Bon Pinard

Sarah Macdonald has a grounding energy about her. Astonishing given she’s the co-founder of not one but three eateries—an impressive feat in any climate but especially so in the current economy. 

Wine bar, Bon Pinard, in an irresistible (and soul-soothing) palette of greens, whites, and repurposed wood, is the latest addition to Sarah and her husband Jordan’s offering and it just so happens to be not a minute’s walk up the road from sister eateries, Duo and Osteria Uno. 

To dine here is to revel in small snack-style plates while delving deeply into a carefully considered drinks menu. It’s a pick-your-own adventure—culinary edit—the winelist being a pertinent place to start. The eatery’s named after the French slang for ‘good wine’, after all.  

Wines are categorised by hue and type, then varietal, ranked leanest to richest with a separate category sublimely named “Interesting Varietals.” Their cocktail range is modest but mighty (hello blackcurrant Kir Royale), Sawmill beer flows on tap, and the sober-curious are equally well taken care of. Match to your mood accordingly. 

The food menu is concise. Start with truffle-stuffed olives—large, juicy, and spiked with lemon. Follow with thick slices of hot Dusty's baguette slathered generously with Lewis Road butter. A globe of burrata in aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil is essential and the marinated aubergine and peppers are a smooth, flavourful affair. Duo regulars will enjoy the riff on the cult-favourite whipped chicken liver parfait. And the pickled mussels have earned Sarah’s own tick of approval. 

To finish? Order a round of chocolate mousse and riesling sabayon (a creamy, dairy-free dessert perhaps better known by its Italian name 'zabaglione') or bask in the perfection that arises from the venn diagram of cheese and quince. 

But the first thing that hit us about Bon Pinard happened before we’d even laid eyes on the menu. Stepping through the door it became immediately apparent that this is a space, which even when empty, hums with the energy of life. From the French oak bar, to the op-shop chairs, Crown Lynn plates, and vintage detailing, and the warm welcome by expert Front-of-House head, Olivia Douglas (Odettes, Esther, Vic Road Kitchen), everything comes together to beckon you in, inviting you to take a seat, breathe, and forget the outside world for a moment. 

Image credit: A. McVinnie | supplied