Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Bistro Gitan

52 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Recommended by 63 people

Updated

Find Bistro Gitan

52 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9867 5853
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Bistro Gitan

Ditch stiff tablecloths—Bistro Gitan pairs lively bistronomie with easy neighbourhood charm across from Fawkner Park. In winter, the room hums around a working fireplace; come summer, it fills with late daylight. Regulars nudge newcomers past standard bistro staples toward smart crossovers: potato gnocchi beside garlic-butter escargot, steak tartare, and gratin dauphinois. Arriving without a booking? Aim straight for the counter. Bartenders pour wine by the carafe and split shared plates into separate bowls without missing a beat, finishing cleanly with sticky date pudding or crisp crème brûlée.

  • Inventive Bistro Cooking: The kitchen balances French staples like steak tartare and escargot with comforting crossovers like handmade gnocchi.
  • Attentive Bar Seating: Solo diners and drop-ins head to the counter for intuitive service, wine recommendations, and shared plates.
  • Victorian Fireplace Setting: A working hearth creates a warm, sheltering room during colder months, shifting to sunlit dining in summer.
  • Carafe Wine Service: Diners can order wine poured by the carafe alongside an approachable, food-friendly cellar list.
RestaurantFrenchRestaurant

What's On at Bistro Gitan

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Bistro Gitan

Experience South Yarra's vibrant bistronomie, comforting hearthside charm, and unpretentious French hospitality—reserve your table today.

  • Romantic Celebrations and Intimate Milestones

    Anniversaries and milestone date nights find their stride with delicate piccatas, silky rockling sauces, and decadent house desserts.

    What a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.

    Susan Lloyd-Angol

  • Cosy Fireside Victorian Ambience

    The charming Victorian footprint features a crackling fireplace that transforms chilly evenings into a warm, welcoming bistro escape.

    very cosy fire place. It was just a treat!

    CM

  • Inventive Crossovers Beyond Classic Plats

    The kitchen departs from rigid traditionalism by balancing authentic regional repertoire with beloved comfort crossover dishes.

    Though very much a French restaurant they’re not afraid to put something like Sticky Date Pudding on the menu.

    Malcolm Goodall

  • Traditional Carafe Wine Service

    Communal dining is elevated through traditional carafe pours offered alongside well-curated bottle selections.

    particularly liked the traditional carafe vis a vis bottled wine

    Randall and Robyn Mullins

  • Warm, Intuitive Bar Hospitality

    Thoughtful touches like proactively split plates and intuitive counter pacing replace rigid dining room protocol with heartfelt service.

    Small details like this really make a difference and showed genuine hospitality.

    Jas “Jazzy” S

  • Effortless Occasion Confidence

    Attentive pacing and proactive hosts give organizers total peace of mind for family birthdays and momentous gatherings.

    making the evening truly special

    Harry Isen

From classic Parisian appetisers to standout comfort staples—reserve your table to taste South Yarra's bistro favourites.

  • Escargot

    The classic escargots, perfectly cooked in a rich garlic and herb butter

    Lili Wang

  • Beef Tartare

    The beef tartare was outstanding

    Safira

  • Gratin Dauphinois

    The gratin dauphinois was super fondant and full of flavour

    Johan Giausseran

  • Gnocchi

    the gnocchi was out of this world!

    CM

Other favorites

Beloved desserts, traditional sweets, and house wine pours that complete the bistro table.

  • Sticky Date Pudding

    they’re not afraid to put something like Sticky Date Pudding on the menu.

    Malcolm Goodall

  • Tarte Tatin

    and to finish, the tarte tatin was simply divine.

    Johan Giausseran

  • Crème Brûlée

    We finished the night with a crème Brulé desert. Absolutely 10/10 and will be making the return for sure!

    Timothy Foster

  • Traditional Carafe Wine

    particularly liked the traditional carafe vis a vis bottled wine

    Randall and Robyn Mullins

Before you head over

Key tips for planning your visit. Reserve your table ahead to secure the full bistro experience.

  • Book Ahead or Choose Earlier Sittings

    Peak dinner seatings fill quickly and the dining room hums with energy. Book well ahead to lock in your table, or opt for an earlier sitting if you prefer a slightly calmer pace.

  • Snag Bar Seating for Spontaneous Visits

    If you find yourself without a reservation, walk in and ask for counter seating at the bar, where the bartending team delivers thoughtful service and full menu dining.

  • Order Wine by the Traditional Carafe

    Take advantage of the house carafe pours rather than committing strictly to full bottles, letting you comfortably pair wines across varied starters and hearty mains.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Browse all Melbourne venues