Montrachet

Imagine a bijou bistro that looks like it's been transported piecemeal from the Left Bank, presided over by a jovial French chef and a long-serving team of pros, with a menu of classic dishes. Sounds like the perfect spot for a cosy weekend dinner, doesn't it? Well that's not going to happen because Montrachet is possibly the only restaurant in Australia that closes Friday and doesn't reopen until Monday lunch. While in charge of the burners, owner Thierry Galichet still does the rounds of the dining room, greeting the throng of regular clientele who call the place their home-away-from-home. Not much changes with the menu - there is always a souffle (often crab and gruyere with saffron hints), steak frites and lamb's brains crumbed and served with a tomato hollandaise. Garlicky snails sit in little Pillivuyt pots topped with puff pastry, and the bouillabaisse is rich and fragrant. Crepes Suzette is always popular as is the creme brulee but the cheese selection is well worth consideration.