5 Bistros Where the Fare is Hearty and the Welcome Warm

‘Bistro’ refers to a small and casual eatery which serves hearty and delicious food, typically alongside wine.

Modern-day bistros often line New York’s sidewalks, but their humble origins lead back to the City of Love – Paris.

Bistros tend to be simple in appearance – a place where you can enjoy a meal and drink at a smart pace, making them popular hangouts for those looking for a casual and relaxing break away from everyday hustle and bustle.

Here are five bistros to put on your dining radar:

Find comfort, connection and joy by sharing food together at Manolas Bros Delicatessen on Via Roma on the Isle of Capri. This Gold Coast institution has been serving locals and visitors alike for more than 25 years; soak up the sun alfresco at Capri on Via Roma, or dine indoors where the pizza oven takes centre stage, amid tiled counters, black and white table settings and potted greenery.

 

Delve into share plates like hiramasa kingfish, avocado, tomato, cucumber, chilli, coriander, lime and crispy shallots, or devour pizza slices topped with mussels, squid, prawns, rocket, lemon zest and a touch of chilli; perhaps locally caught spanner crab lasagne entices, with San Marzano tomato and abalone sauce.

Circa 1880, the charms of historic venue, The Riverview Hotel & Dining on Birchgrove Road in Balmain remain, frequented by locals in search of icy beverages and sumptuous cuisine. Split into varying spaces, The Riverview offers a casual bistro setting on ground level for after-work drinks and tasty bar snacks, while a second story embraces a refined ambience for family and friends to dine at leisure, surrounded by elegant décor in Birchgrove restaurant.

 

Embark on your bistro culinary journey with crispy pork belly bites and apple sauce, or grilled Yamba prawns, lemon myrtle butter and fresh herbs; from the grill comes perfectly cooked Scotch fillet, served with beer-battered chips, salad and jus, while steak and Guinness pie always hits the mark, with creamy mashed potato, Dutch carrots and jus.

A neighbourhood bistro and bar serving food that works with wine is what you will find at Carlton Wine Room on Faraday Street. Occupying a treasured corner in old Carlton, this venue has distinct dining spaces over three levels linked by a common offering of solid informed service and good times.

Come in for honest, generous dishes, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself; think starters like kingfish rillettes, smoked roe, chives and rye, before Aylesbury duck breast, cauliflower, Dutch carrots and plum jus. Carnivore opt for boneless rib eye, caramelised onion, lardons, mustard and sides of fried potatoes and green salad; desserts such as vanilla cream, strawberries, white chocolate and sherbet always tempt.

Discover your new local bistro in Albert Park at Omen on Victoria Avenue. The brainchild of three hospitality veterans – Declan, Pierre and Dean – this Melbourne dining destination delivers wood-fire cooking, along with sustainable, head-to-toe cuisine in a relaxed and playful environment, ideal for enjoying the best of wine and food.

Take a seat at the Tasmanian oak bar that spans the length of the venue and pair a glass of Pinot Gris with small plates of chicken liver parfait and brioche doughnut; then delve into braised octopus, jamon tomato sugo and olives, or butter poached coral trout with new potatoes and tartare.

Nestled in the heart of Nundah Village, head to relaxed, modern bistro Nundah Corner Café & Bistro on Sandgate Road for globally-inspired fare. A full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light at this bright and breezy dining destination, where vibrant green subway-tiled walls blend with leaf-shaped pendents and comfy couches to create a chilled-out vibe, ideal for lingering over a brew and bite to eat.

 

Early risers devour plates such as baked eggs with pumpkin, caramelised onion, spinach, feta and bacon; while later diners are spoilt for choice with options such as house-style steak and eggs with slow-cooked brisket, fried eggs, spicy mayo, chimichurri, pico de gallo and chilli oil.