Review Curly Whiskers - Brighton

Great French food, open kitchen and very warm and friendly service. Great value and very high quality. Menu has a selection of French classics using premium local produce. Complimented by a small selection of French wines which compliment the menu.

We have been there twice now. A lovely dinner for two, followed by gathering a party of 6 there. Truly wonderful food. The scallops are divine, and the duck is a thing of beauty. But save room for a dessert or two as they are amazing! Friendly service with a smile and a chat, and a great manner. A great place - cannot recommend it highly enough :)

Highly Recommended. Booking- book ahead Type- Fine dining French restaurant Food- generous, very tasty, beautifully presented Wine- small selection but excellent wine Water- complimentary still or sparkling water Staff- friendly, fast, helpful Environment- modern with unobtrusive background music Bathroom- unisex, very clean, paper towels, easy access to disabled toilet Parking- street

Our go-to place for French food whenever we return to Melbourne. It's like eating in someone's home. Best beef Wellington and French onion soup you'll ever find. Escargot, dory, Crepes, duck, beef fillet, tarts, creme brulee, seafood bouillabaisse, name it.. We've tried it there... And they are All exceptional. The magic is in the exceptional produce they source for and the way the chef allows the ingredients to sing in unison.

The mains were bland and lacked umami, the Duck was great and the home backed bread was really nice, staff were friendly but probably lacked a little polish.

Our restaurant experience of the year!! This boutique french restaurant prepares its food with delicacy and high quality ingredients. It is just delicious! It works as a ‘open kitchen’ environment where you feel like at the hosts’ dinning room with full access to the kitchen. The fact you can watch the chef at work is entertaining and prpvides a differentiated experience. The atmosphere is cozy with few tables and great ambient music. The hosts provide a courteous and efficient service. We had the specials followed by chocolate crepes — it was a great culinary experience that we intend to repeat soon.

A very nice restaurant with a good selection of French cuisine and wine. The talented chef puts a personal touch to the classics, and the presentation is impressive. The atmosphere is very relaxed, with an impeccable service. Definitely worth a (re)visit!

I live in the area and have been intrigued by this little French Bistro in our neighbourhood. Last night, on the occasion of my birthday, we visited Curly Whiskers for the first time. Upon arrival at the restaurant we were taken to our table and introduced to our menu , including the specials, by our host. He presented himself well. We placed our order for both wine and food and was presented with our choice of wine. Our starter that we shared followed soon thereafter. The restaurant was hot and stuffy with poor ventilation. Food was being prepared in the very “open plan” kitchen directly next to us. The extraction fan in the little kitchen space didn’t do its job particularly well. After some time, our mains arrived. The Coq a vin my wife had was pretty poor. It looked like it had been boiled with a little stock poured over it. It was tasteless to say the least. My fish, John Dory however was a touch better. We ordered greens and potatoes as accompaniments. The greens were tasty but the potatoes were soft and over cooked. Both portions were very light on in terms of the serving size. Hardly enough for 2 to share. After our mains, we waited a while and shared a very nice Creme Brûlée. Overall, I’d say that Curly Whiskers was very expensive; $190 for the 2 of us and failed to impress in terms of the overall experience.

Loved the personal touch. Where the ingredients are sourced. Tried the amazing special wrap (wrap doesn't do it justice) on premises made pate and rocket. The dessert special was divine. Sounds weird but the tastes just worked. Basil, caramelised pineapple and coconut shards on top of a beautiful crepe. Thanks Ros and Ollie, Curly Whiskers is on our go to list x

Fantastic service! Beautiful crepes! Chef and staff so passionate about their food and where it comes from. The best organic fresh produce used. We have so many food allergies and they were so helpful in catering for our needs. We will definately be back soon. Thank you �

Fantastic food and everything handmade and personal. This place definitely stands out among the many eateries on the Bayside. Try the excellent Kefir drink with your meal.

What a gorgeous little gem of a place! Everyone was so attentive without being obtrusive. The food was just divine, everything was made fresh, staff went above and beyond for us. We will be back 😁

Great French food at local restaurant- good place to catch up with friends over fabulous food

If you are looking for great gluten free galettes you have to try Curly Whiskers in Bayside. The service was fantastic and the food is awesome.

