Experience the charm of French bistro dining at Bistrot Bisou, Melbourne’s latest culinary addition. Located at the bustling corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street within the art-inspired Hotel Indigo, this venue is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Luke Mangan.
Known for his modern take on classic French cuisine, Mangan teams up with head chef Rory Kennedy. Together, they bring a slice of Parisian flair to Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene.
EAT: A Taste of France in the Heart of Melbourne
Bistrot Bisou’s menu is a tribute to French dining traditions with a contemporary twist. Start your culinary journey with a selection of fruits de mer. Highlights include a deconstructed prawn cocktail with marie rose sauce, salmon fumé with crème fraîche, and raw scallop with confit potato and truffle verjus. The hors d’oeuvres list is equally enticing with delights such as cheese soufflé, steak tartare and rich chicken liver parfait.
For mains, or plats, the menu boasts dishes like confit duck leg, wood-roasted poussin, and sirloin au poivre. A highlight is the decadent lobster thermidor. This traditional French dish is made with WA lobster and a creamy béchamel sauce, cooked over a woodfire and grilled to perfection. Desserts are not to be missed. Options include apple tarte tatin soaked in Calvados and served with vanilla bean ice-cream, alongside a selection of French and Australian cheeses.
DRINK: A Fusion of French and Australian Flavours
The drinks menu at Bistrot Bisou is as thoughtfully curated as the food. Restaurant and bar manager Tim Davey has crafted a cocktail list featuring eight martinis, including the Two-Sips Duke, made with frozen Tanqueray No. 10 gin and a lemon twist. The signature cocktail, “Tomber dans les Pommes,” combines Plantation 3 Stars white rum, Pierre Ferrand dry curacao, Pineau des Charentes, Dubonnet, and green apple.
The wine list is an international affair. It offers Taittinger Champagne by the glass and French wines from regions like Beaujolais, the Loire Valley, and Burgundy. Victorian wines from the Mornington Peninsula, Heywood, and the Yarra Valley also make an appearance. Davey promises a dynamic wine list that evolves with the seasons. This ensures there’s always something new to try.
PLAY: A Vibrant Atmosphere in a Prime Location
With its plush cream carpet, gold pendant lighting, and custom-made rattan chairs, Bistrot Bisou’s 96-seat dining room exudes elegance. The intimate corner bar, with bright red leather stools and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Spencer Street, adds to the venue’s allure. Bistrot Bisou offers a welcoming retreat for a relaxed meal after a day of sightseeing.
The venue is open for dinner from 5.30 pm to late, Tuesday to Saturday, and for lunch from 12-3 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. For more details and reservations, visit Bistrot Bisou.
Conclusion
Bistrot Bisou brings a slice of Paris to Melbourne with its delightful blend of French cuisine and relaxed dining atmosphere. Under the guidance of Luke Mangan and Rory Kennedy, this new restaurant promises an exceptional dining experience. It celebrates the best of French and Australian flavours. Whether you’re in the mood for a sophisticated meal or a casual drink, Bistrot Bisou is set to become a favourite in Melbourne’s dining scene.
