Le Splendide is the type of place you stumble into and instantly really feel such as you’re in on a secret. Tucked proper subsequent to Melbourne’s legendary France-Soir, it’s a moody little bar hidden behind heavy burgundy drapes, with pink carpets underfoot, buttery lighting, and an extended, elegant zinc bar the place the drinks do all of the speaking.
It took Jean-Paul Prunetti 38 years to open this next-door gem, and he’s made certain it’s acquired all of the appeal and perspective that made France-Soir a Melbourne establishment. Don’t count on a full-blown restaurant—there’s no kitchen right here—however what they do serve is top-tier: foie gras, silky salmon gravlax with crème fraîche, Marcel Petite Comté, and Russian Oscietra caviar, all prepped behind the bar and designed to pair completely with a glass (or bottle) of one thing glorious. The menu leans into simplicity, providing refined grignotages that permit the standard of the components shine. Whether or not it’s delicate slices of bresaola, the briny perfection of oysters with a touch of raspberry French dressing, or the deeply savoury tuna tataki with piperade, you’re in for a deal with.
True to Prunetti’s fashion, Le Splendide isn’t nearly what’s in your glass—it’s concerning the ambiance. No telephones allowed (or moderately, no pictures—you’ll need to slap a heart-shaped sticker over your digicam).
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And in terms of wine? This place means enterprise. The record leans in direction of pure manufacturing and options some critical heavy-hitters, from Taittinger Comtes de Champagne to Burgundy chardonnay and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Extra wines by the glass than subsequent door imply you may discover slightly—or lots—with out committing to a full bottle (although you’ll in all probability wish to). The choice is a mixture of famend producers and rising stars, placing a steadiness between the acquainted and the adventurous. You’ll discover crisp Chablis, daring Côte de Beaune, and even some distinctive German rieslings thrown into the combination. There’s Kronenbourg on faucet and basic cocktails combined with old-school precision, however actually, you’re right here for the grape.
True to Prunetti’s fashion, Le Splendide isn’t nearly what’s in your glass—it’s concerning the ambiance. No telephones allowed (or moderately, no pictures—you’ll need to slap a heart-shaped sticker over your digicam). It’s all about staying within the second, soaking within the heat, clubby really feel, and letting the dialog stream as freely because the wine. The area itself seems like a love letter to old-world glamour, with tasselled membership chairs lining the partitions, timber paneling including depth and heat, and an understated Métro signal framing the again bar mirror. An eclectic glass case of African masks at one finish and the occasional potted palm additional add to the transportive impact—this isn’t simply one other Melbourne bar, it’s an expertise.
And in case you’re anxious about discovering a seat? Effectively, good luck. They’re maintaining issues deliberately low-key for now, counting on word-of-mouth moderately than loud promotions. However when you’re in, you’ll perceive why. The setting is intimate, the service is sharp, and the drinks? Let’s simply say you gained’t wish to depart. It’s the type of place the place you begin with a fast drink and by some means find yourself lingering for hours, caught up within the timeless attract of dim lighting, impeccable wine, and easy appeal.
So in case you’re on the lookout for a spot that’s effortlessly cool, dripping in French appeal, and simply the correct amount of unique, Le Splendide is ready behind these burgundy curtains. Simply push by means of, settle in, and lift a glass to Melbourne’s latest basic.
