Boucher French Bistro

Boucher is probably more upmarket than its suburban location or name would suggest. Parquet floors, walls papered in charcoal metallic stripes, a chandelier and huge filigreed brass mirror add up to a chic French ambience. The hard surfaces do amplify sound though (or Graceville locals are just particularly rowdy) so if you're after a romantic tete a tete for two on a Saturday night, best go elsewhere. Stay on and get into the convivial spirit, however, and you'll be rewarded with generous portions of lightened-up Gallic classics. Beautifully plated quail roulade is served as half a dozen neat discs atop a good slick of velvety pumpkin fondant. Pork belly, succulent and surprisingly light, comes with a crumbed croquette of black pudding and armagnac prunes, while perfectly pink duck breast and a confit leg en crepinette are accompanied by a silky cauliflower puree. Service is enthusiastic if not highly polished but with city-standard food and a well-priced BYO option, locals are understandably keen to claim Boucher as their own.