I am one of the owners of Curly Whiskers and am very proud to be serving food made of best practice ingredients. The food philosophy which drives us is aligned with the Slow Food movement and we are committed to the use of local, seasonal produce in an open kitchen. Curly Whiskers is a unique, slightly quirky yet discerning establishment which aims to be a place of indulgence. Relaxed, pleasant atmosphere with pride in every element.

What a little gem this place is. Delicious crepes, very reasonably priced with wonderful friendly staff. Give them a try!

A little gem ! Delicious fresh food, lovely ambiance, warm people who really care about their customers. We will be back :)

From the moment I stepped through the door and smelt the delectable aromas, I knew I would be in for a treat. Absolutely loved my Reuben crepe. Quality ingredients. Amazing service. I will definitely be back!

Curly Whiskers is an absolute delight. Hosts Rosalin and Olly are warm, welcoming and offer that extra bit that seems so forgotten these days. The coffee was so amazing. Will be back!!!

Awesome, our new fave Bayside brekkie venue! Try it, you won't be disappointed..

Had such a great experience at curly whiskers. The food was really different and yum! The service was great! Will go back!

It was lovely! Quality food and good service! Look forward to trying the rest of the menu.

The creme brûlée’ is amazing, it’s a very fresh and light dessert. The flavour is amazing.<br/>The potatoes and sides are all great but the steak is rather disappointing, I would have expected better for the price I paid.<br/>The duck’s flavour is great but not very tender for me.

While the restaurant is closed for internal dining as a result of the pandemic, we tried the next best thing and ordered from the take-home menu. We chose the confit duck legs, pommes de terre and sautéed vegetables. They have successfully converted the menu to take away mode without loss of flavour. The duck skin was still crisp - an achievement. We finished with the tarte tatin, best enjoyed straight from the oven while the pastry is still flaky, but still flavoursome after reheating after a drive home. Easy to follow heating instructions for each item are provided to ensure maximum enjoyment. Highly recommended. Eat here and ensure this small entrepreneurial restaurant survives the pandemic. We need restaurants like these that strive for authentic dishes from fresh high quality ingredients.

Had  dinner  here tonight with a friend.  On entering the restaurant you felt as if you have walked into someones house/kitchen. The aromas of delicious food envelope you...... literally. I came home with clothes smelling of garlic and food ......  one of the drawbacks of an open  kitchen being so close to you. We both had steak with Bearnaise sauce and potatoes (more overcooked rather than crunchy) and shared a side of seasonal vegetables. They had run out of the fish and duck for the evening. <br/>The service was very polite and  so genuine. Both the owners, and the chef were so pleasant and made our evening enjoyable. The steaks were cooked to our respective orders and were perfect.<br/>We ended on the Chocolate crepe, which was okay. Will be back to try their other dishes.

Sunday lunch on a sunny afternoon enjoying a new food experience at a French restaurant bayside. They have an open kitchen so you can see the chef cooking your food and you can see all the fresh ingredients and herbs that they are using for the meals! Can’t get much better than that! We had a delicious French Onion Soup and a Tarte Tatin, the Cappuccino was also very nice a creamy. Another hidden little gem bayside! They also do High Tea on Sundays which we will absolutely try another time!

We ordered 6 mains, many entrees and sides. The food was all delicious, however the service was very slow. We were there for three hours which made it quite a late night. <br/>It’s unusual (but nice) having the kitchen with the dining area and makes it more interesting while waiting for food.

Delicious meal. Loved the fresh biodynamic/organic produce and knowing where the food came from. Restaurants that serve quality ingredients are rare and this place certainly delivered. The cosy atmosphere felt like you were dining in a Parisian's kitchen. If you claim to be a food aficionado, you must pay Curly Whiskers a visit.

