From Paris to Sydney Harbour: The Story Behind a Beloved French Restaurant Family
For more than 25 years, Alena Rayrolles has quietly shaped how Sydney experiences French cuisine. Her journey didn’t begin on our shores; it began in Paris, where she built her career, her philosophy, and ultimately the foundation for a restaurant group that now feels like an essential thread in Mosman’s cultural identity.
Alena: The Beginning of a Culinary Journey
Before Sydney fell in love with her flair for authentic French hospitality, Alena spent decades living and working in France. She once owned two brasseries in Paris, learning the rhythms of French cooking, the emotion behind it, and the intimate cultural rituals created around a shared table.
Her ability to craft spaces that feel unmistakably Parisian comes from these experiences. Every detail, from table settings to vintage pieces sourced from Parisian markets, reflects a life deeply rooted in French culture.
This foundation would shape everything she would later build in Sydney.
Frenchy’s Café: A Parisian Beginning in Mosman
More than a decade ago, Sydney’s café scene shifted when Frenchy’s Café opened at Headland Park in Mosman.
Before arriving in Australia, Alena and her co-founders ran two bustling brasseries in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris. Those formative years shaped their approach to French hospitality: warm, relaxed, and focused on quality.
When they opened Frenchy’s in 2012, they created a café that felt authentic, rustic, and welcoming. It quickly became a beloved local favourite, known for its outdoor setting, comforting French dishes, and community atmosphere.
It wasn’t just a café. It was the beginning of a new chapter in Sydney’s relationship with French cuisine.
Contact | Frenchy’s Café
Address: 3 Read Place, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: +61 2 9969 4411
Opening hours: 7.30 am to 4.00 pm daily (kitchen closes at 3.00 pm)
www.frenchyscafe.com.au
L’Héritage: A Little Slice of France in Chowder Bay
If Frenchy’s Café is the heart of the group, L’Héritage is the soul.
Set against the harbour at Chowder Bay, L’Héritage recreates the elegant charm of a Parisian brasserie. Alena leads the front-of-house experience, while her co-founder, Julien, serves as Head Chef — trained in some of Paris’ finest culinary schools and seasoned in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia.
L’Héritage is intimate, refined, and deeply influenced by the romantic spirit of France. From the décor carefully sourced by Alena to the thoughtful menu crafted by Julien, every detail works together to create a truly transportive dining experience.
It has quickly become a favourite for celebrations, date nights, and long lunches by the water.
Contact | L’Héritage
Address: 7B Chowder Bay Road, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: 02 9968 1658
Email: info@lheritage.com.au
Opening hours:
Lunch — Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 am
Dinner — Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
www.lheritage.com.au
Café La Mer: The Newest Chapter
The newest addition to the family is Café La Mer, a bright and coastal dining space designed for relaxed mornings, long brunches, and simple but beautifully prepared dishes.
Café La Mer blends French influence with Sydney’s breezy waterfront lifestyle. It sits between the elegance of L’Héritage and the rustic charm of Frenchy’s modern, stylish, and easygoing.
Its menu celebrates fresh produce, its atmosphere is light and coastal, and its location makes it an instant favourite for those who want quality without fuss.
Contact | Café La Mer
Address: Magazine Stores 13/14/15, Chowder Bay, Mosman NSW 2088
Email: info@cafelamer.com.au
Opening hours: 7.00 am to 3.00 pm daily
www.cafelamer.com.au
A Growing Legacy
From Paris brasseries to Sydney’s most charming waterfront venues, Alena and her team have built more than a collection of restaurants. They have created a bridge between cultures and a family of dining experiences defined by authenticity, warmth, and a deep love for French cuisine.
Each venue has its own personality:
Frenchy’s Café is relaxed and community-focused.
L’Héritage is refined and romantic.
Café La Mer is breezy, modern, and effortlessly French-Australian.
Together, they form a legacy built on passion, craftsmanship, and the belief that dining should feel like a moment worth remembering.
We hope you get a chance to enjoy this French slice of Sydney one day. For someone who has lived in France, it hits all the right notes. Alena’s staff do an incredible job of bringing that authentic feeling to life, with many of them speaking French. And there’s nothing better than being gently humbled when you try to repeat your rusty French after a couple of Spritzes. Haha.