There’s no degustation at chef Dan Pepperell’s Bistrot 916, just a one-page a la carte menu of everyday French dishes, sans the cheesy cliches.
For the more adventurous palates, start with the lamb brains with smoked eel mayonnaise. Not nearly as confronting as they sound; these little fried noggins are both creamy and crisp, while the tartare-style sauce adds fresh herby acidity.
All the mains are variations on the steak frites form, with duck, mushroom and seafood versions to choose from. The steak in question is a Rangers Valley entrecote served with a black pepper jus and prepared perfectly medium-rare, unless explicitly requested otherwise.
However, it’s the dessert that will really win your heart: the Quarts de Chaume custard, a creamy little pot topped with a bitter toffee syrup, made rich and fruity thanks to a splash of the Loire Valley white wine.
And speaking of le vin, the line-up focuses on niche and next-gen producers from all the main regions in France; Champagne, Burgundy, Châteauneuf-du-Pape included. In keeping with the bistro theme, the former Lotus 2.0 site has been given a modest makeover of black walls, dark timber panelling and clothed, candlelit tables; the perfect cloak of darkness for a romantic date.

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