It was the first signs of the coming cold season in Melbourne and we wanted to try a new place, something intimate and warm and Curly Whiskers fit the bill. The second we set foot inside, we noticed that it was set up more like a home kitchen than a cafe / restaurant, which we absolutely loved! Combining the familiarity of dining at friend's house with a lovely laid back Parisian atmosphere, we felt like we'd been here several times before. Now onto the food; it was divine! The classic French onion soup went down perfectly while looking out onto the wet street followed by the Breakfast and Reuben galettes, really hit the spot. Then we were recommended the Tarte Au Citron for desert ...oh my God! Talk about the best, most deliciously piquant lemon flavours you will find. If you love citrus, this is for you! We will be back to sample the dinner menu. A++++<br/><br/>UPDATE:<br/><br/>We returned last night to try the dinner menu and we were not disappointed. Rosalin & Oliver welcomed us back and went above and beyond in getting us settled in for the night with a complimentary share plate. There was Fish Wellington on the specials menu which Rosalin brought over on a tray to show us. I didn't know there was such a thing as Fish Wellington; well, there is now, thanks to Rosalin and once we got a peek of it, we decided to share it for our entree. It was succulent red emperor flavoured with herbs and wrapped in a delicate and rich pastry that made us regret that we had to split the dish. For mains, we had the Cassoulet and the Moroccan Lamb which were both absolutely divine! The flavours in my Cassoulet were full-bodied and extremely tasty. Everything was well-balanced. Each bite was worth savouring. Then for dessert, we couldn't resist the Tarte Au Citron once again. Rosalin and Oliver also generously treated us to a lovely Frangipane and Pear Tart. Lots of hits and no misses so far. This has become my new favourite restaurant.

A charming boutique style restaurant run by a husband and wife team with a passion for healthy organic ingredients and French cooking (with an emphasis on crepes). I started with the crepe cigar which was a light fluffy sourdough crepe wrapped around delicately spiced mince lamb and pine nuts with a side yoghurt sauce. Delicious but a bit small. I then had a Cape Grim eye fillet which was butter soft and cooked to perfection. I finished with a sweet and sour crepe. All 3 dishes were excellent as was the service. One thing to bear in mind is the restaurant closes early so try to get there before 7.30 if you want to spend a relaxed evening there.

Tried this lovely place today for the first time. Quaint little french cafe in middle of Brighton with typical Parisian chairs, french music swaying you and lovely staff! <br/><br/>The menu has sweet and savoury crepes. We had brunch there, the dinner menu looked amazing as well. Will have to try that. I had the chocolate crepe which was divine, the berry crepe was nice but I think an acquired taste with the cream inside. Coffee was good too.

Rosalin and Oliver take such pride in the beautiful food they produce - their carefully sourced organic ingredients make each dish taste amazing. Every time we visit for coffee, breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner we leave completely satisfied!

I was invited to check out Curly Whiskers on Thursday and what a lovely experience. An experience it truly was and one like no other on the Melbourne dining scene. In a world that’s becoming more and more interested in organic and sustainably sourced produce owner Rosalin is taking things to the absolute next level. Not only can she tell you exactly where all the ingredients come from she’s personally been to all the farms. She passionately explained to us the difference that shines through in the quality when you use a REAL free range egg laid by a happy roaming chicken (the egg supplier she uses also provides them to Guy Grossi). Talk about absolutely doing your homework. <br/>Coupled with a super open kitchen which is the focal point of the space, the concept intends to bridge the gap between the chefs and the customers. They want it to be interactive, they encourage you to ask questions, they are delighted to explain to you the origins of the recipe and the techniques used and to watch them busily preparing your meal. It’s such an immersive experience with the set up bringing new meaning to ‘open kitchen’ that you feel really connected to the cooking and it’s all rather fascinating and quite special actually. <br/>The decor is quaint with wicker chairs outside (tres Parisienne), pretty pink posies on each table and soft jazz music. You could be forgiven for thinking you were in a bustling French bistro on the Champs Elysées. We started with a cheese and antipasto plate where we had the most deliciously delicate terrine wrapped in trout. The trout itself is air freighted overnight from Tasmania for freshness and the farm it comes from supplies to only two restaurants in Melbourne, here and the esteemed Attica. This is where I say you can’t understand the brilliance of this concept until you’ve tasted it. I probably could have eaten the entire log. Heavenly.<br/>For entree I simply had to have more of that delicious hand smoked Woodbridge trout so I chose a yummy mini trout filled crepe. It felt very personal to see it all being assembled and cosy, like someone is cooking for you at home with love, and there is plenty of love to be found here. <br/>For main I chose a sourdough crepe with slow cooked lamb (I figured we were at a French restaurant so where better to really get my crepe on). Crepes are something I ate daily in France as a sweet on the go snack but I really enjoyed it in a savoury rendition. There was a very generous amount of lamb on there too. French is the perfect cuisine to showcase world class ingredients which is very much their concept and philosophy. They are self confessed ‘proudly fussy’ which suits the French to a T. <br/>While we were really going to town on the crepes (I’m not ashamed to say we had yet another one for dessert) let me impress upon you that the menu is not one dimensional. My dining companion had the duck for main which is the Thursday special at $28 with a glass of wine. We also had their signature dessert the tarte tartin which is one of the dishes you will likely get the opportunity to whip up in one of their cooking classes. This classic French dessert was a delightful way to end the meal and was accompanied by a scoop of house made organic ice cream. <br/>I appreciate the serious efforts made to ensure the quality of everything you consume here, she is toiling over her own ice cream purely because she couldn’t find a supplier that actually makes this to a high enough standard (without fillers). However I personally found it a little buttery for my taste and think there were some small flaws in the execution. The chocolate crepe, however, was indulgent, decadent and artisan. Drizzled with a house made citrus sauce, filled with Zokoko handcrafted chocolate and sprinkled with roasted Carboor Harvest hazelnuts- talk about the trifecta of premium ingredients.<br/>A lovely intimate evening with a throughly knowledgeable host provides a very unique dining experience that anyone who calls themselves a foodie would appreciate

