Arcadia Gastronomique

LOCATION
Centrally placed on Union Road in Ascot Vale. Close to Melbourne Showgrounds.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
With timber wainscoting that gives way to emerald green walls, and vintage chandeliers that cast warm light over cosy, candlelit tables, Arcadia Gastronomique has all the charm of a small French bistro. A warm welcome from the friendly staff starts things off on the right foot, whether you are here for a leisurely Saturday breakfast, a romantic evening or a shared family meal. The recent change of chef has seen the menu here shift slightly from its Francophile focus to a more broadly Mediterranean style, offering a selection of tapas and tasting plates, a diverse range of mains and simply seductive desserts.

Take a culinary trip around Spain with starters such as sautéed mushrooms in a sweet and sticky Pedro Ximinez sherry sauce, piquillo peppers stuffed with salted cod, or seared scallops served sizzling hot with chorizo and a dusting of paprika. If you can’t decide, an Arcadia tasting plate makes an excellent starter for small groups. Mains are equally satisfying, with choices from traditional paella, comforting house-made gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, pears and walnut, to a superbly succulent grilled rib-eye steak with all the trimmings. The zesty lemon tart and the red wine poached pear with walnut praline round off a menu of well executed comfort food that perfectly suits this friendly and unassuming restaurant. Breakfasts are cooked with equal care here, making it a popular Saturday morning option for locals. And do they still offer their excellent French toast? But of course!

Angela Costanzo