The Catbird Seat Bistro

An über driver told me about this place. What an unexpected pleasure. The service was friendly and efficient, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is simply amazing, beautifully presented, fresh and delicious. I will be back. Date night or girls night, this place suits both.

A few years back, I went to the restaurant that used to be where The Catbird Seat Bistro is now. It was an interesting night to say the least. Most of the menu was unavailable and the chef and waitress having a massive argument in the kitchen for everyone to see, before the waitress stormed off. Not surprisingly, the venue closed a few weeks later. Their loss is our gain as The Catbird Seat moved in. Just opposite the Aussie Nash and The Gabba, they are literally in the Catbird Seat.*
It’s a lovely little bistro with a simple fitout of warm wood, elegant Art Deco lighting and an open kitchen and not an argument to be seen. We were there for the month long World Safari Dinner offer of a shared classic French meal and a glass of wine for $ 30 per head. I told myself that I would be have been fine if the dish of the week turned out to be Cassoulet, but was secretly thrilled when we were told it was Duck a l’Orange with an accompanying French pinot.
I know what you’re thinking. ‘Duck a l’Orange. How 1970s can you get?’ I’m here to tell you that your thinking is wrong. This segmented duck in a simple orange glaze was at once both sweet and savoury and packed with umami. The meat was tender and the skin crisp. Perfect! Accompaniments of simple green beans, duck fat potatoes (someone had to do it) and a scattering of spiced pecans completed the meal. There was not a skerrick left.
A whole duck should have been more than enough but of course, it wasn’t. Rounding out the evening, we selected from the small ala carte menu a cheese plate with house pickles and Black Forrest crème brulee. The brulee was a surprise. Deep, dark chocolate with a crisp burnt sugar top and a thin layer of sour cherry sauce underneath, it was a very grown up dessert that suited sharing. There may have also been some Tawny but only one, you understand as it was a school night. But what a night! Between the subtle décor, discreet but attentive service, flavoursome meals and competitive pricing, I can certainly see why The Catbird Seat recently received a ‘Hat’ at the Good Food Awards.
*‘The catbird seat’ is a phrase used to describe an enviable position or advantage

Fantastic, stylish innovative food.
Highly recommend visiting this bistro.
A++

Excellent — both for breakfast and dinner. Food is unique but really well balanced, ambience is nice and laid back. Excellent coffee.

A cold winter’s day felt like the perfect time to try the newly opened, ‘The Catbird Seat Bistro’. There was an immediate feeling of being right at home, & belonging when I was welcomed by the friendly staff. It has the look and feel of a cozy intimate french bistro which took me back to Rheims, France, where I could take my time & enjoy an amazing lunch.
I was salivating looking through the menu as everything sounded gorgeous. «I could eat everything» I thought. Entrees start from $ 12 & mains from $ 28. I began with a long macchiato, so I could look through the menu a little longer. Coffee is from «Cup coffee», in Woolloongabba. It was the perfect tonic to give me a pick-​me-​up.
The sound of pan roasted Blue Salmon $ 25 (the day’s special) with warm salad of crisp potatoes, rocket, streaky bacon & horseradish dressing, was music to my belly, so went with it. Absolutely to die for! The fish was cooked to perfection, so much flavour on one plate, especially the horseradish dressing. Dessert being a separate stomach, I deserved a treat, & ordered the dark chocolate pudding with winter berries & mascarpone. Made to order taking 15 minutes to prepare, this bowl of chocolate pudding happiness, is made with love. On a cold winter’s day, it was warm & decadently divine.
The Catbird Seat Bistro is an impressive bistro. Lunch time specials change regularly. They support & buy local produce, & their fish fresh from the markets each morning. There’s a great looking range of Australian & European wines, champagnes, as well as a selection of cheeses, & tempting cocktail list.
They do breakfast on the weekends with all day breakfast on Sundays with fresh juices, loose leaf tea & Coffee. Chef & owner, James Guldberg is classically trained in French cuisine but because of his Norwegian background, he brings a Scandinavian twist to his modern Australian Cuisine. ‘The Catbird seat Bistro’ Is definitely a place worth visiting. Looking forward to breakfast, of warm crepes with banana caramel & crème fraiche. Open daily except Mondays.