The team behind Lars Bar & Grill has opened Bistro Margaux, a charming new French bistro in Nobby Beach
It’s been almost two years since chef Lars Kollrepp opened the doors to his eponymous Lars Bar & Grill at The Oxley, quickly earning a loyal following for sensational steaks, seafood and polished dining without pretension. Now, Lars and partner Nash have officially opened Bistro Margaux, a classic French neighbourhood bistro built around timeless cooking, exclusively French wines and the simple pleasure of settling in for the evening.
The idea for Bistro Margaux began as a place where guests could enjoy a Champagne or glass of Burgundy before or after dining across the road. With Lars Bar & Grill regularly full and only a small bar area to accommodate waiting diners, the pair had long dreamed of creating a neighbouring space that captured the romance of a traditional French bistro. As the concept evolved, however, so did the ambition. Rather than simply opening a wine bar, Lars and Nash recognised an opportunity to bring something the Gold Coast was missing – a genuine neighbourhood bistro centred on classic French cooking, thoughtful hospitality and the kind of atmosphere that encourages you to order another bottle and stay a little longer.
Step inside and you’ll feel worlds away from the beach outside. Rich walnut timber panelling, softly glowing amber sconces, gathered cafe curtains, marble tabletops and plush tiger-print banquettes create an intimate dining room that feels unmistakably Parisian. Every detail has been carefully considered by Nash, who led the design, creating a space that’s warm, elegant and full of character.
The menu celebrates French bistro classics with confidence. Warm baguette arrives with silky Lescure butter before making way for dishes like Ora King salmon gravlax with creme fraiche and horseradish, deeply savoury French onion soup, duck confit with potato gratin, steak frites with your choice of bearnaise, pepper or entrecote sauce, and beautifully slow-cooked beef cheek bourguignon served over creamy Paris mash.
Then there’s the cheese souffle, which is reason enough to book a table. Golden and impossibly light, it arrives in a pool of creamy leek sauce beneath a beautifully bronzed top, delivering one of the richest, most indulgent bites you’re likely to find anywhere on the Gold Coast. It’s already become one of the restaurant’s standout dishes and, if you ask Lars what to order, it’ll be high on the list.
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The escargots have been another runaway success. Served swimming in garlic, shallot and parsley butter, the classic French delicacy has proven so popular that Bistro Margaux has already sold out, with suppliers scrambling to source more.
Naturally, the drinks list is unmistakably French. Every wine hails from France, while the cocktail selection leans into timeless aperitifs with pours like the Kir Royale, Grand 75, Margaux Spritz with Suze and sparkling wine, and the Olivette – a crisp, savoury mix of gin, St-Germain, Noilly Prat and olive.
Bistro Margaux may have started as an extension of Lars Bar & Grill, but it has quickly found its own identity. With beautifully executed classics, an all-French wine list and a dining room that feels effortlessly transportive, it’s not at all surprising that it’s become one of Nobby Beach’s most sought-after tables.
Bistro Margaux is now open! Head to The Directory for booking details.
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