The food at Luxe is as clean as its décor: simple Mod Oz fare with plenty of meat-free options on the menu, and lots of low-alcohol and virgin options at the bar. Returning Singaporean Chui Lee Luk is the creative director in charge of the finer-than-café fare here, bringing the 3 Hat accolade awarded to her in 2005 – the first female to be conferred in over a decade – for Sydney fine dining spot Claudes.
Swish items like raw prawn bottarga dressed with champagne vinegar fall short ($24) – they come in tiny portions, taste flat and feature lacklustre plating. One month after their soft launch, Chui adds freshly shucked Galway oysters ($36/six), and familiarity to the menu with her own XO sauce, served with grilled octopus ($21).
The basic eats are better. The wild weed pie ($24) is a satisfying take on Greek spanakopita pie, showcasing a blend of brightly flavoured greens rather than the usual spinach. The Luxe Burger ($25) is a solid sandwich, with green chilli padi butter complementing slices of hanger steak. Also check out the breakfast and lunch menus: you’ll find pies, sandwiches, eggs and hearty salads. That’s where Luxe excels.
Luxe is mostly patronised by Aussie expats who already know about the chain from back home. But we think it’ll soon draw the daytime crowd – the bar-filled street is just aching for a good brunch spot.
Edit: A few dishes mentioned in the print edition of this review have been removed from the menu. We have since updated the review.
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