Estelle Bistro Melbourne: A Deep Dive into Its Exquisite Seafood Offerings

Welcome to Estelle Bistro Melbourne, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Northcote. This sophisticated eatery, located at 248 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia, offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience designed to delight the senses. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an ambiance that perfectly balances modern elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. The soft lighting, refined decor, and attentive yet unobtrusive service create a dining environment where every detail is meticulously curated for your comfort and enjoyment.

Estelle Bistro operates on a schedule tailored to provide exceptional dining experiences: dinner service runs from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 5:30 PM and extending late into the evening. For those seeking a delightful midday repast, the bistro also opens for lunch on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Please note that Estelle Bistro is closed on Sundays and Mondays, allowing the team to meticulously prepare for the week ahead. For reservations or inquiries, you can easily reach them by phone at (03) 9489 4609 or via email at reservations@estellebistro.com. For further details and to explore their offerings, visit their official website at www.estellebistro.com. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with a distinct focus on the bounties of the sea.

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Menu Highlights: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Estelle Bistro Melbourne truly shines with its dedication to exceptional seafood, showcasing the freshest catches from Australian waters and beyond. Their menu is a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavours, where each dish tells a story of quality ingredients and culinary artistry. While renowned for its ocean-inspired delights, the bistro also masterfully caters to diverse palates with an array of premium meat and garden-fresh vegetarian options, ensuring a holistic dining experience for everyone. The culinary philosophy here revolves around seasonality and meticulous preparation, allowing the natural flavours of the produce to take centre stage. From the pristine oysters sourced daily to the expertly grilled whole fish, every dish is a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to excellence.

The Raw Bar & Ocean Starters

Experience the pure essence of the sea with Estelle’s impeccable raw bar selections. Each item is chosen for its superior freshness and presented with minimal fuss, allowing its natural brilliance to shine. These starters set the perfect tone for a memorable meal, highlighting the pristine quality of the seafood.

Sydney Rock Oysters (Natural): Freshly shucked, briny pearls, served simply with lemon and mignonette.
Pacific Oysters (Natural): Plump, creamy, with a subtle sweetness, perfect with a dash of lime.
Sashimi Grade Tuna Tartare: Finely diced, seasoned with citrus, capers, and a hint of chilli.
Kingfish Ceviche with Finger Lime: Zesty and vibrant, cured in citrus, bursting with Australian native flavours.
Seafood Platter (Seasonal): An opulent array of fresh oysters, prawns, crab, and smoked salmon.
Tasmanian Scallops (Seared): Perfectly seared, tender, served with cauliflower purée and hazelnut brown butter.
Grilled Octopus with Smoked Paprika: Tender octopus, char-grilled to perfection, accompanied by spicy romesco sauce.
Spanner Crab Salad: Delicate crab meat, fresh herbs, citrus dressing, served on crisp lettuce.
Freshly Shucked Oysters (Kilpatrick): Classic oysters, grilled with bacon and Worcestershire sauce, rich and smoky.
Freshly Shucked Oysters (Mornay): Creamy, cheesy gratin topping, baked until golden and bubbling.
Prawn Cocktail Revisited: Succulent prawns, crisp lettuce, avocado, drizzled with a tangy Marie Rose sauce.
Smoked Salmon Crostini: House-smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, capers, on toasted sourdough rounds.

Entrées & Artisanal Small Plates

Moving beyond the raw bar, Estelle Bistro’s entrées offer a more developed flavour profile, combining fresh seafood with innovative techniques and complementary ingredients. These dishes showcase the chef’s creativity and commitment to crafting unforgettable culinary moments.

Chargrilled Calamari with Lemon Aioli: Tender calamari, lightly charred, served with a tangy, garlicky emulsion.
Blue Mackerel Escabèche: Pickled mackerel, tender and flavourful, marinated with aromatic vegetables and herbs.
Seared Gnocchi with Prawns: Hand-rolled gnocchi, pan-seared, tossed with sweet prawns and sage butter.
Confit Ocean Trout with Dill Oil: Slow-cooked trout, incredibly tender, infused with fresh dill essence.
Mussels Marinière with Crusty Bread: Steamed mussels in white wine, garlic, and parsley broth, ideal for dipping.
Soft Shell Crab Tempura: Crispy fried soft-shell crab, served with spicy Japanese dipping sauce.
Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad: Creamy burrata, vibrant tomatoes, fresh basil, drizzled with aged balsamic.
Grilled Asparagus with Poached Egg: Tender green asparagus, perfectly poached egg, topped with hollandaise sauce.

Signature Main Courses – From the Ocean

The heart of Estelle Bistro’s seafood offering lies in its main courses, where premium fish and shellfish are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Each dish is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, prepared with precision and a deep understanding of flavour.

