PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Bistro Lilly is in the heart of Sydney, tucked under Observatory Tower, yet a subtle French ambience infuses the room. Perhaps it is the comfortably chic interior - rich chocolate covered walls bathed in soft lighting - or perhaps it is in the name (bistro is 19th-century Parisian slang for a small casual restaurant). Bistro Lilly’s food is modern Australian at its most elegant and the menu reads like a bon vivant’s wish list. The yellow fin tuna is wonderfully fresh, topped with a tapanade and served on a salad of chargrilled courgette and fried cylinders of Yarra Valley feta.
Is everyone here a regular? Patrons appear so comfortable they meld into the surroundings. Host and co-owner Cher treats everyone as old friends while her husband (and business partner) Marc greets each table and offers wine suggestions. Desserts are listed on a separate menu, perhaps so you don’t skip an entree and race straight to the Yucatan chocolate pudding with drunken chocolate sauce (order as a couple for a rich and romantic experience). For those heading back to the office the affogatto is recommended (a scoop of hazelnut gelato topped with a shot each of espresso coffee and Frangelico). Bistro Lilly is the place for a knockout business lunch or first date and you are guaranteed to leave with a Cheshire cat smile of contentment.
LOCATION
Situated within walking distance from central CBD in the historic Rocks area.
DETAILS
Bistro Lilly is a smart, sophisticated bistro. With a heated outdoor terrace and a large indoor dining room adorned in soft sepia tones and white tablecloths, Bistro Lilly's warm atmosphere and efficent service make it ideal for alfresco lunches and cosy dinners.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Head chef Mark Walsh is a master of the kitchen, having spent the last seven years leading the team at Mondo Cucina in Wellington, New Zealand. His menu is a creative collection of Modern Australian dishes, changed monthly to ensure the freshest in-season produce is used, and complimented with interesting daily specials. The dinner menu is very reasonably priced for the quality and inventiveness of the food. Start with a serve of the fresh bread, crusty and wholesome with whole roasted garlic and olive oil, and the handsomely presented lemon thyme seared salmon on black bean and soba noodles with spiced miso. Mains are equally as tempting and include delights such as the dukkah crusted chicken breast on olive oil smashed agri and wilted asparagus, accompanied by a lively chipotle avocado salsa. Husband and wife team Marc and Cher Thomson researched all the elements of the great restaurants during a 12 month tour of Italy, Spain, France and the USA. Inspired by their travels, they returned to Sydney to create Bistro Lilly.
FUNCTIONS
The dining room is suitable for all private functions, including weddings, cocktail parties and corporate functions, with a maximum capacity of 120 guests. Bistro Lilly boasts one of the best private dining areas for corporate or private entertaining accommodating up to 30 guests for a sit-down dinner. Start with drinks and canapés on our terrace, before choosing from a full a la carte menu and selected wines.
Open on Sunday & Monday by request.
REVIEWS
"Perfect for the price is the seared yellowfin tuna, which arrives rare in the middle...the flavour is sweet and there's a terrific balance with acidity of segmented blood orange....bistro lilly is worth visiting"
Matthew Evans Sydney Morning Herald Good Living December 2005
"It’s ages, I think, since I have found a menu where I want to try every dish.... Truly sublime" - Sally Hammond Independent Food Critic
