Overview
Luke Mangan already has an impressive portfolio of Sydney restaurants under his belt, but he's making a long-awaited homecoming by setting up a new restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne this June. Located on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street — a somewhat neglected corner of the CBD — Bistrot Bisou will be serving up contemporary takes on classic French fare.
It's no secret that the local hospitality industry is struggling right now, so sticking to a tried-and-tested restaurant formula — the French bistro — makes a whole lot of sense. It's a relatively safe bet, plus Managan really knows his way around French cuisine. He trained under renowned Chef Michel Roux at Michelin-starred London restaurant Waterside Inn and has several successful French eateries in the Harbour City.
At Bistrot Bisou, diners can expect to find classics like steak frites, twice-baked gruyere souffle and apple tartin alongside plenty of dishes cooked over the woodfired grill — slow-burning ironbark and hardwood charcoal will be used to add depth and a little smokiness to the whole affair.
"Melbourne has a real European feel to it — especially as we come into the cooler months — and French fare is having a moment, so I can't wait to share my take with diners," Mangan says.
All of this will be executed and managed by Bistrot Bisou's Head Chef Rory Kennedy (ex-Vex Dining and Bar Romantica), who you'll see running things from the open kitchen's pass.
An international wine list will complement the food offering, focusing on Aussie and French varietals. Cocktails will also be on the docket, an there are plans in the works for a cocktail hour for local workers.
Guests can drop by for drinks and snacks at the Parisian-style front bar or stick around for longer sessions in the main dining room.
Bistrot Bisou is slated to open in early June in Hotel Indigo, 575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It will open for lunch from Wednesday to Friday, and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. For more details, head to the venue's website.