Brasserie
For centuries in the Mediterranean 'Lingua Franca' was adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages were different.
We take inspiration from the legend of our name and embrace diversity, inclusion and openness in everything we do today.
Franca welcomes people with open hands and open minds.
Franca’s wine list showcases French, Australian and New Zealand wines, with an emphasis on small production wineries, sustainable producers in addition to a selection of rare aged wines.
Franca's cocktail offering pays tribute to Parisian brasserie culture through its extensive list that showcases fresh seasonal ingredients with a selection devoted to classic French cocktails.
With an extensive career in hospitality spanning over 20 years, early exposure to some of the finest restaurants in Sydney and London coupled with prolific research of venues throughout Europe and the US , proved influential to Andrew’s developing style, which saw him working in management under Alain Ducasse at Ian Schrager’s five star Sanderson Hotel in Soho for two years before being approached to open and operate London’s exclusive members 333 Club in 2002.
From London, Andrew headed back to Australia where he became Co-Owner and Operator of the Roxbury Hotel; Licensee of Keystone Hospitality’s Fringe Bar, and eventually Owner and Operator of Sydney’s answer to a European Wonderland / Cotes D’ Azur themed luxury venue Pelicano, which is now one of the most recognized and publicized venues in Sydney.
Andrew takes the industry to new levels by creating one-of-a-kind venues known for their food & drink, service and exclusivity. He unsurprisingly demonstrates an uncanny ability to spot and partner with great talent and is committed to fostering talent in all areas of business operations. It is this commitment to the businesses most valuable assets – the people that work for them – that has distinguished the establishments he owns and manages.
After spending many years overseas mastering his hospitality management and operational skills across many venues in the UK, Alex moved to Australia in 2013 where his unique understanding of energy, diversity and culture in a hospitality setting, has been successfully introduced to some of Sydney’s most high profile venues including The Argyle and The Cut and Pelicano, where he is also General Manager.
Alex’s passion behind creating an impeccable dining experience, from the moment the customer makes the booking to well after they have left the venue, is what positions Franca in a league of its own. He is leading an exciting team who are carving a contemporary and innovative approach to hospitality, with customer service skills to rival some the best hospitality venues in the world.
In April 2019, owner Andrew Becher and partner Alex Cameron announced Alexis Besseau as Franca’s Executive Chef.
Growing up in France, Alexis’ less-is-more approach to cooking is rooted in a lifelong connection to Europe and a deep reverence for his ingredients and their unique regional qualities. His reinterpretation of classic French fare on the menu at Franca has allowed him to embrace a cooking style that showcases a superb variety of seasonal Australian ingredients, with an acute balance between simplicity and indulgence, restraint and innovation.
At just twenty eight years of age, Alexis’s years of cooking have seen him hone his craft at esteemed international Michelin-Starred establishments such as L’Arpege (Paris) , Ermitage au Lac (Switzerland) and Epice (Sao Paulo); three Rosettes Clos Maggiore (London); and hatted restaurants Est. and Bathers Pavilion in Sydney.
Alexis was recently awarded the coveted “30 under 30” award in 2018 and is renowned for pushing the creative boundaries in the kitchen.
Alex joined Franca as as a part of the opening team in April 2019 after previously working with the venues management team as Bar Manager at Pelicano. Born in France, award-winning bartender Alex worked at some of the most prestigious venues in Paris including Bhudda Bar and Bar Du Grand Hotel, before moving to Australia in 2012, where he took up positions at Zeta Bar, Pelicano, Palmer & Co and Rockpool Bar & Grill. Alex won the highly esteemed Bartender of the Year “Trophees du Bar” award in France, 2011 and has been consistently nominated as bartender of the year for many local and international awards.
Ambroise’s extensive experience in fine dining establishments throughout Europe, Asia and locally at hatted venues such as Rosetta, Momofuku and Guillaume at Bennelong, combined with his refined knowledge of wine and pairings, has awarded him the position of Head Sommelier at Franca. Ambroise’s exceptional personal skills help him to understand a diners individual tastes, allowing him to create an experience that surprises and delights. He takes great pleasure in sharing his passion and vision, whether it's attending to a wine novice or a dedicated enthusiast.
Let us take care of your special celebration or corporate event in the main dining room or private dining space. From a business luncheon or birthday celebration to a product launch or intimate rehearsal dinner, our specialist events team will be on hand to make sure your event is seamless and spectacular.
Please contact our reservations and special events team at hello@francabrasserie.com.au for further information or to book an appointment to see the venue and discuss your options.
Our name Franca is derived from ‘Lingua Franca’. For centuries in the Mediterranean, Lingua Franca was adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages were different.
At Franca, our common language is food. We take inspiration from the legend of our name and embrace diversity, inclusion and openness in everything we do today.
We welcome people from all walks of life with open hands and open minds.
OPENING HOURS 5.30pm – 12am, Monday to Thursday
12pm – 12am, Friday and Saturday
12pm – 10pm, Sunday
Private Function Hire available at all times
Tables can be booked directly online, by phone on (02) 9167 2921 or by emailing us at hello@francabrasserie.com.au
Tables of 9+ will be required to order from one of our set menus
Credit card details are required for bookings of 6+
Function enquiry?
Email our reservations team directly on hello@francabrasserie.com.au and we'll help arrange your next celebration, corporate event or product launch.
