Setting up a French restaurant in Italian-dominated Leichhardt is a bold move for any restaurateur, but rather than the suspicious reception they might have expected, Paul and Jenny McGrath were welcomed with open arms upon the launch of Bistro Ortolan in 2006, promptly receiving first one, then two hats (for three years running) from the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The restaurant is in an older terrace building, off the main pasta drag, whose intimate, old fashioned nooks and pressed metal ceilings are freshened up with elegant wallpaper. The menu features contemporary French food, combining traditional techniques with fresh flavours, such as the crepinette of pink snapper with seared Hervey Bay scallops, foie gras butter and baby greens. To match the meals, the wine list has been chosen with accessibility in mind, including plenty of French wines at good prices.
Licensed. Wine is available by the glass. BYO $15 corkage per bottle. BYO Tue-Thu only; no BYO for groups of eight and over; maximum one bottle per person
This venue accepts bookings. It is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time. Group bookings are supported.
Seats 60
Outside dining area
Wheelchair access
and wheelchair-accessible toilets
All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
rockford1990
|
2 May 2010, 8.57am
slow cooking
Can't fault the food, it was presented and taste beautifully. The service on the other hand was not so sharp, we had the degustation which took 5 hours, the last two courses I just want to sleep.
If the service improves this place will stay at the top.
Food:
Visit: Fri 30 April 2010
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
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Posted by:
cheffie
|
20 June 2007, 1.53pm
This Restaurant Rules
I have dined at Bistro Ortolan on many occasions and every time it gets better and better. Paul and Jenny may a taken a chance in this location, but do yourself the favor and try this wonderful restaurant. Sit back and take your time to enjoy what it's like to be in a classy local restaurant before everyone finds out.
Food:
Visit: Wed 20 June 2007
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
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Posted by:
Birthday Girl
|
4 April 2007, 9.36am
Thanks for a truly memorable birthday lunch
For my 50th birthday I wanted a special lunch in a small, elegant restaurant in the inner west that did fabulous food. I found it at Bistro Ortolan. Eleven friends and I had the most wonderful experience, starting well before the day, with Jenny and Paul being very easy to work with and having no trace of the "attitude" often found in larger city venues. The food was to die for; fresh, quality seasonal ingredients prepared painstakingly with sublime flavour and texture creating a harmonious whole. The wine Nicholas recommended was perfect. The service was intelligent, attentive, friendly yet unobtrusive, and it was all set in visually lyrical surroundings. And terrific value, too.
Thank you again - I'll be back!
Food:
Visit: Fri 30 March 2007
Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
blondie1987
|
18 January 2007, 6.31pm
Thank You
We went there for our early 7 months, the food was brilliant and the service was great. I was so full after. We came in a bit late and they still let us stay and have dinner. The food came out like when it needed to so we didn't feel like we where being rushed. The dessert that they make was great, I didn't want to share it with my man but I did. Thank you Paul for the lovely meal, I have told many people about it how much I enjoyed the food and service. We will be back and once again, thankyou.
Food:
Visit: Tue 16 January 2007
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
cazwinkie
|
10 January 2007, 6.50pm
Food is great but how long will YOU wait!
It's such a shame that such outstanding food is let down by such terrible service. No one should have to wait 10 minutes to be handed a menu! Our first hint of food came with the amuse bouche (a chilled soup so no need for delay) which arrived 50 minutes after we were seated.The food itself is faultless; but for a half-full restaurant to have such slow service makes me wonder about how long the wait would be on a Saturday night.The desserts sounded amazing but we weren't prepared to wait for them. If you have hours to spare then this is the place for you, otherwise even though I'd love to try the food again I can't afford the time!
Food:
Visit: Tue 9 January 2007
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
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