Whole Baked Snapper with Herbs: Crispy skin, succulent flesh, infused with aromatic garden herbs, expertly prepared.
Grilled Barramundi with Lemon Butter Sauce: Flaky barra, perfectly grilled, complemented by a rich, tangy butter sauce.
Pan-Seared Swordfish Steak: Firm, meaty swordfish, seared to perfection, served with Mediterranean salsa.
Lobster Thermidor (Half/Whole): Rich, creamy, baked lobster meat, gratinéed with cheese, a luxurious indulgence.
Seafood Linguine with Marinara: Al dente pasta, assortment of fresh seafood, vibrant tomato and herb sauce.
King Prawn Risotto with Saffron: Creamy Arborio rice, sweet king prawns, delicately flavoured with golden saffron.
Murray Cod with Artichoke Purée: Delicate freshwater fish, pan-fried, served with earthy artichoke and caper butter.
Market Fish of the Day (Chef’s Special): Freshly sourced, expertly prepared daily, reflecting seasonal availability and chef’s inspiration.
Tuna Loin (Rare Seared): Prime tuna, seared to rare perfection, served with a sesame crust and wakame salad.
Black Cod with Miso Glaze: Flaky, buttery cod, marinated in sweet miso, oven-roasted to perfection.
Roasted Moreton Bay Bugs: Sweet, succulent bug meat, roasted with garlic butter, truly Australian delicacy.
Bouillabaisse (Classic French Stew): Rich, aromatic seafood stew, brimming with various fish and shellfish.

From the Land & Garden

While seafood reigns supreme, Estelle Bistro also offers a curated selection of non-seafood options, ensuring every guest finds something to savour. These dishes reflect the same commitment to quality ingredients and refined execution.

Eye Fillet Steak (Grass-Fed): Premium beef, perfectly grilled, served with red wine jus and seasonal vegetables.
Lamb Rump with Rosemary Jus: Tender lamb, slow-roasted, accompanied by fragrant rosemary reduction and potato gratin.
Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze: Crispy skin, succulent duck, complemented by a sweet and tart cherry sauce.
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Creamy, earthy Arborio rice, wild mushrooms, finished with aromatic truffle oil.
Vegetable Tagine with Couscous: Aromatic North African stew, slow-cooked vegetables, served over fluffy couscous.

Accompaniments & Sides

No meal is complete without perfectly crafted accompaniments. Estelle Bistro offers a range of sides designed to complement both seafood and meat dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, impossibly rich and flavourful.
Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: Fresh, crisp green beans, lightly sautéed with toasted flaked almonds.
Seasonal Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Crisp mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes, with a light house vinaigrette.
Truffle Parmesan Fries: Golden shoestring fries, tossed with truffle oil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise: Tender spears, simply steamed, served with creamy, buttery hollandaise sauce.
Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg: Rich, decadent spinach, slow-cooked in cream, subtly spiced with nutmeg.

Desserts & Sweet Endings

Conclude your culinary journey at Estelle Bistro with a selection of elegant and delightful desserts, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Warm, gooey chocolate centre, perfectly paired with cool vanilla.
Passionfruit Crème Brûlée: Silky custard, vibrant passionfruit, topped with a perfectly torched sugar crust.
Seasonal Fruit Tart with Chantilly Cream: Flaky pastry, fresh seasonal fruits, light and airy whipped cream.
Artisan Cheese Board with Condiments: Selection of local and international cheeses, served with crackers, fruit, relish.
Affogato with Frangelico: Scoop of vanilla ice cream, shot of hot espresso, optional hazelnut liqueur.

Beverage Program

To complement its exquisite menu, Estelle Bistro boasts an impressive beverage program. The wine list thoughtfully curates local Australian gems alongside select international vintages, chosen to perfectly pair with their diverse dishes. Their skilled mixologists craft an array of classic and innovative cocktails, while a selection of premium spirits, local beers, and refreshing non-alcoholic options ensures there’s a perfect drink for every preference and occasion.

Extensive Australian Wine List: Showcasing regions like Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Barossa, thoughtfully curated.
International Wine Selections: Handpicked vintages from France, Italy, New Zealand, enhancing global pairings.
Signature Cocktails (e.g., “Estelle Martini”): Unique, handcrafted concoctions, balancing fresh ingredients and premium spirits.
Classic Cocktails (e.g., Old Fashioned): Expertly prepared, timeless favourites, executed with precision and flair.
Craft Beer Selection (Local & Imported): Diverse range of lagers, ales, stouts, catering to all beer enthusiasts.
Premium Spirits (Whisky, Gin, Vodka): Wide array of top-shelf options, perfect for a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink.
Freshly Squeezed Juices: Natural, vibrant, and healthy options, made from seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Artisan Coffee & Specialty Teas: High-quality beans and leaves, brewed to perfection for a delightful finish.

Estelle Bistro Melbourne’s interior exudes a sophisticated yet inviting charm, featuring warm lighting, plush seating, and tasteful decor that speaks of understated luxury. The service is consistently attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring a seamless dining experience where every need is anticipated without being intrusive. Pricing aligns with a premium dining establishment offering high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and expert culinary execution. The overall vibe is one of refined elegance, perfect for special occasions or anyone seeking an elevated dining experience. It’s a place where attention to detail transforms a meal into a memorable event.

In conclusion, Estelle Bistro Melbourne stands out as a premier destination for seafood lovers and discerning diners alike. While its “Market Fish of the Day” and the luxurious “Lobster Thermidor” are undeniably famous and highly recommended for their exceptional freshness and preparation, the “Kingfish Ceviche” also offers a vibrant, unforgettable taste of the ocean. This bistro is ideally suited for those celebrating a special occasion, romantic couples seeking an intimate setting, or culinary enthusiasts eager to explore meticulously crafted dishes. Estelle Bistro consistently delivers a refined dining experience that marries impeccable service with exquisite, produce-driven cuisine, making it a true highlight of Melbourne’s gastronomic scene. A visit here promises not just a meal, but a genuine culinary journey.

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