C’est Bon

After a three-year renovation, this humble little Stanley Street diner – originally opened by Michel Bonnet in 2008 – re-emerged as a miniature French dining precinct in July 2019.

Enter through Le Bon Bar, to find the restaurant, and just beyond is a wine-cellar function room with an enormous timber table and a selection of wine from regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux. Upstairs is a garden terrace big enough for 40 guests. And high on the rooftop, Ooh La La is a place of French-influenced cocktails, snacks and views across Woolloongabba and Mater Hill. All up, there are five unique spaces spread across three levels.

But the restaurant is – and always has been – the main attraction. Its sleek design comprises elegant wooden tables, bench seating running along the wall and plenty of ambient light through the shopfront window. Out back, the heritage frontage transitions into a crisp geometric design of brick arches and cutaways. There's perhaps nothing else quite like it in town.

Co-owner and chef Andy Ashby's menu of French fare might include terrine, Parisian gnocchi and premium steaks. When it’s in season, duck is served in a share-style menu for two that’s not to be missed. Brunch is also served from 7am most days in the form of crepes made from buckwheat flour imported from France. Fillings might range from Queensland spanner crab to confit potato with French onion.

Whether you’re settling upstairs or down, C’est Bon’s extensive wine list is available across all levels of the venue. There are also classic and signature cocktails, beers and a good selection of French cider.