Bistro St Jacques - Redfern

“We needed a name that better said what we are,” owner Gary Prebble explained when I finally worked out Bistro St. Jacques was Pitt St. Diner rebadged. With gol... read more “We needed a name that better said what we are,” owner Gary Prebble explained when I finally worked out Bistro St. Jacques was Pitt St. Diner rebadged. With gold lettering on pink, blue and white French doors, done in an appropriate French bistro font, backed by dainty black chiffon curtains, it’s an eye-catching shop front. On display outside, the classic French bistro menu very nearly unseated my desire to visit Juan Bowl Tea next door and was enough to lure me back on a second visit to Redfern the very next week. When we arrive for our booking, every table is full, and the restaurant buzzes with a convivial hum. Edison bulbs held captive inside black mesh pendant light shades exude a warm orange glow that illuminated the pretty pressed tin ceiling. From the outset it’s clear this restaurant is serious about wine, with bottle racks on the wall of the long galley-like dining room, and in the intimate private dining room, which looks like a scene from The Cook, the Thief, His Wife Her Lover (1989). The extensive wine list offers up...

Exceptional food, a fantastic and unique wine selection, and Gary is an excellent host. The scallops and steak were standout dishes, with the steak even surpass... read more Exceptional food, a fantastic and unique wine selection, and Gary is an excellent host. The scallops and steak were standout dishes, with the steak even surpassing those at the top steakhouses in Sydney.

I tried the special dish, which was crispy skin salmon served with Brussels sprouts and cherry tomatoes. The salmon was incredibly crispy and flavorful, and the... read more I tried the special dish, which was crispy skin salmon served with Brussels sprouts and cherry tomatoes. The salmon was incredibly crispy and flavorful, and the vegetables complemented it perfectly. The service was outstanding as well.

A sweet little bistro style restaurant located just a short walk away from Redfern Station.<br/ <br/ We were greeted warmly at the door and seated at the table.... read more A sweet little bistro style restaurant located just a short walk away from Redfern Station.<br/ <br/ We were greeted warmly at the door and seated at the table. Service was extremely hospitable and put you at ease. The restaurant had a lovely ambience and you could imagine you were eating in a bistro in Europe.<br/ <br/ They had a France vs Italy 4 course menu that looked interesting however didn 't want to eat too much for lunch. The menu on offer last for 2 weeks as it keeps changing according to what fresh produce is on offer. I had the Mushroom, Porcini, Parmesan Truffle Oil Arancini to start off with. This was recommended by the waitress as I was tossing up between this or the Duck Rillettes. It was a good choice as the truffle oil wasn 't too overpowering as personally don 't like it that much (prefer the real truffle of course). It was a risotto style ball so was very creamy inside and had a good mushroom flavour to it. For the main it was the Cassoulet Toulousain (pork belly confit duck cooked with white beans, french comfort food). It truly was comforting! It had a nice flavour to it and was definite must have on a cold day. It also had pieces of sausage in there too. The 'Wilma ' (200g flattened rib eye, house cut fries cafe de paris butter) was a winner as the steak was tender, the butter went well with it and the fries were nice and crispy.

The drink selection is extensive, though on the pricey side (bottles starting at $45), but they are definitely worth it! The Steak and Frites were the standout... read more The drink selection is extensive, though on the pricey side (bottles starting at $45), but they are definitely worth it! The Steak and Frites were the standout dishes, but I would also highly recommend the charcuterie and cheese platters. One of the highlights of Pitt St Diner is the exceptional service: attentive, relaxed, and knowledgeable. Plus, my son seemed to have developed a little crush on our charming waitress! You should definitely give this place a try. We will certainly be back!