An “all-Australian” bistro has had a big relaunch on Adelaide’s Rundle Street, coming from world renowned Scottish chef Jock Zonfrillo. Bistro Blackwood, sister and neighbour to Zonfrillo’s highly acclaimed fine diner Restaurant Orana, has brought the chef a platform for his commitment to indigenous Australian ingredients used in a classic bistro style and for guests, offered a restaurant that shares plenty of similarities with Orana but at a more accessible price.
With a tighter focus and renewed purpose, Bistro Blackwood now features an immersive dining space that contrasts marshmallow pink and navy blue with an eclectic mix of old-fashioned furniture like wooden chairs, booth seating, schoolhouse lighting and white marble tables.
Connection between the two restaurants has also been strengthened, with staff working across both to facilitate a “cross-pollination” of ideas and techniques, carried out under the leadership of restaurant manager Greta Wohlstadt and Head Chef Sam Christopher. Zonfrillo intends Bistro Blackwood to be a creative space where chefs are able to explore new combinations and experiment with techniques. “As a restaurateur and chef, it is imperative for me to give back to my staff and give them the tools to be successful when they leave the nest”, he says.
Guests sitting down for a meal at Bistro Blackwood can expect playful reinterpretations on bistro classics, like a 450g rib-eye served on the bone with pressed eucalyptus potatoes, or fire-pit kangaroo with broccoli leaves, quinoa and spiced yoghurt. There’s also a range of vegetarian options, a kids menu, and daily specials to encourage a sense of ongoing change.
Much like Orana, the wine list places on an emphasis on minimal intervention producers, where guests have access to both a 40-bottle list and Orana’s much larger 400-bottle spread, which is curated by Sommelier Brent Mayeaux.
Bistro Blackwood
Address: 285 Rundle Street, Adelaide
Contact: 08 8227 0344
Website: bistroblackwood.com.au
Hours: Tues-Sat dinner; Fri lunch.
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