I love to eat and I cook a lot too. But I found a place that put their hearts in making food to perfect culinary art, just like a Masterpiece for my gastronomy. The organic produce that they used are of best quality, that is why the end results are so good and I can't wait to go back for their Beef Wellington and Dory. Thank you Curly for taking great care of my tummy :) <br/><br/>

Curly Whiskers is a French bistro and creperie in Brighton that aims to bring to Melbourne a slice of Paris. Owners Rosalin & Oliver Virnik fell in love with Paris and French cuisine while on their honeymoon, and dreamed about opening their own French food venue for over a decade before the stars finally aligned and they were able to open Curly Whiskers.

After having had yummy breakfast here a few times, my family decided to try their dinner service. <br/><br/>The beef Wellington was to die for. Just the right crust on the tender roasted beef. <br/><br/>Hard to top the beef Wellington but the chef outdid herself with the dory. It looked simple but yet because it was cooked perfectly and the fish was fresh and of a top quality, it allowed the flavours to shine through. <br/><br/>The seafood bouillabaisse was pretty delicious as well. Would have been great to have some French baguette to mop up the soup<br/><br/>The owners definitely do source the best produce and you can taste it.

Great food and fantastic family atmosphere. The Reuben galette is my favourite and they serve delicious Kefir which I remember from my childhood in Europe. Great to see that they are expanding their menu now.

Okay, first of all I need to mention that I have never enter this café nor try their food. Yes I have my curiosity and been wanted to try this French Crêperie café, but that's change now.<br/><br/>So I live next door to this café and I walk passed in front of this café quite often. They hire this lady to greet people walking outside their café (as part of their marketing/PR strategy I suppose) and I've been greeted with this lady 3 times for the past 3 weeks with the same greetings "Hi how are you today? Have you ever been to French Restaurant before? Do you like crepes?" And I always trying to be nice to her because I know she's just doing her job, I answer politely and walk away to do my errands.<br/><br/>And today, I just came back from my errands and bump into this lady and she greets me with the same greetings, but this time, she push it a bit too far. This is what she said "Hello how are you today? Do you like french food? Have you tried crepes?" And I answer her with a smile "no not really" and she said to me "we have a CHINESE CHEF in our restaurant" and I was star stuck right at that moment and said to my self WOW, really? Is that really just happened? First of all I am not Chinese. I do look like one but I am not. I don't speak the language, nor I was born in China.<br/><br/>I was really offended honestly. And I think it was a really low way to grab a new customers. Even tho IF I am Chinese, do you think I would care if they have Chinese chef or employees working in your restaurant?? I don't get where the logic came from..... <br/><br/>So please Curly Whiskers, work on your Marketing/PR strategy. <br/><br/>Sincerely,<br/><br/>Not your Chinese neighbour.

Normally i avoid giving separate ratings but i think this place deserved it. <br/><br/>Ambiance/Customer Service/Music: 5/5<br/><br/>The place is set up really nicely, with a small display panel in the front and tables set up closely but with enough room not to invade another diners privacy. The staff were courteous and easy to talk to and happy to provide any advise about food. The music was really good and easy on the ears, i have never to been to Paris but all these things combined together made for a great experience and kind of gave you that vibe.<br/><br/>Food/Drinks: 3/5<br/><br/>We ordered a Cappuccino and an Iced Coffee, Cappuccino was really smooth and nice although a bit mellow for me, the Iced Coffee was pretty Spot on (Strong and Not too sweet). The Breakfast Crepe was Egg and Bacon, you can't go wrong with that but unfortunately i thought it wasn't seasoned to perfection. Needed more salt and pepper to start with, and alternatively if it had the option of putting scrambled egg in it that would be perfect with some Mayo. The 3 Cheese and Spinach was a bit too heavy and needed a lot more Spinach in it. The Salads with them were good but not enough.<br/><br/>Good place to dine at, but will try a different time to go to try their Dinner menu.

