Bistrot D'Orsay

Ph: 9654 6498; 184 Collins St, Melbourne 3000

French/Mediterranean, $$ +, * for Ambience
Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-late Sat 9am-late, Closed Most public holidays; Licensed; AE DC MC V
Chef John Tully (5-12-08) Owner Kenneth Meere & John Tully (5-12-08)

Mietta's Review
In a time when it is more popular to offer Middle Eastern inspired menus, Bistrot d'Orsay with its vista over the Parisian quarter of Collins Street, is refreshingly Gallic. With a recent renovation it has expand not only in size, but also in mission, graduating from cafe/bar to bistrot. Its shady spot ensures that it is dimly lit throughout the day, lending to its intimate and cosy ambience. The food is well prepared, and the service is as smooth as it is efficient. The respect cheese is shown here is also pleasing, the selection of cheese on offer is impressive. And at breakfast, they undoubtedly serve the best, freshly baked fruit muffins in town.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 13/20 "Before Melbourne's French bistro renaissance of the past couple of years, those with a hankering for some dark panelling and the spirit, if not the sniff, of a Gaulois headed straight for this CBD institution"

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14/20 "A restaurant that has catered to the theatre crowd for a decade should know how to work a room and this appealing bistro does so with a professional deftness: prima donna histrionics are unknown"

The Age Dani Valent, 2-4-2007 "Bistrot d'Orsay is one of the best. It has atmosphere, smart waiters, and wine and food that are good enough to carry an evening, but it's not the kind of restaurant that insists on being the main event."

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20 "Inside, small unadorned tables are placed cheek-by-jowl in two cavernshaped, bonhomie-imbued rooms, fitted with wood panelling, mirrors and cherubic frescoes on the ceiling. Friendly, intuitive and respectful service completes the picture."

2005 AGFG score 14/20 "The subtle lighting, and view of the ornate Regent Theatre across the road, make this a cosy place for dalliance as well as pie- or post-theatre dining. The food also has much to offer"

2004 AGFG score 14/20

The Age, A2, 9-10/4/04,Jane Faulkner,'It opens early,closes late and the pace is fast and furious...The menu is French-bistro focused with a nod to the Mediterranean'

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004,'D'Orsay is not overtly French, yet it is highly evocative of a mood and a style that is Paris...doesn't break new ground, but it produces very satisfying conservative standards, and matches them with a good wine selection and excellent service.'

Age Good Food Guide 2003 14/20.

The Age, 12.02.02, John Lethlean Score: 14 out of 20