Bistro Guillaume – Melbourne

Bistro Guillaume is Guillaume Brahimi’s Melbourne venture. Previously a fine dining restaurant located where Spice Temple is, everything has been relocated closer to the cinema end of the Crown Complex and the style of dining has changed to a more relaxed bistro style.

After thoroughly enjoying The Dark Knight Rises, J and I headed to Bistro Guillaume for a late dinner. It was a good thing I had a booking, as at 8:30 on a Thursday night, in the middle of a cold wet winter, the place was packed. Our reserved table was the only empty table inside and, despite the weather, there appeared to be quite a few diners outside on the terrace as well.

Bread and butter were served. We didn’t really need it, but slowly picked at it as it was very good.

We had already had some food at the cinemas, which we considered our entrée, so we went straight to the main courses.

J had the John Dory with beurre noisette, capers and lemon.

He also ordered a side salad which was needed as it was literally fish on a plate, but it was well cooked fish and J really enjoyed it.

I had the Steak frites with béarnaise sauce.

This dish came with excellent chips, which I generously shared with J. The steak was cooked perfectly and came pre sliced. There was a little too much sauce for my liking but overall I enjoyed it.

We decided to share one of the many tempting offers on the dessert menu, and agreed on the chocolate delice with hazelnut praline and coffee icecream.

While the service had been a bit uninterested throughout the evening (though not as bad as I was expecting from reading other reviews), I did like how when we said we were sharing dessert we were each given not only cutlery but a plate as well. Most places will just give everyone a spoon and expect you to eat off the same plate.

It was a stunning looking dish.

I said I will be George* and preceded to divvy up the spoils.

I was expecting the delice to be a lot richer and heavier but it wasn’t, and that is a good thing. The coffee ice-cream cut through what richness there was. A really good dessert.

We enjoyed our late dinner at Bistro Guillaume and would go back for their simple, but classic, French food. Though I would go with an empty stomach next time.

* George Calombaris, who when judging on Masterchef is always the one who divides and serves the dishes to be tasted.