When entering Reine & La Rue, it's hard not to be enamoured by the interiors, which won the top gong at Australia's Interior Design Awards in 2024. The 150-seat restaurant boasts tall granite columns, lofty ceilings, ornate neo-gothic details and a showstopping stained glass window right behind one of the bars. It's an absolute beaut. Whether you're first walking in or just nipping off to the loo, you'll be looking up and around the space, simply gawking at it all — making the waiters constantly remind you not to fall down the many small steps scattered about the space. Contemporary French fare is the name of the game here, and it can be sampled in a myriad of luxurious ways. First, you can drop by for a next-level sip-and-snack session, pairing a bunch of small bites with champagne and cocktails. This is the way to go for those wanting to dine here without totally blowing the budget. Alternatively, you can head in and order the enormous seafood platter for two people ($240), and take your time feasting on this all night. Of course, a glass of champagne wouldn't go amiss here, nor would some totally unnecessary but altogether lavish caviar service (go all in with the N25 Kaluga for $450). The extensive menu features a diverse selection of French dishes. Start with snacks such as the bluefin tuna with spring radish and orange, or the spanner crab crumpet with roasted macadamia and elderflower. For mains, consider the Loddon Estate duck, which comes with sugar loaf cabbage with blackberries. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes with bone marrow and jus gras for a really decadent feed. Steaks are, of course, a highlight here as well — especially as the chefs love to take full advantage of the kitchen's woodfired hearth. No less than five top-grade steaks are featured here, easily paired with house-made sauces and a selection of sides. As this is a true French fine-dining gem, dessert is far from overlooked at Reine. Keep it simple with a solid cheese selection, or soft serve Jersey milk ice cream, or try a seasonal special as a pistachio, apricot and bay-leaf petit-choux. For drinks, you can get on the cocktail train, sample spirits and play around with the non-alcoholic options, but you'd be a fool to ignore your sommelier. These guys are pros and clearly love what they're doing. If you have the budget, let them go rogue and pair each course with some next-level drops — you won't be disappointed. Now, the former bar and courtyard space has been transformed into La Rue Terrasse, a French-inspired outdoor drinking and dining destination for the summer months. Tuck into a more concise menu from 5pm, including a wagyu cheeseburger, King Prawn rolls and oysters with seaweed mignonette. From 4 to 6pm, the upgraded space will play host to La Rue Hour with $15 cocktails. Images: Supplied.
