Bistro Guillaume

Bistro Guillaume is located on the riverfront dining precinct in the Crown Entertainment Complex. Owner and chef Guillaume Brahimi got his start under heavily decorated French chef Joël Robuchon, and led Sydney Opera House fine diner Guillaume at Bennelong for over a decade. It's since closed, moved to the Sydney CBD and adopted the more casual dining experience piloted here in Melbourne.

Bistro Guillaume is modelled on classic French bistros: casual, welcoming neighbourhood haunts that let the food speak for itself. Brahimi’s Parisian-influenced menu includes French classics done very well – steak frites (porterhouse with fries and bearnaise), escargot with butter-and-garlic persillade, and Roquefort cheese soufflé are among the staples.

Despite setting up shop amongst some of the cities swankiest restaurants, Bistro Guillaume eschews the white linen service for naked tables and serve-yourself wine – no emergency crumb sweeping here. If you’re celebrating something, or just want a more lavish meal, opt for the multi-course set menu and a bottle from the wine list, which includes French and Australian drops.

With interiors styled by Red Design, the space draws on the look and feel of France’s neighbourhood bistros, including classic timber panelling.