Prix fixe set menus are on the rise in Australian restaurants - Eat Out

Sep 06, 2024

Au reviour, a la carte. Chefs are increasingly embracing the prix fixe menu, proving you can still have a multi-course meal without having to fork out.

WHAT’S HOT: The father of the fixed price menu, Auguste Escoffier, dared to dream of a dining experience where we didn’t deliberate over the menu, contemplating the need for extra greens or fussing over whether we’d ordered enough food or left room for dessert. Instead, he envisioned a set menu, made up of around three courses, and available for a fixed price.

WHY: This style of dining has long been associated with white-clothed tables and tiny forks, but in recent months, the set menu has also become popular in less serious, stuffy surrounds. That’s because it’s an easy and efficient way to prepare food, making it both cost-effective and low on waste. Restaurants are currently cooking up some great value deals across the country, offering special fixed price menus, sans the bill shock at the end.

WHERE TO TRY IT:

MONOPOLE, SYDNEY
Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage’s inner Sydney diner Monopole has not only relaunched as a French bistro, it’s also introduced a new prix fixe menu par excellence. Choose from an entry-level two-course menu for $55 or three for $70, which is available for lunch or reservations before 6pm. 16/20 Curtin Pl, Sydney; bentleyrestaurantgroup.com.au/monopole.

JULIE, MELBOURNE
If you haven’t made it to Julie in Abbotsford, the new seasonally-driven set menu is the perfect excuse. The chef’s choice menu features three courses for $70 or five for $110, with the option to bring your own bottle of wine for free. 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford; julierestaurant.com.au.

CLARENCE, BRISBANE
Locals love the constantly changing carte du jour at Clarence in Wooloongabba, which features three courses for $58 for lunch and $75 for dinner. There’s plenty of choice, with 3-4 dishes in each category, and the option to add on a cheese course, and oysters to start. 617 Stanley St, Woolloongabba; clarencerestaurant.com.

COMEDOR, SYDNEY
Hole mole, indeed. Mexican newcomer Comedor is bringing the concept of the ‘comida corrida’ to Newtown in Sydney’s Inner West. The Mexico City express lunch tradition features three or four ‘tiempos’ or courses for a fair price. 182-184 Australia St, Newtown; comedor.sydney.