Bistro Guillaume (the bar)

Tonight I decided to re-visit Bistro Guillaume. Unable to get a booking in the restaurant proper I decided to eat downstairs in the bar/ lounge. I must admit that I found the downstairs setting sensational. Its dark with tall lamps and soft mood lighting. Decked out with black walls and timber panels, plush leather booths and lounges: its uber comfortable and gorgeous. I personally prefer it greatly to the main dining room.

In the bar patrons have the option of ordering from the full a la carte menu or a more limited bar tapas menu. I choose the latter option and sample all of the items on offer. You can choose 4, 6 or 8 items) at $22, $33 or $44 respectively, which is reasonable value for the outstanding quality of food you consequently receive.

After a modest wait everything is brought out on a large platter, and the food really is excellent. Clockwise from the top are: In house smoked salmon on an excellent toasted brioche, a quinelle of rabbit meat with mango chutney (a substitution for the terrine du jour), Beetroot with fresh goat's cheese and a cumin vinaigrette, Steak tartare, Two freshly shucked Tasmanian oysters with shallots and red wine vinegar, Mini blue swimmer crabmeat and coriander mayonnaise sandwiches, Chicken and duck foie gras parfait with sauterne jelly and Jamon Iberico and toasted sourdough bruschetta.

Everything was enjoyed but my standout would have to be the chicken and duck foie gras parfait which was incredibly indulgent; the creaminess of the parfait complimenting the sweetness of the jelly so perfectly. The little bruschetta of jamon and pickled vegetables was amongst the best I have tasted; and the steak tartare was almost as good as it gets finished so beautifully with two perfect potato crisps.



Service throughout my sitting was strong. There was never a moment where drinks needed re-filling and the staff seem to have seamlessly settled in to the environment.

I can strongly recommend the bar at Bistro Guillaume in its ownright. It is the perfect setting for a comfortable evening of cocktail sipping. The sort of place where you could sit down for a drink and easily stay all night nibbling on the tapas, or staying on for a full meal. Some may find the space too dark but for me it is perfect - check it out now while you can. Highly Recommended.

MY RATING: 17/20 - Tapas 8/10 Ambience (bar) 5/5 Service 4/5

The Bistro Guillaume restaurant has also been reviewed by Melbourne Foodie here