Overview
Every decade or thereabouts, change comes to Montrachet. Back in 2017, more than ten years into its life, the French fine-diner made a massive move from the Given Terrace location in Paddington that it had always called home over to Bowen Hills' King Street. Now, with the restaurant over 20 years old, it's undergone a new switch. After going into administration in the middle of 2024, Montrachet is back open under a new owner.
French chef Clément Chauvin has taken over the acclaimed eatery, which was previously part of chef Shannon Kellam's hospitality empire. Welcoming patrons through the doors since Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the new Montrachet mixes fresh touches with classics on its menu — and in general.
Diners can still say bonjour to double-crab soufflé, escargot, bouillabaisse, steak frites and crème brûlée, should you already know your favourite Montrachet dish. Clément's additions, however, include spring lamb two ways, beef wellington with red wine jus, and roasted pumpkin and mushroom pie featuring a sage and brown butter crumble on top. For dessert, there's also now a passionfruit soufflé paired with a chilli explosion and coconut sorbet as the sweet signature option.
The menu also spans a range of multi-course feasts for the table, whether you're after two plates, three or a six-round degustation. On Saturdays for lunch, there's also a surprise five-course option created by the restaurant's kitchen team.
Among the single dishes, other highlights include steak tartare, dry-aged roasted duck with orange duck jus, upside-down caramelised apple tart and dark chocolate mousse-filled cigars.
Chauvin is already behind fellow French restaurant Les Bistronomes in Canberra, running the award-winning eatery as its sole owner and Executive Chef since 2019. Now, the figure that started his career aged 15 — complete with stints at Gordon Ramsay's Claridge's in London, plus Sydney's Restaurant Balzac and Bistro Paris — takes on an adored slice of Brisbane's dining scene.
Find Montrachet at 1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills — open for lunch Thursday–Saturday and dinner Tuesday–Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website for more details.