Bisou Bisou

Overview

When Hotel X opened in February, it added a new boutique hotel to Brisbane's ever-growing list, and also marked the brand's first-ever venue anywhere in the world. And, if you're in need of somewhere different to eat and drink, it gave Fortitude Valley's hospitality scene a new French restaurant, thanks to the launch of Bisou Bisou.

Hotel X is also set to welcome a Mediterranean-themed rooftop bar and restaurant called Iris; however, for now, Brisbanites can visit the site's ground level and pretend they're in a different part of Europe. The Ghanem Group is behind both venues, adding to a portfolio that already includes Boom Boom Room Izakaya, Donna Chang, Byblos Bar and Restaurant, Blackbird Bar and Grill, and Lord of the Wings.

At the brasserie-style Bisou Bisou, Ghanem has enlisted head chef Anthony Donaldson (ex-Blackbird) and executive chef Jake Nicolson to head the menu. Think seafood bouillabaisse ($26), parmesan and thyme-crusted chicken schnitzel ($24), escargot and bone marrow on toast ($21), steak tartare ($21) and, of course, steak frites ($43). There's also an oyster and caviar bar, a freestanding rotisserie and a cheese trolley.

Other food highlights include croque monsieur ($19) and French toast with strawberries ($18) on the brekkie lineup, Lyonnaise sausages first up ($24) and on the mains ($20) menu, and multiple types of sorbets ($15) for dessert.

Many of Bisou Bisou's dishes are available on the bar menu, if you're heading by for a cocktail or a glass of wine with a snack while sitting on luxe red bar chairs.

And, decor-wise, the restaurant heroes neutral tones, marble tables, patterned and textured finishes, and exposed brick walls, as paired with splashes of deep greens and reds. There's also indoor and outdoor seating, and the wine collection takes pride of place along one wall.