New French restaurant opens in Bardon

Locals have seen restaurants come and go in this spot for years but one hopes the latest, Lutece Bistro and Wine Bar will be a stayer. The owner is Romain Bapst, formerly of Il Centro and Drift Milton and Brookwater.

Lutece opened on the Bastille Day weekend in the space vacated by the short-lived Mariosarti (and before that the ill-fated Medusa). It has a panoramic view of Brisbane and a menu of French classics – think Burgundy snails fricassee gratin, de-boned 24-hour braised stuffed oxtail with celeriac purée, mushroom and truffle and a selection of meals such as braised beef cheek and stuffed pig trotter served in little cast iron pots ("cocotte").

Then there's the slightly controversial spanner crab lasagne, here "Romain's famous Cea's spanner crab lasagne", a version of which is still served at Il Centro and whose ownership is claimed by chef Gillian Hirst, who worked there before Bapst.

As well as tasting and la carte menu in the evenings, there are specials and prix fixe menus for lunch. The wine list is an even split of French and Australian wines, with the bar offering snacks such as terrine, oysters or an Alsatian onion and speck tart. Lutece is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday and for breakfast on Sunday.

Lutece Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1/60 Macgregor Terrace, Bardon (07) 3161 1858