GRAND BISTRO

295-297 Bong Bong Street, Bowral grandbistro.com.au

Situated smack-bang in the middle of Bowral, this delightful indoor/outdoor restaurant knows how to do casual dining in smart, minimalist surroundings. The bistro is in what was once part of a hotel built in 1888 and has been refurbished by its current owners, Justine and Damien Monley. They opened their doors in June last year and chef Damien’s menu is unusual and innovative. How about Baghdad egg on toast with pea hummus, pickled red onions, sumac, mint, tahini and yoghurt for breakfast? Or lambbackstrap chimichurri, Puy lentils and freekeh for dinner? Jo Crawley, who has lived in the Highlands for 22 years, says she comes here for the “breezy ambience”. “It has quickly established itself as a favourite with locals who were in need of a contemporary alternative to the local pub scene,” she says. Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, and Friday and Saturday for dinner.