One of the reasons we fell in love with Melbourne is its rich cultural diversity, and Bon Matin, led by French Chef Marc-Antoine Gondry, perfectly embodies that.
Chef Marc-Antoine Gondry has brought Modern French cuisine to the city with a thoughtful, innovative twist. Bon Matin reflects his Michelin-starred background, blending traditional French techniques with local, seasonal ingredients.
By day, Bon Matin is a relaxed breakfast and lunch spot with a spacious outdoor terrace by the Yarra River. By night, it transforms into a cozy, modern French dining destination.
During our evening visit, Chef Marc-Antoine shared some challenges he’s faced since opening Bon Matin. His story reminded me of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Chef Ben Shewry’s journey with Attica. Their resilience, refusal to compromise on quality, pride in their craft, and dedication to constantly refining the menu is truly inspiring.
Having dined at Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand, and other highly rated restaurants across Europe and Asia, I found something in Chef Marc-Antoine’s approach that I admire. His personal touch adds something far more meaningful than some of the bigger names, where the head chef might not always be present.
It’s not about chasing accolades, but about delivering a dining experience that feels genuine and thoughtful.
One dish that truly captured our hearts was the Parisian gnocchi. It appeared simple but evoked the essence of a forest. The combination of dough, mushrooms, shallots, Gruyère, and a touch of chestnut was uncomplicated yet brought out the best in each ingredient. Chef Marc-Antoine transformed what seemed like a humble dish into something memorable and deeply satisfying.
Although I don’t usually have a sweet tooth, the dessert we had that night was extraordinary. Chef Marc-Antoine’s creation was perfectly balanced in sweetness, and I found myself savoring every bite.
Chef Marc-Antoine is frequently changing the menu to highlight the seasonal ingredients. Each visit offers something new. While experimental dishes may not always be flawless, it’s exciting to be part of his creative journey. And I invite you to witness the evolution of Bon Matin too.
Bon Matin is an understated gem and sure to become a hot spot in Abbotsford, where you can truly appreciate the craft, passion, and authenticity behind the food.
