Clarence Street, Sydney CBD, NSW

Clarence is an inner street of Sydney's Wynyard precinct bordering the iconic Harbour Bridge, primary business and banking district, Town Hall area shopping and the Circular Quay walks.  It is lined with wholesome and solid buildings with heritage architecture and parallels the main thoroughfare of George Street.  Often used by office workers and shoppers, tourists are mainly oblivious to this part of Sydney town, unless they venture form the obvious.  Clarence provides a different atmosphere when compared with the clutter of Chinatown in CBD south, the cool abandon of Hyde Park or the shopping frenzy around the Putt Street Mall.  It had its origins from another era, another place, that of the hat and necktie fraternity before and after the Pacific War, that close to the big end of town in  banking, business and evening elegance.   Above, a photo taken of the front of the Clarence Street Cyclery.

The Bar Tartine is the site of the Bistro Papillon, which offers French cuisine under the direction and creativity of Chef Ludovic Geyer.  With only 35 tables, it does open for both lunch and dinner and is highly recommended.

The sights and sounds of Clarence can be mainly in daytime. As the shadows of high rises cast a late afternoon shadow on winter days in the middle of the year, the road is often perceived in cool shades, with openings to some darker alleys, parking options and surprisingly delightful food and drink outlets. The foodie scene is geared towards early morning crowds spewing out of buses and trains at both Wynyard and Town Hall precincts.  They also do have a touch of catering for those seeking a niche and quiet refuge in small bars and cafes.  Chalkboards to list menus and barista lined cafes sprout like umbrellas on a rainy day.  Others view Clarence as a transition between major roads in the city centre, rather than it having  and holding its won character.  In this respect, it can be acknowledged that most people are on the way somewhere when walking along Clarence Street.  Yet others know of some delights along this road - P J O Briens' Irish Pub, the Hotel CBD,  the Bistro Papillon, The Bavarian Beer cafe, the Baxter Inn and the Arras Restaurant (which occupies the now defunct Becasse).

An illustrative breakfast and lunch menu at a cafe along Clarence.

Grandma's Bar occupies a previously abandoned toy shop.  The DeVine Food and Wine, at the corner where Clarence intersects with Market, offers three meals on weekdays and dinner on Saturday evenings.   It specialises in seafood tapas, artisan cured meats, Italian inspired pastas and risotto plus grilled meats and fish.  Japanese food lovers have the Kabuki Shoroku Seafood restaurant to check out, whilst the Machiavelli Ristorante caters to Italian cuisine.

Entrance to the DeVine Food and Wine from the Clarence Street side.