Bentley Bistro Bar & Grill: French-Inspired Haute Comfort Food

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It is no wonder that Bentley Bistro Bar & Grill, The Galleria has been hugely popular since it opened at the beginning of 2014. The Galleria exudes glamour with its wall to wall designer shops and chic marble interiors and it is only natural for one to expect that any eateries that choose this prestigious location in which to open their doors would boast offerings on a par with their neighbouring retail outlets – Bentley Bistro & Bar does not disappoint!

The buzz of midweek after work social gatherings emanates as we approach and we are greeted by a warm lively atmosphere of an enviable DJ playlist and a packed restaurant and bar. Our friendly hostess shows us to a cosy booth table by the window as we admire the casual but elegant interiors vibe complete with extensive blackboards, listing the daily specials.

We decide to stick to the all-day menu and are instantly overwhelmed with the mouth-watering options. With everything from light dishes and salads to rustic stews and braises through to unique cuts of meat and signature sauces, we are truly spoilt for choice! After some expert help from our well-informed waitress, we opt for the Spanish style garlic prawns with chilli, parsley, crisp potato and Fresh crab tart, avocado & tomato salsa to start followed by Braised Wagyu long rib served with half a grilled lobster and Lobster Mornay together with sides of: Paris Mash; Brussels sprouts, beef bacon, maple syrup; and Sautéed mixed mushrooms.

The veritable feast of ‘rustic chic’ cuisine that arrives is award-worthy. The presentation is artistic and aptly showcases the use of the freshest of ingredients, but most note-worthy are the rich, sumptuous flavours that are so synonymous with rustic French cuisine. The spiciness of the fresh chilli and garlic sauce pops through the crunchy texture of the crisp potato atop the juicy prawns and the subtlety of flavour of the fresh crab is complimented by the creaminess of the avocado and juicy tomato. The Lobster Mornay is beautifully creamy and challengingly rich and marries well with the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. The pièce de résistance is, without a doubt, the Braised Wagyu long rib… already prepared off the bone, it melts to the touch and is coated in a thick sticky caramelised sauce… foodie heaven!

As we sit back feeling soporifically full, it is proposed that we leave dessert to the experts who are on hand to prepare a selection of signature dishes as a taster menu. After a short much-needed pause, we are presented with an array of mini bite-sized temptations together with individual portions of chocolate fondant and chocolate hazelnut pudding and two scoops of ice cream drizzled with sauce. The highlight for us is the hot chocolate fondant – perfection in a pot – and complemented well by the refreshing homemade ice creams and the chocolate pannacotta with caramel crunch topping… a truly spoiling end to a memorably spoiling meal!

More about Bentley Bistro & Bar

Bentley offers a menu that includes French classics such as omelette with comté, as well as international favourites including blueberry pancakes with beef bacon and maple syrup.

From noon until close, the all-day menu features authentic lighter dishes – French onion soup, smoked salmon quiche, and steak sandwich, to name a few – alongside heartier fare such as, Moroccan-spiced grilled spatchcock with saffron potatoes, and ox cheek and beef bacon pie. Comfort-food favourites are reimagined – as well as classic burgers, options such as a rib meat burger and the chicken sausage and duck confit hot dog create a more refined, yet approachable gourmet menu.

To follow, desserts include traditional tarte tatin, fruit fritters with chocolate fondue, and white chocolate and passionfruit mousse cake.

Blackboards, listing the daily specials, will complement the all-day menu, giving the chefs the opportunity to apply their invention and creativity to the freshest seasonal ingredients, whilst offering regular patrons something fresh and exciting.

As the evening draws on, the progressive ambience switches the focus from bistro to bar, which offers Bentley’s signature cocktails and bar snacks.