The old Bistro Guillaume was elegant, it felt special, and yes it had great French.

When reflecting on lunch at the new Guillaume yesterday, we can tell you, it’s still elegant but more understated, true Bistro like in appeal, with some fabulously French dishes, and of course, French wait staff that we could all listen to for hours.

This new version is Parisian-inspired and we’d now also like to label it good date material. More casual than the first, this version has the ambience and character of modern Parisian life (matched to Melbourne tastes).

There’s still the French oak timber, and there’s the spirited green colouring. It makes for a pretty cool experience actually; we’re thinking that Gainsbourg and Birkin might have felt comfortable here, perhaps reserved a corner table for a late dinner…started with a glass of Mumm (the only Champagne available), half a dozen oysters and then ordered Guillaume’s famed half roast chicken with Paris mash, and chicken jus.

What else did we like?

Fun – the single Profiterole for dessert is a nice touch.

Practical – short wine list…and menu all part of the place setting– which they’ll flip after ordering

Notes –

Where: Crown, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Get me in: 03 9292 4751

Hours: Mon-Sun | Lunch 12-3 | Dinner 5.30 – 11