped Felix become one of Sydney’s more admired French brasseries. Alongside head chef Christian Jones, the menu is designed to move with the seasons rather than sit still.

As Flood told Concrete Playground: “The menu draws from across France and shifts with the seasons. For launch, the menu leans more towards a classic Paris brasserie mood — deeper sauces, butter, a bit more richness on the plate. As we move towards spring, it lightens and leans south, with olive oil stepping in and dishes becoming brighter.”

Year-round signatures include fruits de mer, soupe à l’oignon and steak au poivre with frites. Seasonal dishes bring King George whiting grenobloise and confit duck leg with gastrique when the produce allows.

The Champagne Bar

At the entrance, a dedicated bar pours Champagne, stirs classic cocktails and presents chilled seafood. It works as a prelude to dinner or a destination on its own. The wine list runs to at least 800 bottles, with a strong emphasis on Champagne.

The Room

The 100-seat interior at 18a Argyle Street carries the spirit of the original. Two-toned Bentwood chairs sit alongside banquettes. Marble and timber tables are dressed in paper or cloth. A communal high-top references the original restaurant. Golden pineapple lamps — ananas is French for pineapple — punctuate the space throughout. The sandstone walls of the Argyle Stores set the scene.

Ananas is open for lunch and dinner daily. Sahteinsits below on Argyle Street, and The Cut Bar & Grillis nearby for those making a night of The Rocks.

Reserve your table at Ananas— book here.

As featured byConcrete Playground, March 2026.

Ananas practises the responsible service of alcohol. Drink responsibly.