Restaurant
Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
202 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Find Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
202 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
Northcote locals head to this European bistroteca for seasonal plates backed by Aussie produce and easy warmth. Pull up a stool at the kitchen bench—chefs prep right in front of you, dishing up everything from rich trout beside Irish soda bread to a quick pour of cellar wine. The dining room runs lively with chatter, dim lighting, and zero ceremony. Midweek brings its own rituals, like heaping bowls of mussels simmering in a smoky chili-tomato sauce.
- Chef Counter & Storytelling: Diners at the open kitchen counter or in the private dining space get dishes delivered with stories straight from the culinary team.
- Midweek Feature Nights: Regular weeknights feature specialized menus, from Wednesday mussel bowls in smoky broth to Thursday handmade pasta plates.
- Considerate Degustation Menus: Multi-course set menus showcase seasonal pairings alongside extensive dietary accommodations for coeliac and dairy-free diners.
What's On at Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
Distinctive Advantages of Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
Why diners choose Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca for tastings, milestones, and neighborhood dinners
Direct Chef Interaction and Storytelling
Guests seated at the bench or private dining room receive courses directly from the kitchen team alongside personal explanations of the dishes.
We sat at the bench and watched the chefs prepare our dishes in front of us.
Vic Wan Celebratory Degustation Dining
Multi-course tasting menus offer balanced, inventive European-inspired courses designed to make date nights memorable.
We went to Zza's for our 2 year anniversary and it was the perfect date night spot.
Jake Gostin Dedicated Group Dining Spaces
Private dining and courtyard settings accommodate large milestone gatherings with customized layouts and banquet menus.
Zsa's is the best place for a group dinner experience! The private dining room out the back is great
Phoebe Fitzpatrick Attentive Event and Family Hosting
Event hosts and families enjoy seamless gatherings with attentive hosting that anticipates mobility support and speech coordination.
I was so lucky to celebrate my birthday with lunch for 16 at Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca in Northcote last weekend.
Anthony Avitabile Midweek Specialty Feature Nights
Mid-week diners enjoy curated single-focus feature menus such as Wednesday mussels with house sauces.
Wednesday night mussels night which is a favourite. Huge mussels with deliciously made tomatoe and smokie chilli sauce
Francis McG Lively Neighborhood Pasta Rituals
Weekly pasta programming pairs hearty specialty plates and wine features in an energetic neighborhood setting.
I came on pasta night and let me tell you, I’ve never really been a fan of gnocchi but that was my absolute favourite dish.
Tinah N
Most popular items
Signature dishes and tasting menus praised by Northcote diners
Chef's Tasting Menu
Perfect for date night - we booked the chefs tasting menu which left us very full and each course was excellent.
Louis T Steak Tartare
The steak tartare and burrata were insane.
The Gollys Wednesday Night Mussels
Wednesday night mussels night which is a favourite. Huge mussels with deliciously made tomatoe and smokie chilli sauce
Francis McG Trout and Guinness Bread
My absolute FAVOURITE DISH (pic below) was the trout and Guinness bread! It was a party in my mouth with a perfect creaminess, saltiness and savouriness.
georgia fitzpatrick
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful, attentive hospitality moments that elevate private events and tasting dinners.
Tableside Chef Storytelling
Chefs present dishes directly to guests at the bar counter and in the private dining room, talking through the story, elements, and flavor profile behind each course.
Bespoke Dietary & Intolerance Care
Kitchen and floor staff tailor menus for severe dietary restrictions like coeliac, grain, dairy, and fructose intolerances, including offering custom French cheese alternatives when standard desserts do not suit.
Acoustic Care and Event Staging
For private milestone events, staff close adjacent doors to ensure clear acoustics for speeches and set up dedicated staging tables for gifts, bags, and coats.
Hands-on Mobility Assistance
The owner personally assists guests with mobility needs, including guiding four-wheel frames and opening rear exits to ensure smooth, safe departures.
Before you head over
Practical tips for reserving, dining, and navigating your meal at Zsa’s Bar & Bistroteca
Book Bar Seating for Chef Interaction
Reserve seating at the open kitchen bench or bar to watch the chefs cook and hear the background profile of each dish directly from the kitchen team.
Communicate Dietary & Accessibility Needs Ahead
Notify the venue in advance about specific requirements like coeliac, dairy-free, fructose, or mobility needs; staff comfortably tailor set menus and coordinate safe access.
Visit Mid-Week for Pasta and Mussel Specials
Plan a visit on Wednesday or Thursday to take advantage of recurring feature nights like the mussel bowl dinner or discounted pasta and wine specials.
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