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Located in the heart of The Rocks precinct, Ananas Bar and Brasserie is where Sydney’s Carriageworks meets Paris’s Moulin Rouge. In its decidedly beautiful dining room, red velvet curtains hang against the backdrop of rustic brick walls, while oversized bulbs bathe the space in a soft golden glow. And then, of course, there are those controversial lip-shaped urinals in the boy’s room. Designed by Austrian artist Rudolf Scheffel, they created quite a furor when the restaurant first opened in late 2013 and, to this day, remain one of its most striking features. Here are three reasons to visit Ananas.

Sunday brunches with Champagne on tap On the third Sunday of every month, Ananas hosts a spectacular smorgasbord. In most instances, the feast focuses on one key ingredient. When we dropped in, the hero was the Atlantic lobster, with a conspicuous pair of claws and meat that is more tender and silkier than its antipodean rock lobster. On some occasions, however, the culinary spread is based on a specific theme, say, “Marseilles fish market”. Whatever the theme or hero ingredient, the proceedings are always fun, particularly, if you opt for the Veuve Clicquot rosé package.

Dinner Ananas’ dinner menu is full of big, gutsy French flavours. From the hors d'oeuvres section, opt for the escargots, with lashings of parsley-and-garlic-infused butter. Or go with the steak tartare, capers and quail egg brioche. Complemented with Sarladaises potatoes and gremolata, duck confit is the indisputable star among the main-course offerings, while the frozen macaron – with passionfruit custard, apricot jelly and decadent orange sauce – takes care of sweet cravings. 

Cocktails There are more than 250 wines on Ananas comprehensive drinks list – from renowned wine-producing regions in France such as Reims, Burgundy and Alsace to Australian hotspots like Margaret River and Barossa. But it is the cocktails menu that really steals the thunder. Enjoy Ananas Avenue – a blend of Bacardi 8 Años Rum, Yellow Chartreuse, spiced orange and vanilla. Or opt for Ananas’ twist on the much-loved piña colada. In this instance, it’s a concoction of Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, fresh pineapple, lime, coconut water and pimento.

Ananas Bar | 2 Phillip St, Sydney | +61 2 9259 5624 

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