Since we spilled the tea on Entrecôte’s relocation back in April, progress has been made and the doors are finally opening at their new Prahran maison from 7am on Friday 5 November. The new venue is set to be a ‘French Party Palace’, lovingly crafted by owner Jason M Jones and his ‘all-things-design’ partner, Brahman Perera. Together, they’ve brought a slice of Paris to Prahran and all the best bits of the OG South Yarra venue will be there (with a few added extras on the side).
After seven years in what was meant to be a pop-up location in South Yarra, Entrecôte is laying down solid foundations in its new Greville Street home. Inspired by the community of culinary institutions close by—The Continental Fog, Cafe Blu Pols, the Greville Bar—the revived Entrecôte will be a homage to the romance and charm of French Brasseries. We’re talking rich, jewel tones, ornate tiled floors and timber-panelled walls that elevate the sensory experience and speak to the history of the site. There are plenty of intimate dining spaces throughout the restaurant, as well as a light-filled, picturesque courtyard, Le Jardin Terrasse—perfect for summer soirées and flutes of bubbly.
The pièce de résistance is Le Salon Privé private dining room for up to 40 people, which is enveloped by an opulent wine cellar stocking the best drops from Burgundy and Bordeaux, as well as local wines from Margaret River and the Yarra Valley. The room has been beautifully designed with no detail spared, even the vintage chairs have been sumptuously upholstered with lush purple velvet.
Interiors aside though, the food will be just as indulgent. The à la carte ‘Menu Gourmand’ will feature familiar favourites from over the years, including their iconic Cape Grim Angus Porterhouse with frites and secret herb butter sauce. There will also be some newcomers to look forward to such as their ‘Homard Frites’—anyone fancy grilled crayfish with sauce Choron? Trust us, it deserves a chef’s kiss.
While you’re there, live your best French life with their signature ‘Bumps and Shots’ caviar and vodka pairing. We’re telling you, this is how the other half live—the super-bougie Polanco Oscietra Sturgeon Caviar is served on mother of pearl spoons, which are presented to you on custom trolleys, followed by a shot of Grey Goose French Vodka from a frozen vintage crystal glass. Don’t mind if we do. If cocktails are your domain though, then you’re in for a treat. Jones has lined up renowned mixologist Joe Jones (Romeo Lane) to tee up the cocktail list. Pop in for a cheeky ‘Meet Joe’s Spritz’, an Entrecôte Martini or a French 75.
Sip into the night as resident jazz pianist Jessie Newman soundtracks your evening every Thursday to Saturday. Or if you’re a vintage vinyl fan, come after 10pm for a late night session with DJ ‘George Hysteric’. Live music will also continue on Sunday afternoons in the courtyard with La Nuit Blanche, and their beloved Opera Nights will also be making a comeback with soprano Carmela De Losinno taking the stage.
Head down to the new Entrecôte any time, any day, for what is sure to be a fine French experience that’ll transport your taste buds to Paris—who even needs international travel? Pop the champagne and say ‘santé’ to the rebirth of a Melbourne institution, we’ll see you there.
For more French finery, check out the Chanel exhibition hitting NGV in December.
Image credit: supplied