Smith St Bistrot

Overview

Renowned chef Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda, Pastore and Longrain) transformed his former Italian restaurant Lupo into the Parisian-inspired Smith St Bistrot back in 2021.

The bistro and bar celebrates the French chapter of Pickett's own culinary training. It opens from 12pm for those chic lunching, sipping and snacking sessions, with a rotating menu du jour showcased come dinnertime.

Classic European flavours star throughout finely-tuned dishes like tartare de boeuf with salt baked beetroot and dill yoghurt paired with a side of fries or the chicken fricassee with apple and pearl onions topped with cider. You'll be just as happy dropping by for a steak with green peppercorn on your lunchbreak, as you will be celebrating with friends over a barramundi with cucumber, crayfish beurre blanc and salmon roe.

Shannon McGrath

A matching wine offering has options for all occasions and budgets, favouring local and international winemakers taking a hands-off approach to their art. There be boutique beers and a handful of cocktails, too — revamping familiar favourites with a few new-world twists.

The space has been created under the eye of Anthology Studio's Sarah Townson, with green velvet and burgundy leather played against exposed brick in a nod to both gothic and art deco stylings. Think brass chandeliers, antique mirrors and wrought iron balustrades, with a spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine level and second private dining space.

Top images: Alex Squadrito

Appears in:

The Best French Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023