Bistro Gitan — Restaurant in Melbourne

3.4. Very nice place. Atmosphere was good, food was good, drinks were good, service was good. All with one significant exception which I’ll cover shortly.

I was greeted cheerily on arrival. We all were. Staff attentiveness and efficiency was good and we all got our drinks and meals in good time. Things were humming along nicely. I had the scallops for entree and that was a lovely dish. The scallops were plump, juicy and flavoursome. It was a lovely start.

Our table was very efficiently advised by our server that there was only one of one of the specials - veal with Brussel sprouts etc - still available. Much to the disappointment of a couple of our party, I snapped it up immediately as it sounded delicious. Anyway, the dish came and I started it and then realised there were no sprouts. I’m a Brussel sprouts nut. I enquired where they were and was told they’d run out. I was disappointed but fine about that happening. What I wasn’t happy about at all was that no one actually informed me of the exclusion of a key ingredient from the dish. I was even more surprised that I actually had to ask for something else as some sort of compensation. I asked if another vegetable could be provided and eventually was offered a small portion of braised cabbage which was very nice.

Anyway, I’m a pretty calm and affable soul normally and was throughout this matter but it did annoy me intensely. Basically, what happened made no sense in a customer or commercial sense. First, if the vegetable highlighted in the meal description isn’t available, just say so and let the customer know. Don’t assume that they won’t notice the omission of a key element of the dish. It’s sort of insulting or at least unthinking. Second, offer something else immediately, especially if you’re caught out as they were here. How much does it take to offer a substitute vegetable. A couple of dollars? Why did I have to ask for something else when I’m paying serious money not just for this dish but for the overall meal. I was surprised. This is a very good restaurant and matter was handed poorly. The dish was lovely but it didn’t have one of the key things I wanted in it. In the end I was actually made to look like the awkward one for pressing for a substitute vegetable. That’s not good enough.

The matter caused problems for the table. Two of my companions thought I’d done the right thing calling the matter out and asking for something else. My other companion would have preferred I let it go. I won on the numbers 3-1 and probably won on entertainment value too. But, I would have preferred the matter hadn’t arisen at all. I wanted to talk to my friends about anything other than the inactions of the restaurant.

My dessert was a citrus slice of some kind with a citrus sorbet. I should have been concentrating a little more but wasn’t. All I recall is that the dish was very nice. It was a lovely dessert.

We enjoyed our meals overall. They were generally high quality. Service was generally very good, except for the matter mentioned, especially from Jade. It is a very nice restaurant to while away the time as well.

We had a couple of rieslings and a pinot noir through the night from the very good wine list. The Aussie riesling trumped the Alsace riesling. Seriously bone dry beats dry. We finished the night with dirty martinis which were nuclear strong and exceptionally good. We were advised that they were the strongest in the city. They’re certainly the strongest I’ve ever had. They were exceptional.

It was a very nice but not inexpensive night overall. This is a good restaurant except in respect of the incident mentioned above. I am still pining for those...

ChatGPT said:

Here’s a polished long-form 5-star Google review for Bistro Gitan in South Yarra (just near Richmond):

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bistro Gitan is one of those rare restaurants that manages to feel both sophisticated and welcoming at the same time. With its European charm, refined atmosphere, and consistently outstanding food, it sets the standard for modern Italian and French-inspired dining in Melbourne.

The menu is exceptional. Every dish is crafted with precision and balance — seasonal ingredients treated with respect, and flavours that are bold yet elegant. From delicate entrees to hearty mains, each plate has a sense of refinement while still being deeply satisfying. The handmade pastas are a highlight, perfectly cooked and paired with sauces that showcase both technique and creativity. The wood-fired meats and seafood are equally impressive, cooked with finesse and bursting with flavour.

The wine list deserves its own praise — extensive, thoughtfully curated, and perfectly aligned with the menu. Whether you’re after a local drop or something imported, there’s always a pairing that elevates the food beautifully. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the list, and their recommendations always feel tailored and thoughtful rather than rehearsed.

The service at Bistro Gitan is impeccable. Professional, attentive, and warm, the team strike just the right balance — present when you need them, discreet when you don’t. It’s this level of service that makes the dining experience feel polished without being pretentious.

The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, with an old-world European feel that’s enhanced by the elegant fit-out. It’s the kind of restaurant that works equally well for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a celebratory evening with friends.

Bistro Gitan is a restaurant that delivers on every level: exceptional food, an outstanding wine list, and service that makes the whole experience seamless. For those looking for sophisticated Italian and European-inspired dining in Melbourne, it’s hard to imagine...

Never reviewed any restaurant but I have to stop you from going here. Looks fancy, but food was ok-ish and service was below average. I sat next to the bar, at least 4 waiters walked by and kicked my chair, my bag fell, my chair moved, I tumbled, I moved my chair again, still was kicked. I understand it is a narraw space but it is not that narrow that they kept walking by ... Most importantly not even one person apologized for kicking my chair.

Then I wanted to order a mocktail, I told the waitress that I want something sweet but please allow me to have a think. Few minutes later she was at my table again, right when I was telling her that I want to order a Mojito mocktail, she put a red drink on my table, asked me to try it, if I don't like it they will take it back. Maybe in other scenarios and at other resturants they can execute it well and not forcefully, but she did that right when I was ordring a Mojito mocktail. I didn't feel comfortable, no one at my table felt comfortable about that.

When we began eating, TBH, the food was really mediocre, pork was dry, duck was dry, steak had no flavor, bone marrow was dry, but they were editable so no complaints. Then we had the chips (as side of the steak also we ordered separately), both SUPER salty, even with the dim light in the restaurant you can see that they were covered in salt. Not nitpicking salty, just uneditable salty. We had to tell them that it was too salty, they took the chips, came back, with a bowl of chips HAD NO SALT AT ALL.

I understand people have different preference in terms of food, but I just think maccas trains their 17 yo staff better than you ($$$...