Reliably sensational food.
This is Melbourne dining as it should be - excellent fresh food cooked to perfection, fine wines, a lively ambience with quiet lighting and efficient, friendly and unobtrusive service.
The menu varies from day to day, but at Bistro 1 it is impossible to make a mistake! I enjoyed roast duckling with sweet potato and a current jelly, preceeded by fresh Tasmanian oysters, but was tempted by the home - made "quatro formaggio" gnocchi (with four cheeses). Bistro 1 describes itself as 'French influenced', but 'eclectic Western European rustic' would be more accurate. This is a restaurant where they are not ashamed to serve mashed potato with fine meats or home made pasta with the freshest Australian Seafood. Buy wine by the glass from the excellent wine list and enjoy the simple but lovely desert selection. This is an outstanding restaurant for lunch, dinner or a special occasion, without breaking the bank. Just do it, (but make a reservation!)
(Try also Bistro's sister restaurant at "Italy 1" - I have no business or other connection with either restaurant).    [24 Oct 2003 04:58:58]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Roasted veal rump on soft polenta, with wild basil, pine nut and red onion dressing.

     ­Neil Taylor