All it took was one glance at the New York inspired bistro menu at Gramercy Bistro and we were there.  Think buttermilk pancakes and a classic grilled cheese sandwich for brekky, and at lunch, a chop-chop salad or a selection of New York style deli sandwiches. The Reuben caught our eye.

Dinner is a more robust affair (American portions, not the French ones we so often get) with six different cuts of steak for grill offerings like the 750g rib eye, and sticky tender pork ribs with a New York cheese cake to finish. These are big apple dishes with Chef Rodd Blutman’s unique Melbournian take.

The decor is NYC chic with white tiled walls offset by splashes of red and black finishes. There’s also a covered (heated) outdoor section and a cocktail bar, perfect for a pre meal martini or an after work Americano. Completely lacking a hotel feel, patrons will be forgiven for not realising it takes up residence in The Cullen, part of the Art Hotel Series Group, a collection of boutique hotels inspired by Australian artists, in this case, Adam Cullen.

But back to that Reuben; with layer upon layer of house made pastrami sandwiched between lightly toasted rye, with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and mustard, and signature dill pickle, did it live up to our high expectations? It did and then some! I’ll be back to finish the other half real soon.

Where: 162-164 Commercial Rd, Prahran
Phone: +61 3 9098 1155
Open: 6.30am-late 7 days a week
Details: www.gramercybistro.com.au