Bistra

Bistra brings brilliant bistronomy straight to Carlton's bustling Elgin Street. Think cosy, intimate energy—tight seating that only amplifies the lively, convivial charm. The menu? A masterclass in balancing classic roots with sharp, modern twists. Melbourne’s discerning pasta purists are already championing the superb mushroom agnolotti as some of the city's finest. Start with the rich chicken liver pâté, delectable prawns, or the spinach ricotta dumplings. For mains, it’s a toss-up between buttery scallops, a famously juicy cheeseburger, and the steak. That steak is a true tour de force—boasting a flawless cuisson and fantastic sear, finished with a punchy peppercorn sauce and flanked by an unapologetically generous mountain of chips. Front-of-house executes relaxed, genuinely kind service, happily accommodating shared plates or pouring from their impressive wine list. Here’s the insider play: take advantage of their $30 BYO policy. Crack open a prized vintage, order a round of gin and ouzo cocktails, and finish with their highly praised creative desserts.