LOCATIONMelbourne CBD. Close to Collins Street and Parliament station.
DETAILSHoused in one of Melbourne’s most prestigious buildings in iconic Alfred Place, French bistro Comme Kitchen is shrouded in history. Having started its life as a German Club and a Naval and Miltary Club, the grand staircase and Victorian awnings pay homage to its past, while its contemporary blonde wood tables, lemon-coloured chandelier and sleek marble bar are a nod to its trendy position as a Melbourne favourite. There are two dining areas downstairs; the enclosed space is used only for dinner while the open area around a dramatic marble bar is taken up by casual diners.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe magnificent marble foyer of this beautifully restored Victorian building sets the scene for a dining experience at Comme. Upstairs, stunning function rooms featuring Murano glass chandeliers and soft leather ottomans boast an intimate grandeur making them a popular choice for corporate functions and discerning brides. To the right, the equally impressive wine room plays host to casual breakfast and lunch diners as well as being a popular watering hole for local professionals.
Through the bar, the cosy dining room is neatly tucked under the grand staircase. While it also retains a luxurious feel, this space is warm and intimate. With cream walls and buttery yellow leather banquettes, dark stained parquetry floor and low hanging lights, it has the elegant ambience of a chic French bistro. Suave, sophisticated, yet relaxed, the décor is perfectly matched by Daniel Southern’s sharply modern French menu. Bistro favourites make for superbly comforting fare with a contemporary bent. Grilled scallops served with apple puree, Avruga cavier and kipfler potatoes make a fresh and light start to a meal. The classic, crisp Burgundy snails are earthy morsels complemented with parsley and garlic and Pernod butter. Flinders Island lamb is teamed with pommes chateau, wild garlic, peas and olive, or try the ‘risotto’ made with pearl barley, fresh green spring vegetables and hazelnuts, given a deep, rich pungency with creamy Epoisse cheese.
Desserts such as bitter chocolate mouse, peanut and salted caramel, or morello cherry soufflé with black pepper and Valrohna chocolate ice cream end the meal on a sweet note. The standard of service is also reliably excellent, which comes in handy when negotiating Comme’s extensive and carefully selected 300 plus wine list, or interpreting the menu’s less familiar French terminology. It’s all you would expect and more from this high-end bistro which offers an exceptional dining experience.
Angela Costanzo
FUNCTIONSComme Kitchen features two dedicated function rooms upstairs from the main dining area. The Grand Room, decorated in white and splashes of yellow can seat up to 110 people, while the luxuriously furnished Onyx Room can seat 30. These rooms can also be integrated for larger events.