Lutèce Bistro & Wine Bar - Brisbane

On a three month visit to Queensland and NewZealand we dined in many restaurants, many of which were much vaunted by food critics etc. Whilst The Grove in Auckland was extremely good and memorable(with a price tag to match) our visits to Medusa, situated in a local shopping area in Bardon, Brisbane, was, without doubt, one of the finest dining experiences we had. The decor is modern and smart, the views over the valley to the rear are wonderful, esp. at night (ask for a window table) and the service was impeccable, friendly and unobtrusive. However it is the food that proved to be the greatest, and most delightfully pleasant surprise. Contemporary Japanese cuisine is perhaps how it might be best defined but with that wonderfully Australian take that afforded us the most wonderful combinations, exquisite flavours and perfect presentation. There are many good restaurants in Brisbane but taking everything into account Medusa will give food lovers a really good and memorable experience at a Suburban price.

Another magnifique dinner – a treat for our uncle's landmark birthday. Entrees were king prawn cutlets, charcuterie platter, Moreton Bay bug tail gnocchi and lobe duck foie gras. Of particular note was the silky smooth and creamy texture of the foie gras & duck confit terrine – a delight on the tongue. And the delicate gnocchi broth was sublime. Main selections were three roasted half ducks and one quail with truffle and (yep!) foie gras. The crispy duck skin and orange jus was so dreamy. By the time we realised the duck flesh was a titch dry and over cooked for our taste, I was frankly beyond caring – eyes were already rolling back in my head with joy. I'd still order this dish again. Initially surprised at the quail being in pie form, Husbandio quickly recovered and said he'd happily eat that meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Desserts were a passionfruit soufflé and the spectacular flambé Crepes Suzette, prepared tableside. Wow! Visually and gastronomically stunning. Really nice touch of a complimentary birthday plate, song and sparkler. Thank you! ???? There were so many pleasing facets to this night. There was also some tarnish to the shine. Randomly our baguette with truffle butter was forgotten. These things happen and we weren't charged for it….we just really missed it. Cue sad face. I don't like paper layered on top of crisp white tablecloths in nice restaurants. Is that just me? Maybe I'll draw a sad face on that stupid paper next time. And lastly if the 80 y/o birthday boy says the red wine ain't right, don't argue and snipe that screw capped wine cannot possibly be off. (a) untrue and (b) uncool. Sure a different bottle was promptly supplied but the slightly surly, impatient 'tude was unnecessary dude. Happily this irritant was offset by Chef Baptiste graciously circulating the room and the other exceptional wait staff. Overall a special experience, mired down with some slight frustrations. We plan to return for the infinitely less pricey sunset dinner.

Another magnifique dinner – a treat for our uncle's landmark birthday. Entrees were king prawn cutlets, charcuterie platter, Moreton Bay bug tail gnocchi and lobe duck foie gras. Of particular note was the silky smooth and creamy texture of the foie gras & duck confit terrine – a delight on the tongue. And the delicate gnocchi broth was sublime. Main selections were three roasted half ducks and one quail with truffle and (yep!) foie gras. The crispy duck skin and orange jus was so dreamy. By the time we realised the duck flesh was a titch dry and over cooked for our taste, I was frankly beyond caring – eyes were already rolling back in my head with joy. I'd still order this dish again. Initially surprised at the quail being in pie form, Husbandio quickly recovered and said he'd happily eat that meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Desserts were a passionfruit soufflé and the spectacular flambé Crepes Suzette, prepared tableside. Wow! Visually and... read more

Very traditional French restaurant but always seems to mildy disappoint. The view is fantastic, the service is excellent but despite chomping my way through duck (overcooked), creme brulee (lacks the right crisp crunch of the glaze) , beef tartare (tasted of cornichons) and pork trotter (rich but bland) I just never really feel that excited by anything, my palate feels jaded. I think the flavours are lacking a certain complexity depth here.

The views are amazing the the crab lasagna is absolutely fantastic! I cannot recommend enough!