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Arena Bistro

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

With honey-coloured wood floorboards and a series of wood panels lining the walls, gold light fittings cast a warm glow over linen-clad tables, and double seater couches with earthy orange cushions sit up to tables in a long dining room filled with candlelight and potted plants. Everything is dim and intimate and, on the whole, simply gorgeous. Due to its location in the Entertainment Quarter, advance booking is a must if you plan to dine before a show as you'll be competing with both cinema patrons and your fellow show-goers for a seat in this coveted restaurant.

An elegant and innovative modern Australian menu matches the stunning interior. Start with an entree of Western Australian blue swimmer crab lasagna with yabbies and tomato beurre blanc. Follow with a main of pan-roasted duck breast and confit leg with puy lentils, Toulouse sausage and sauce vierge; or a steak from the grill served with watercress salad, pomme puree and your choice of red wine jus, cafe de Paris butter, pink peppercorn jus or a selection of mustards. For dessert try the Madagascan vanilla pannacotta with semi-poached stone fruits and sweet brioche croutons. After your meal, relax with a drink in the comfortably appointed adjoining lounge area.

 

Shelley Hepworth, January 2007