Gerard's Bistro
Gerard's Lane
!4/15 James St
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane
Daily 12-10
Licensed
3852 3822

Nestled in a concrete and glass James St laneway, Gerard's Bistro is a splendid fusion of 1960's décor with up to the minute Euro and Mid East inspired cuisine.

The Mad Men era inspired dining space with its mustard, mocha and burnt orange tones, carpet, ceiling to floor curtains and feature mosaic wall is an exercise in restraint compared to the owner's other ventures Laruche and Lychee Lounge but provides the perfect backdrop to the class act that is the food and service.

The innovative menu from chef Ben Williamson (ex Urbane, The Euro & Organic Char) is designed for a taste and share adventure, from smaller entrée style serves to the larger main size plates, with all exquisitely presented in dainty portions.

While pretty much everything hits the culinary peaks, standout small plates are the lamb brains in fragrant spice with morcilla, tahini and yoghurt, octopus with butter almond and organic chicken wings with kishk, radish and sesame crust. Of the large plates, suckling pig with Jerusalem artichoke, salt bush lamb tagine and coal grilled spatchcock come recommended while desserts include blood orange crème catalan, rum baba with dates and whisky ice-cream or the stunning Valrhona white aero with rose marshmallow, strawberry butter, pomegranate and spiced rose.

Drinks wise, the offerings are top shelf with a fine selection of local and overseas beers, spirits and wines and a cocktail list that, like the restaurant, combines classic and contemporary.

While currently open for lunch and dinner only, Gerard's is soon to be opening its doors for breakfast.

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