Prahran has a luxe new addition, Gigi, the newly-opened sister restaurant of Entrecôte. The almost-hidden venue has officially opened in a bluestone laneway off Greville Street, drawing inspiration from the classic 1958 musical Gigi, infusing the venue with the elegance of Belle Époque Paris. It is, in a word, lush.

Co-owners Jason M. Jones and Brahman Perera want guests to be transported into a luxurious oasis, marked by velvet banquettes, hand-painted walls by artist Melissa Macfarlane, antique crystal chandeliers, and Persian carpets. The design is evocative of Parisian stalwarts like Hôtel Costes and The Ritz, with a speakeasy secret. Gigi features an intimate salon, an eclectic galerie, and an open-air terrasse that overlooks Grattan Gardens, so you can sculpt your experience to your whim.

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The venue offers more than just its opulent interior. A Eurocentric wine list by Entrecôte sommeliers ranges from Grower Champagnes to local pet nats and classic light-bodied Burgundies. Before you move onto the hard stuff though, it’s worth warming up with a Gigi signature cocktail that combines all the tastes of spring with sweet pea syrup, gin, elderflower, and lemon.

Snacks are the strength at Gigi. In fact, the extensive menu is a masterclass in picking. Crisp rosti topped with creme fraiche and beluga caviar; fresh crudite with equally fresh cottage cheese and herbs; Petit Franks, dijon mustard and ketchup (footy franks with tomato sauce); house-made sausage rolls; and beef ‘Burgundy’ party pies. It’s like a kid’s birthday spread put through Google translate and we are absolutely here for it.

There is even a smaller version of Entrecôte’s famous cheeseburger, for when a late-night Macca’s run just won’t do.

“We’re thrilled to be open and bringing Gigi to life here on Greville Street,” says Jones. “This place holds a special meaning for me – I celebrated my 21st birthday dinner upstairs when it was the Greville Bar. Now, we’ve created something new, but with that same sense of fun and nostalgia. Gigi is all about escape and indulgence.”

Gigi is open now at 1/143 Greville Street, Prahran. Walk-ins only. For more details head to the Gigi website.

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