I finally made it to Poodle in Fitzroy after having it on my list for so long, and I’m so glad I did. We went in for their Wednesday steak night and the whole experience exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive. We were greeted with a smile, shown to our table straight away, and throughout the night our glasses never went empty and plates were cleared promptly without ever feeling rushed. It was the kind of service that makes you feel well looked after from start to finish. Even though we went specifically for the steak night, we couldn’t resist trying one of their entrées, especially since their menu has recently been updated under a new head chef. We ordered the steak tartare, which was beautifully presented in a bone and served with vinegar crisps. It was unique, full of flavour, and one of the best tartares I’ve had in Melbourne. Then came the main event: the steaks. Cooked exactly how we wanted, juicy and flavourful, with a generous serving of salsa verde on the side. The dish also came with a mountain of fries – so many that we couldn’t finish them, which is always a good problem to have! For $30, the value was fantastic given both the quality and the portion size. To drink, I tried the Davidson plum spritz which was refreshing, slightly tangy, and paired perfectly with the meal. Overall, I couldn’t fault anything about the night. The food was outstanding, the service was seamless, and the atmosphere was lively but still comfortable. Visiting Poodle has made me even more eager to return, and next time I’ll definitely be exploring more of their menu beyond steak night. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a memorable dining experience in Fitzroy.
Overview
Nestled in the heart of Fitzroy, Poodle Bar & Bistro has become a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors. Located at 81-83 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia, this chic bistro combines the best of modern Australian cuisine with a touch of European flair. As soon as you step inside, the cozy, yet contemporary atmosphere sets the tone for a delightful culinary experience.
The menu at Poodle Bar & Bistro is a true reflection of the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Melbourne. It offers a fantastic selection of seasonal dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of the standout items on the menu is their signature slow-roasted lamb shoulder. This dish, packed with flavors, is a perfect example of how the bistro expertly balances hearty, rustic flavors with refined, modern techniques.
Another must-try is their seafood platter, which showcases a mix of the freshest catches from local waters. With perfectly prepared oysters, prawns, and mussels, the platter is a crowd favorite. For those looking for something lighter, the bistro's selection of salads, such as the roasted beetroot with goat cheese and walnuts, is a refreshing option that still packs plenty of flavor.
Vegetarians will also find an array of choices that don’t feel like an afterthought. The wild mushroom risotto is a creamy, earthy dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. The use of fresh herbs and the inclusion of a delicate truffle oil finish elevate the dish to another level.
The drink list at Poodle Bar & Bistro is equally impressive. The wine list features a carefully curated selection of Australian wines, including some excellent local options from the Yarra Valley. The staff is knowledgeable and always ready to recommend a pairing that perfectly complements your meal. If wine isn't your thing, their cocktail menu is creative and offers some refreshing concoctions that go perfectly with the bistro's laid-back vibe.
What sets Poodle Bar & Bistro apart from other dining spots in Fitzroy is the attention to detail in both the food and service. The staff here is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner with friends or a special evening with loved ones, this bistro hits the mark on all fronts.
The ambiance of Poodle Bar & Bistro also plays a role in its popularity. The space is designed with an industrial-chic aesthetic, featuring exposed brick walls, contemporary furniture, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a meal and linger over conversation long after the last bite.
Despite the bistro's cozy vibe, it's consistently busy, a testament to its high-quality offerings. It’s advisable to make a reservation ahead of time, especially on weekends, to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic dining experience.
From its thoughtfully crafted menu to its top-tier service and inviting atmosphere, Poodle Bar & Bistro truly stands out in the Melbourne dining scene. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's a spot you won't want to miss.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-in ✓ Delivery ✓ TakeawayHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Every single dish was 10/10 fantastic, the kind of meal that puts every other soon after to shame because you just can’t get it out of your head. Very attentive server who when we said we were too full for desert suggested espresso martini’s - fantastic call, they were also 10/10. Will return whenever I’m in Melbourne
A night of snacks, mains and sides at Poodle Bar & Bistro We decided to order a bunch of snacks to share—perfect way to try more from the menu. Everything was rich, flavourful and beautifully done, from the starters right through to the mains. Here’s what we had: House-made coffee & rye sourdough Spanner crab & cod roe profiterole Parmesan scroll Pork neck skewers Charred Fish Wings Duck breast with grilled radicchio Hanger steak with peppercorn sauce Heirloom cucumber Salt & vinegar onion rings Loved the retro glam vibes here—definitely one to revisit for a long, leisurely dinner or drinks.
Lovely vibe at poodle and incredible service! Food was delightful. Madeleines were the highlight. The Comte Vegemite donut was so tiny and definitely overpriced.
Visited on a Wednesday night 7:30pm and it was relatively busy! Beautiful and relaxing ambience, very smooth and sweet staff, and excellent dishes (ft. in photos: Dry Aged Beef Tartare, Yellow-Fin Tuna, Wagyu Rump). Impressed by every meal; even the butter milk aioli included with the French fries (not featured in pics) was surprisingly memorable; a very creamy mouthfeel with a sharp pepper bite!
Poodle Bar & Bistro Chef’s Selection $90 pp - Ox Tongue, porcini, fried bread, buttermilk ⭐⭐ - Spanner crab & cod roe profiterole - Steak tartare, tarragon mayonnaise, soy cured egg yolk ⭐ - Carrot Puree, mushroom pie ⭐ - Hanger stoak, mustard fruit & peopercorn sauce ⭐ - Mixed leaves tarragon vinaigrette - Ginger crème, brown butter sablé, marmalade, torched meringue ⭐ - French fries, buttermilk aioli $11 (add on)⭐ - 2024 Joshu Cooper Pinot Noir - Johannes Zillinger Velue Grüner - 2023 Bobar Chardonnay Amazing dinner at Poodle. The ambience was on point and the food absolutely delivered. We went with the chef’s menu and at $90 it was great value. The ox tongue snack was a standout — rich flavourful and beautifully balanced. The steak tartare was another favourite with the tarragon mayo pairing perfectly. The pie was a surprise hit with flaky pastry and smooth carrot purée giving a sweet savoury combo. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavour. Dessert looked simple but every element worked so well together. Also had some fantastic wine recommendations from the sommelier. A very satisfying and memorable birthday dinner. Highly recommend.