L'Hotel Gitan - Glen Eira

We went there twice and always was an excellent time ! The service is just amazing, they explain the menu and all the specials, so we never no what to choose because everything looks so good ! We took the scallops as a starter and it's so flavoury and yummy, the deserts are also delicious !The staff always come to see if everything is alright. We certainly come again !

Came here with work friends for dinner and drinks. I had the duck liver parfait for entree, which was nice but the steak tartare main was suboptimal. Portion size was small for a main meal. The meat was also not well chopped enough with inconsistent sized pieces. Plating was also poor, looked almost dog food on lettuce leaves. Unfortunately service was not great as well. The waitress was not friendly and seemed to only focus on getting us out. We brought cupcakes as part of a friend's going away party without knowing that it wasn't allowed. She told us rudely that we were not allowed to eat the cupcakes there and that a cakeage fee applied. I felt that it would have been better if she had said that there was a cakeage fee and gave us the option whether we wanted to eat it there or not. We ended up having to eat the cupcakes outside the restaurant in the rain. Overall, food was average but service was appalling. There are other much better restaurants in the area.

It was a mid-week, off the cuff adventure amongst colleagues. It just so happens that we discovered, merely two blocks from our office suite in St Kilda Road, this boutique "pub" known to the local folk as L'Hotel Gitan. Very much resembling an Art Deco development, that was prominent at the time, particularly in that part of town. However, as soon as you open the salon door it was anything but; this French inspired and infused restaurant meets the colloquial local pub. This concept works very well here, by way of locality and the people that live in or frequent the great suburb of Prahran. It would be considered a match made in "heaven". As the above description fits the ambiance, the food is like winning the lottery - meaning you scored on both accounts. I must emphasise this experience is worth more if you have more. Start with the pork sliders. They are the best pork sliders I have ever had! They are smaller than a traditional slider. However, it is the sauce that makes it scrumptious and you will never forget that flavour, I assure you. The company I was with on this evening, as we looked at each other, reviewing our taste bud bliss we gave the winning votes, it was unanimous! I assume you are sliding into the plate now! Additionally on top of the pork sliders being the favourite of the night and additional mention must be had which will further enhance your experience and that is sit at the bar facing the team at work. The Head Chef (from an amateur speaking) runs a very well oiled machine and the team were phenomenal to watch and it was not doubt the added addition to this great experience. Next on the list, worthy to mention was the potato cooked in duck fat and filled with cheese and spinach. It was divine and there was not enough of it on the plate but for good reason.The veal I had was cooked exceptionally well by the friendliest of the Chef's. She did engage with us ever so briefly ensuring that it was to our liking the food. Additionally, her passion for food was evident because she enjoyed the response and behaviour we exhibited whilst we sat in front of her at the bar. The beef cheeks were the other main course for that evening and the words spoken by my friend who devoured it, was to the effect of "amazing". The staff and service, along with copious amounts of alcoholic beverages to select from, were all very well chosen for the specified reasons and it is what they bring to that establishment holistically that will bring me back there time and time again. Compliments to the proprietors of the hotel and the management. It was a great experience!

Great food. Most impressive were the staff. Great advice on the menu and specials and really attentive. Wine options wide. Food well presented. Deserts were especially impressive. Worth a visit.

Only by chance we discovered this gem in Melbourne. We were at a hotel nearby looking for a place to have dinner and came across this outstanding French bistro. We were given a choice of table or bar seats, facing the kitchen, which is always my preferred option. Seeing these incredible chefs creating amazing dishes only adds to the experience. Both our entrées were exquisite, I had the petite calamari and my husband a type of chowder (it was the day's special). For mains, I had a wonderful duck breast, cooked to perfection and my husband the wallaby, which was a very pleasant surprise and the meat was melting from the bone. His desert was also a special of the day, some delicious chocolate and raspberry creation and I had a creme brûlée. Cannot stress enough the quality, creativity and delight these meals were. A truly modern French experience not to be forgotten.