About Straight & Sear
Straight & Sear is a sun-lit bistro and private offline poker lounge devoted to the pleasure of dining together in real life — where thoughtful cooking, considered wines, and genuine conversation shape every service.
Our Story
Straight & Sear was founded to bring a sense of classic bistro warmth to modern Australian dining, blending timeless culinary traditions with contemporary flair. Our venue is built upon a passion for hospitality and a love for exceptional food, wine, and genuine face-to-face connection.
What began as a modest idea between friends — to create a room where service feels intuitive, plates feel generous, and conversation never has to compete with excess noise — has grown into a dining destination that honours both precision and pleasure. Every decision, from our tableware to our playlist, is in service of that feeling of being truly hosted.
The Venue
Nestled in the heart of Australia, our bistro is a sun-lit sanctuary with elegant bentwood chairs and an air of Belle Époque café chic, offering guests an intimate escape from the everyday. Soft alabaster tones, tiled grids, and gentle border details frame each table setting with quiet ceremony.
By day, the room glows with natural light and the easy rhythm of lunches and late-afternoon glasses. As evening settles, candles and warm lamplight take over, drawing the eye toward the staircase that leads to the private offline card lounge above.
Culinary Philosophy
We craft every dish on our menu with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, celebrating the art of modern Australian cuisine with a nod to old-world techniques and precision. From careful sourcing to considered plating, our kitchen treats each service as a quiet choreography.
Seasonal produce, responsible farming partnerships, and an unwavering respect for the ingredient underpin the menu. Grills, roasts, and slow braises share space with crisp vegetables, bright coastal flavours, and refined desserts designed to linger over.
Meet the Team
Our devoted team of chefs, sommeliers, and service professionals are united by their dedication to hospitality excellence and the joy of dining together. From the first greeting at the door to the final nightcap, every interaction is guided by warmth, attentiveness, and respect.
Training focuses on both technical mastery and the art of reading the room: when to step in, when to step back, and when to simply let conversation flow. Behind the scenes, a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and shared service keeps standards high and spirits grounded.
Leadership Profiles
Led by Executive Chef Amélie Redfern and Operations Manager Lucas Tan, Straight & Sear balances creative expression with rigorous standards, ensuring each visit feels both effortless and meticulously considered.
Culinary direction & menu design
Amélie draws on classical European training and deep familiarity with Australian producers to create menus that are elegant without being ornate. Her approach favours layered flavours, considered textures, and the kind of dishes guests remember long after the last course.
Service, culture & guest experience
Lucas oversees the heartbeat of the bistro: the dance between floor, bar, lounge, and kitchen. With a background in refined dining rooms across Australia, he ensures that every service feels polished yet relaxed, with a focus on consistency, pacing, and sincere hospitality.
The Private Card Lounge
Upstairs, the exclusive lounge is designed as a haven for discerning guests seeking the camaraderie of classic card games and intellectual conversation in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. The atmosphere is warm and composed: low lighting, upholstered seating, generous tables, and quiet corners for longer sessions.
The lounge is reserved for in-person gatherings only, with an emphasis on etiquette, respect, and the shared enjoyment of timeless games. Wine, snacks, and small plates from the bistro are available throughout the evening, ensuring that culinary pleasure remains at the heart of the experience.
Our Values
We believe in authentic hospitality, respect for the craft, and upholding a culture where every guest and team member is valued. For us, refinement is not about formality; it is about thoughtfulness, intention, and the quiet details that make a room feel cared for.
Contact & Careers
Passionate about bistro culture or looking to join our exceptional team? Explore opportunities for collaboration or enquire about working with us. We welcome conversations with hospitality professionals, producers, event partners, and guests planning special occasions.
Whether you are arranging a long lunch, a private gathering in the lounge, or a season-long partnership, our team is ready to help shape a tailored experience.