Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, in Hotel Indigo, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade

Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, in Hotel Indigo, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Melbourne-born, Sydney-based chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade this winter with the launch of Bistrot Bisou, set within the art-focused, character-filled Hotel Indigo.

    Set on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street, the relaxed French bistro and bar will feature modern takes on classic French dishes and cocktails, with a sharp international wine list featuring French and Australian varietals.

    Mangan is excited to be back amongst the city’s bustling food scene and to continue his love affair with French cuisine, having trained under the acclaimed Michael Roux at Michelin-starred London restaurant, Waterside Inn.

    “Melbourne has a real European feel to it – especially as we come into the cooler months – and French fare is having a moment, so I can’t wait to share my take with diners,” Mangan said. “We’ve created a thoughtful menu full of classics like steak frites, an incredible twice-baked gruyere souffle and apple tarte tatin, with modern twists.

    “Enjoying these in the stylish bar and dining room, with its leather banquette seats, marble benchtops, red leather bar stools, and gold touches, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to Paris.”

    Melbourne-born, Sydney-based chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade

    Dishes will be cooked over the kitchen’s wood-fired grill, with slow-burning ironbark and hardwood charcoal used to add smoky flavours, while the team will also be smoking their own salmon and crafting house-made terrines from free-range, Victorian roosters.

    Bistrot Bisou’s head chef will be Rory Kennedy, former co-owner of Northcote’s hatted Vex Dining. Kennedy, whose CV also includes head chef at Bar Romantica, says the expansive open kitchen overlooking the restaurant is one of the reasons why he does what he does.

    “There’s nothing better than seeing people smiling from ear to ear after they’ve enjoyed a great meal,” he says.

    “To get that feedback in real time is priceless, while guests will be taken on a sensory experience from the comfort of their seats, as they see and smell their food being prepared on the wood-fired grill before they taste it.”

    Bistrot Bisou exec chef Rory Kennedy. Image: Glen Percival

    Bistrot Bisou is located on the corner of the new boutique Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders. Hotel general manager Joseph Simmons says the new restaurant and bar offering will deliver a welcoming and fun dining experience for hotel guests and Melbourne locals.

    “It’s the perfect place to settle in for a happy hour cocktail or French wine, before you treat your tastebuds to our delicious menu,” he says.

    Bistrot Bisou will open in early June for lunch from Wednesday to Friday, and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]