Bistro de Paris
Step into Bistro de Paris and be transported into a charming French bistro, a world away from the hum of Errol Street, North Melbourne.
The intimate forty-seat restaurant is a place where time slows down, and every dish tells a story of passion and a love for fine dining.
As you sit at one of the cosy tables, chef and owner Sathya Raj Ramalingam warmly greets you.
“I was born in India and I come from a family deeply rooted in agriculture, with a strong connection to the land,” he explains.
This childhood, so steeped in the soil of his homeland, would eventually shape his culinary destiny.
At the age of 18, Sathya enrolled in culinary school and created a small business carving fruit and vegetables, and even experimenting with ice sculptures.
His path led him to London, where he honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, including Michelin-starred restaurants.
With two decades of experience working at five star hotels, luxury cruise liners and top restaurants, Sathya has developed a deep appreciation for the art of fine dining, learning the intricate combination of flavours, textures, and techniques that elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Fast forward to 2021, and Sathya and his wife noticed a gap in North Melbourne’s dining scene. "There were no French-style restaurants here," Sathya recalls. "I couldn't find a place offering the style of food I loved in my own neighbourhood. So we decided to create one ourselves."
In May 2022, Bistro de Paris opened its doors, offering a menu reflecting Sathya’s finely honed French cooking techniques. Many dishes require hours, even days, of preparation. "We want our guests to savour food they can't easily replicate at home," he says. Signature dishes include the bouillabaisse and boeuf bourguignon.
Sathya's journey doesn't stop here. His latest endeavour is a modern European restaurant named "Arbutus", also located on Errol Street. It's an ambitious project that showcases Sathya's commitment to constant growth and innovation. "I don't just want to be comfortable with one project," he explains. "I'm always up for a challenge."
Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio
Bistro de Paris
