French brasserie-inspired dining within elegantly decorated vintage industrial loft setting
July 26th, 2014
Following the successful realization of their first project as restaurateurs, the exquisitely designed Balique in Jimbaran, locally-based Belgian design partners Zohra Boukhari and Blaise Samoy launched a second restaurant in 2012- The Bistrot– in the epicentre of the popular Seminyak upscale dining district. Conceived as their interpretation of a vintage Parisian brasserie, Bistrot occupies an impressively proportioned double height space that has been transformed into an elegant yet relaxed all day dining and lounge destination. Open from early morning until late evenings- Bistrot serves an essentially French-inspired cuisine of classic brasserie fare, that also selectively embraces dishes from local and regional origins. With their distinctively idiosyncratic design DNA evident in the meticulously executed interior, the owners have created a memorable dining experience- evoking a retro-chic aesthetic that resonates harmoniously with the honest, French-accented cooking.
Remodeling the industrial shell of the voluminous former commercial showroom, the design team have retained the raw brick walls, steel framed glass facade, and wonderful timber paneled ceiling. The interior has been refashioned into an elegant dining space that deftly combines rustic utilitarian cafe furniture with glamorous reproduction sofa settings. Impressive chandeliers contribute additional glamour. The main ground floor space- paved with black basalt stone- functions as the main restaurant, with the semi-open kitchen set at the rear of the room. An eclectic abundance of antiques and artifacts are deployed as decorative elements to complement the vintage character of Bistrot.
A broad steel framed staircase lead to the mezzanine level- fashioned to accommodate a relaxed lounge space, additional cafe tables, and a series of plush, window-front sofa settings. At the rear, the handsome bar- faced with antique patinaed French panelling- dispenses classic cocktails, coffee and other beverages.
Bistrot serves a range of menus during the course of the day- commencing with a Breakfast Menu from 7:00 am, followed by a Lunch Menu from 12:00 pm, and finally, the Dinner Menu from 6:00 pm. Attractively designed, the menus offer a broad selection of classic brasserie dishes like the Foie Gras Terrine; Entrectote Bernaise; and Roasted Rosemary Half Chicken. A handful of Asian dishes include Nasi Goreng; Singapore Laksa; and Thai Green Curry Bistrot Style. All day beverage specialties include 100% Arabica Illy coffee, selected teas, plus a large variety of ice frappes. Desserts are a highlight- notably the Traditional Apple Tart Tartine, and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee.
See also sibling restaurant Balique in Jimbaran.
Bistrot- ground floor restaurant
Bistrot- upper floor lounge
Bistrot brasserie cuisine
