Claude Bosi brings London’s Josephine Bouchon to Sydney’s Eleven Barrack
London-based French chef Claude Bosi grew up in Lyon and loves a good bistro. He reveals his favourite eateries in hometown as well as his adopted city of London.
Claude Bosi grew up in Lyon, where his Italian parents ran a French bistro. Surrounded by food from an early age, he developed a passion for cooking and being in the kitchen. This early exposure instilled in him a deep appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. It was a natural progression to pursue a culinary career, where he started as an apprentice with Jean-Paul Lacombe in Lyon and went on to work with renowned French chefs Alain Passard and Alain Ducasse.
Bois and his wife Lucy now have five restaurants in London including two Michelin-starred establishments, Claude Bosi at Bibendum in the Michelin House and Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula. The pair also has a seafood restaurant located in Michelin House as well as two Josephine bistros, named after his grandmother. One is a Lyon-style bistro in Chelsea, while the other is a Parisian-style brasserie in Marylebone.
What type of food do you cook?
My cuisine is rooted in traditional French cooking, but my travels have provided me with the opportunity to incorporate different ingredients that bring a sense of lightness to my dishes, enhancing the Frenchness while balancing out what could otherwise be a heavier style.
Why are you are coming to Sydney?
I’ll be cooking alongside Australian chef Brent Savage at his new restaurant, Eleven Barrack, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in June. It’s a very special opportunity to bring a taste of Josephine Bouchon – our new bistro in London – to Sydney.
The residency is about more than just presenting dishes; it’s about sharing a piece of home. Josephine is deeply inspired by the food I grew up with in Lyon; it’s comforting, nostalgic, but reimagined with a modern sensibility. Brent and I both share a similar approach when it comes to cooking: we value precise technique, seasonal produce, and bold flavours.
The menu we’ve created together reflects that synergy – dishes that are elegant but heartfelt. We’ll be preparing a six-course menu, and offering lunch and dinner service for two days only. I’m really looking forward to it.
The most memorable dishes
I still remember an amazing tomato and mozzarella dish I enjoyed on the Amalfi Coast in Italy during my first holiday with my wife. The perfect surroundings with the perfect company so it was an unforgettable experience. Another highlight was the chilli crab I had in Singapore. It was from a street food stall, and the flavours were simply amazing.
The best bistros in Lyon
Bistro Abel is known for its traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. The cosy atmosphere and hearty dishes make it a great spot.Daniel et Denise (pictured) has warm ambience and exceptional service, while La Brasserie George combines a stunning setting with a diverse menu featuring both traditional French dishes and local specialties. La Mere Brazier is an iconic restaurant with a rich history, and offers refined Lyonnaise cuisine. It’s a wonderful spot for a special occasion, known for both its exquisite food and elegant dining experience.
My favourite hotel
We stayed at The Peninsula in Istanbul, and it was very special. The service is spectacular, and I love the modern approach and beautiful view. The Galada, led by Chef Fatih Tutak, was also amazing. The restaurant has a simple approach and heroes local produce – it’s delicious.
Where I like to go on holiday
We normally try to travel to Asia. My last trip was to Thailand, and it was fantastic. My wife has a gift for discovering amazing places to eat wherever we go on holiday, and we usually seek recommendations for food from locals in the area we are travelling.
The best restaurants in London
It’s hard to say as there are so many choices. For fine dining, I would recommend Clare Smyth at Core. Jason Atherton’s new restaurant Row on 5 is another great one. I also love The Ritz for French cuisine. It’s like going back in time, but with amazing modern French food. In terms of casual dining, for Asian I would recommend Hunan in Pimlico, and for French food, I love Soif in Clapham.
The Sydney restaurants I want to try when I get here
This is my first time in the city and I’m really looking forward to eating out. I’d like to dine at Saint Peter (pictured) as I really love Josh Niland’s approach to fish. And Peter Gilmore’s Quay if I have the chance.
Eleven Barrack x Claude Bosi is on June 10 and 11. Tickets from $185 for a four-course lunch menu and $285 for a six-course dinner.
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