Bistra, Melbourne VIC: Restaurant Review

Bistra

This minimalist bistro in a Carlton terrace makes classic dishes feel new again.

A burger on a table with a white tablecloth, with chips and a glass of wine next to it.

MELBOURNE

Address

157 Elgin Street, Carlton, VIC

It’s not the shock of the new but the joy of the familiar at this compact Carlton terrace bistro. How else to explain a place where a cheeseburger, going artfully minimalist with an architectural spear of dill pickle, has become the breakout social media star, and an order of chicken liver pâté can create a domino effect around the room? Chef Alex Nishizawa knows how to make the classics sing (on that note, see the nanna-core cream puff at dessert), but his toolbox of modern tricks gets a run with tiger prawns in the buttery tang of fermented chilli sauce and the inspired triangulation of squacquerone cheese, zucchini and honey dressing. Hiding coyly behind a curtained doorway, Bistra’s whitewashed brick walls and looks-enhancing mood lighting provide a canvas for diners to choose their direction, as does the globe-straddling wine list, which is alive to the interest-versus-value nexus. Casual drop-in or big night out? You decide.

Price Guide

$$$

Bookings

Recommended

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Opening Hours

Lunch Fri-Sun; Dinner Wed-Mon

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

Annual Restaurant Guide

Related stories

About your privacy