Claire

Crisp, juicy raw lettuce meets the rich, salty depth of warm anchovies in the dish called lettuce with anchovies—a satisfying first order as you settle in and raise a glass. At Claire, a calm room with a few counter seats and tables, French technique underpins a menu of Western-style Japanese and bistro dishes that feel relaxed rather than formal.

Meat dishes and warm starters made for their sauces

For a main course to linger over, there is beef cheek braised in red wine, prepared over time. Its deep, richly concentrated braising sauce makes the dish feel complete; with a baguette alongside, you may want to mop up every last bit. Other choices let the sauces do their work: roasted chicken breast with wholegrain mustard or red wine sauce, grilled pork loin, and lamb with herb butter, each bringing out the savoury character of the meat.

Pasta and risotto to pair with wine

The wine selection ranges from light sparkling wines to bottles from across France and Australia, offering plenty to choose from alongside the food. Later in the meal, the menu offers hearty, full-flavoured options such as rich Gorgonzola cream pasta, tomato cream pasta with swimming crab, and red wine risotto.

When to visit and how to make the most of the meal

With limited seating at dinner, booking ahead is recommended. The calm atmosphere suits a leisurely meal, from starters through to dessert. Lunch is also served on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, with daily main-course specials and pasta among the options for sampling the kitchen’s craft.