La Belle Vie Bistro

La Belle Vie Bistro is a vibrant French bistro found in prime position, ten minutes from Brisbane CBD, with sweeping views on a Bardon hilltop.

By day, the glass-walled, pavilion-style dining room has a backdrop of the lush, green hills of Bardon and Paddington and, by night, an enchanted vista of twinkling lights.

Crisp, white tablecloths add an air of formality to the chic, spacious dining room, which has an intimate bar to one side, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif or French-flavoured cocktail.

The menu features all of the French classics, but also includes some chef’s creations, with entrees including Saint-Jacques (Pan-seared scallops, Tahitian vanilla-infused oil, pumpkin purée, crispy prosciutto); Foie Gras (foie gras mi-cuit, brioche toast and fig chutney; Escargots (whole snails cooked with garlic and butter); or Thon (just-seared yellowfin tuna with white sesame, sauce chien).

Plat Principal (mains) include Eye Fillet, beurre Cafe de Paris, red wine jus and French fries; fresh Market Fish in papillote, beurre blanc sauce, seasonal vegetable; Pan-fried Duck breast marinated in rosemary infused honey, beetroot sauce, roast potatoes, beetroot and mushroom skewer; or Grilled Lobster tail, creamy saffron sauce, black rice, sautéed broccolini. 

For afters, there's a selection of French artisan cheeses or desserts such as Crème Brûlée , Belle Hélène, poached bosc pear, hot chocolate sauce, almond tuile, Chantilly cream, or Le Gourmand, selection of mini crème brûlée, lemon & meringue tart, profiterole, Chantilly cream and candied almond. 

La Belle Vie also offers a 6-course degustation menu, as well a Vegetarian one, both with the option of wine pairings to accompany.

The wine list at La Belle Vie features an exclusive selection of organic wines from France, and champagnes from all around the Champagne region. A selection of craft beers from France, Belgium and Queensland are available, along with premium spirits including Calvados and Cognac. Traditional aperitifs and digestifs include Pastis de Marseille, Chartreuse Green and Jezebel Absinthe, or try a dessert cocktail such as the Crème Brûlée Martini.

As well as regular dining from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, La Belle Vie hosts a range of special events, including their monthly Sunday Long Lunch, and regular wine dinner.

Good to know - The majority of the entrees and desserts and all of the mains and sides are gluten-free. There's also an excellent kids' menu, with a choice of French-style pasta, crumbed chicken or crumbed fish and fries for mains, and ice-cream for dessert.

Need to know - There is free, off-street and undercover parking in the shopping square where La Belle Vie is located.

The menu may have changed since our visit.