I love eating at Curly Whiskers in Brighton, a great French Creperie restaurant with a great variety of crepes. They make traditional galette made from organic, Australian buckwheat. My personal favourite galette is the Rueben. I also love their sourdough crepes! They go with anything. Their crepes are also amazing! My favourite is the chocolate crepe with a beautiful citrus sauce.

Had high tea yesterday and was very impressed with the quality of the food and the great service. Tea was delightful served in exquisite china. My favourite was the  chocolate crepe with a fantastic citrus sauce. Only complaint was I would have liked more variety in the savoury selection. We were offered  refills both in food and  tea. Great time was had by all.

I was fortunate enough to dine here the other day. The hosts are welcoming and gracious and make you feel as if you are at someone's home. The pastrami crepe I am still dreaming about and the matcha Mille crepe was just delicious. The chocolate crepe with orange sauce was brilliant, that orange sauce was the best I've ever had. Will be back!

Went there for high tea. Was given only 1 cup of tea, the rest is extra! <br/>Food was dull, unimaginative, boring, bland and scarce. Lucky I wasn't hungry! Or thirsty!<br/>There were tiered stands on the table, suggesting great high tea possibility, yet they were not even used!<br/>Will not got back.... <br/><br/>

Beautiful, fresh, high quality food with great service. Restaurant has a lovely atmosphere. We had a great experience and will definitely return!

My local coffee shop, honestly think this is one of the best coffees you can find in Brighton (particularly due to the organic Schulz Milk that is used) <br/><br/>The food is delicious and there is always something new on special that has been thought up in the kitchen on the day; fresh made Tarte Tatin, small pastries,  Mille Cake for example. The crepes themselves are always delicious, especially the savoury galette made from buckwheat flour.  The texture is almost addictive it's so good! <br/><br/>I love this place and the service is always fantastic. Highly recommend trying if you are passionate about quality food

The service is just amazing, we felt like we were inside someone's home just chatting over tea. No I'm not exagerating, this place is run by a lovely warm couple who's food is served with just as much love as given to anyone who walks into their door.<br/><br/>This little wonder has been open now for 2 months, so it may be quiet now. But if they keep serving up food like this, well we may have to fight for a table soon. In the meantime we will continue to enjoy the spoils as the food is simply yummy.<br/><br/>Thank you for having us Curly Whiskers, see you soon. Oh and yes our kids loved the food too.

A friend was raving about this new eatery serving crepes. <br/><br/>Finally a Creperie close to home. The owners are gorgeous & have created a lovely little spot next to St Martins Cafe in Gardenvale. <br/><br/>A great small menu is great with specials daily (maybe I'm just assuming could be weekly) means there's no overwhelm with too many choices. <br/><br/>I felt like sweet & my friend savoury. She chose the special three cheese, spinach & dill galette (buckwheat) & I the Berry nice crepe with quark. I grabbed a bite of the 3 cheese & wish I'd had that first then the sweet. Both were so delicious made with quality ingredients. In fact can't remember ever seeing quark on the menu which was fabulous. <br/><br/>Also use organic milk & there's even kefir on the menu. I'm sold as I love finding superb service, wonderful food & beautiful cups & saucers to drink from. <br/><br/>5 tables inside & three outside, we chose inside on a hot day. <br/><br/>Will be back with pleasure!<br/><br/>

We went to curly whiskers for a casual lunch not having any expectations and were very pleasantly surprised.<br/>It was a lovely experience. Very friendly team of husband and wife are passionate in making French crapes filled with organic produce and excellent coffee. We quickly realised that this is a standout place.<br/>Best new cafe in Brighton in my opinion . I give it 5 stars<br/>PS they also offer cooking classes.

Yummy, beautifully presented fare. Open kitchen, beautiful teacups and quirky decor. Fantastic owners and friendly staff. Seriously good, get down there!