Poodle Bar & Bistro

Overview

Born during the pandemic and encountering its fair share of missteps since, Poodle Bar & Bistro from Zoë Rubino and Emilio Scalzo has become a much-loved fixture of Fitzroy's Gertrude Street. The interiors, designed by local firm Bergman & Co, boast leather banquettes, art-adorned walls, dark timber accents and an art deco-inspired bar — think a much moodier The Grand Budapest Hotel and you're partway there. The spacious, Euro-inspired patio courtyard is also a huge drawcard, primed for any weather but especially grand on balmy, spritz-filled afternoons.

Head Chef Josh Fry is winning plenty of fans with his food offering, showcasing lots of creative, modern touches, and a strong Euro influence. The bistro menu might see you tucking into bites like tuna served with smoked tomato and a quail egg ($26), veal tongue pastrami with sauce gribiche ($26), pork croquettes ($9), and a baked camembert fondue with all the trimmings ($26). And don't skip the bread — a house-made sourdough number made with spent coffee and rye, and matched with kefir butter ($7).

You can go deeper with the likes of slow-roasted duck paired with Amaro-soaked figs ($58), steak with escargot ($75), a decadent leek and comte tart ($32), or a classic bistro burger ($23). A chef's selection offers a taste of all the best bits for $85.

To match, you'll find a solid spread of wines and a chic cocktail lineup — perhaps including sips like the Spring Has Sprung, fusing Ketel One vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh coriander and pear.