Gigi

Overview

Entrecote is the latest restaurant to open a side bar and it's Gigi, an extravagant hidden upper-level bar tucked off Greville Street with soft lighting, crystal chandeliers, velvet finishings and ravishing Persian rugs.

Gigi's signature cocktail — the Gigi — features gin enlivened with a sweet green pea syrup, elderflower and lemon, while the Tiki Cinnamon, Pandan Negroni, and Mango and Lemongrass expertly blend eclectic global influences. Wines are predominantly from French regions, with a smattering of Australian and Italian varietals, and bottles range from below $100 to upwards of $700.

Digestifs and a curated selection of beers and ciders are also available.

You may not be at Gigi for the food, but that doesn't mean the menu that melds luxury with comfort isn't worth trying. There are caviar tartlets. Caramelised French onion drip served alongside potato crisps. The la petite sœur cheeseburger — a jam-packed bite of Emmental cheese, pickles, and the bar's signature café de Entrecôte butter.  Toasted chicken 'sandwich points' with cornichons and tabasco, which may just usurp Gin Palace's famed chicken sandwich. Flaky housemade sausage rolls. Gigi's macarons to finish — choose from a holy trinity of chocolate, pistachio and rosewater flavours.

Don't forget to catch views of the lush adjoining Grattan Gardens from the open-air terrace.

Images: Annika Kafcaloudis.