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Restaurant

Poodle Bar & Bistro

81-83 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 66 people

Updated

Find Poodle Bar & Bistro

81-83 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9086 8971
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Poodle Bar & Bistro

Fitzroy’s art deco hangout delivers playful European bistro plates, tailored sommelier pours, and genuine warmth across two stylish levels. Regulars swear by the clever bar bites—spanner crab profiteroles, house spent-coffee sourdough slathered with kefir butter, and rich steak tartare nestled right in the bone. Whether settling into a plush booth for a multi-course anniversary dinner or booking out the dedicated upstairs lounge for a private milestone, the room hums with retro charm and attentive pacing. Expect well-timed martini pours, salt-and-vinegar onion rings, and tender steak frites balanced by bitter radicchio.

  • Clever bistro snacks: Inventive starters lead the charge, from spanner crab and cod roe profiteroles to steak tartare plated in a bone.
  • Upstairs event lounge: A dedicated private room complete with projector and screen hosts milestone dinners, launches, and celebrations.
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What's On at Poodle Bar & Bistro

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

It’s Poodle x Polly’s Party Time!

Event

It’s Poodle x Polly’s Party Time!

It’s Poodle x Polly’s Party Time! Friday, 30 October 2026 | 5pm–midnight Polly’s takes over Poodle for one night only with an eight-course tasting menu celebrating tropical flavours, spring produce and fresh catches from a recent Whitsundays adventu...

Why Choose Poodle Bar & Bistro

Why diners choose Poodle Bar & Bistro for milestone celebrations, private events, and inventive bistro dining.

  • Celebratory Chef's Menus and Wine Pairings

    Guests celebrate anniversaries and birthdays with multi-course chef selections and tailored pairings in a vibrant, stylish dining room.

    Service was spunky, fun, attentive, great reccies on wine - they know what they are doing.

    Kelly Sims

  • Romantic and Attentive Date-Night Hospitality

    Couples and diners enjoy intimate milestone dinners supported by knowledgeable, warmly attentive waitstaff.

    The atmosphere was inviting, intimate and romantic. The staff as well as the service was better than 10 out of 10!

    Bree Hughes

  • Equipped Upstairs Private Dining and AV Setup

    The dedicated upstairs lounge offers tailored event coordination alongside full AV facilities like projector and screen setup for seamless corporate presentations.

    We requested AV (Projector and Screen) and this allowed us to present to our guests easily.

    John Agius

  • Seamless Event Coordination for Group Gatherings

    Event organisers receive end-to-end guidance from dedicated coordinators, ensuring seamless private celebrations and weddings that impress guests.

    We received nothing but compliments from our friends and family after the night.

    Kierra Hagedorn

  • Inventive Bistro Snack and Tartare Program

    The kitchen showcases distinct bistro bar snacks such as steak tartare served in bone and spanner crab profiteroles that set it apart from standard dining fare.

    We ordered the steak tartare, which was beautifully presented in a bone and served with vinegar crisps. It was unique, full of flavour, and one of the best tartares I’ve had in Melbourne.

    Clare D

  • Signature House-Made Starters and Shared Plates

    From house-made coffee and rye sourdough with kefir butter to delicate crab profiteroles, the snack program offers distinctive dishes to start every meal.

    We decided to order a bunch of snacks to share—perfect way to try more from the menu. Everything was rich, flavourful and beautifully done

    Amy Tam

Inventive snacks and bistro classics that define the dining experience

  • Steak Tartare

    It was unique, full of flavour, and one of the best tartares I’ve had in Melbourne.

    Clare D

  • Steak Frites

    We did a steak frites with a radicchio salad as the main and f word it was perfect. The burgandy and beef stock reduction was unbelievable, the pepper mayo with the fries - uhhhh huh.

    Connor Nestor

  • Spanner Crab & Cod Roe Profiterole

    The crab profiteroles were also delicious.

    Alyssa Ho

  • Spent Coffee & Rye Sourdough

    sourdough was really nice and the butter was really good with the sourdough

    Sandra Nguyen

Other favorites

Sides, savoury snacks, and desserts complementing the core bistro experience

  • Salt & Vinegar Onion Rings

    the batter on these onion rings were super light and they were coated really nicely in the salt and vinegar seasoning. I really enjoyed this.

    Sandra Nguyen

  • Parmesan Scroll

    Parmesan scroll ($8) - these were so unassuming but they were so damn good. We wanted to order more because they were delicious.

    Sandra Nguyen

  • Ox Tongue

    The ox tongue snack was a standout — rich flavourful and beautifully balanced.

    Mashi_soyo

  • Raspberry Crème Brûlée

    The desserts were ok apart from the raspberry creme brulee- that was really amazing.

    Liz L

Beyond the menu

Distinct hospitality details, tailored event coordination, and inventive kitchen touches that elevate your dining experience.

  • Dedicated Sommelier Visits During Milestone Dates

    Even during busy service while managing an upstairs event, the sommelier came down specifically to offer knowledgeable bottle recommendations for a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary.

  • Hands-On Event Planning and Dedicated Floor Team

    Private and corporate gatherings in the upstairs function room receive hands-on coordination from Event Coordinator Lucy and on-the-floor support from staff like Miz and Arlo to manage custom setups.

  • Full AV Presentation Setup for Private Functions

    Corporate educational presentations and product launches are supported with dedicated AV setup, including projector and screen, facilitating seamless client presentations in the upstairs space.

  • Playful Signature Snack and Tartare Program

    Playful reinterpretations of classic bistro fare include steak tartare served inside a bone with vinegar crisps, alongside snacks like spanner crab and cod roe profiteroles and house-made coffee and rye sourdough with kefir butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Poodle Bar & Bistro offer a set chef's menu or à la carte dining?

Yes. The bistro offers multi-course chef's tasting menus (such as a $90 to $95 selection) as well as an à la carte menu featuring dishes like steak frites, steak tartare, and house snacks. Diners note that the tasting menu courses are generous and satisfying.

Do I need a reservation to get a table?

Yes. You can reserve tables ahead of time, which is recommended for peak dinner services and special occasions. However, walk-ins can sometimes be accommodated without a booking, especially if arriving early around 6:00 PM.

Can you host private events or celebrations at the venue?

Yes. Poodle Bar & Bistro features an upstairs lounge and private dining space with dedicated event coordination, accommodating private family dinners, milestone celebrations, and corporate presentations with audiovisual support like a projector and screen.

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