Bistro Gitan is a little pocket of France situated in South Yarra. Although a contemporary French bistro, it takes influences from other surrounding European countries. Named after the gypsy travellers of Europe, Gitan certainly has an eclectic offering. A collaboration between L'Hotel Gitan's Jacques Reymond and his children, Bistro Gitan boats a more relaxed and warmer atmosphere. With Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean influences, it's a very Melbourne interpretation of a modern French bistro — like you're sitting in a hole-in-the-wall eatery in Paris (or, you know, somewhere).

Typically French dishes like buttery escargots ($15), croque monsieurs ($14) and liver parfait ($13) sit alongside spiced cheese churros ($11) and chicken liver piccata with bacon, balsamic, fresh pappardelle and watercress ($24). Sides of pomme frites ($8), vegies and, of course, baskets of bread and butter ($3) are also available as are weekly specials, which are written in European fashion — on the blackboard.

The wine list is worldly, with drops from Spain, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand, which are available by the glass, the pichet (250ml) or the carafe (500ml), as well as a lengthier list of wines available by the bottle.