Bistro K

Super disappointing!
We booked a table online for a group of us and we were called to confirm the day of, without being told their menu for the night was limited because of low supplies and our only option was a set meal with barely any choices.
Pretty much all our orders were wrong or not what they were said to be on the nights menu. The beef had a nice flavour but was supposed to be served with king oyster mushrooms, and instead came out with a few pieces of onion and a little string of enoki. The tofu steak was also supposed to be served with a nice fancy mushroom salad which there was no trace of. The dessert choice of ice cream and seasonal fruit– a slice of apple diced up on a tablespoon of vanilla ice cream.
So their limited menu for the night was even more limited then they led on. Considering they had over 24 hours notice a group was coming in AND they even called us and didn’t inform us of the inconvenience — bad form.

Great location and easy parking, just across Adidas factory outlet.
The restaurant is dimmly lighted, left most of its original brickwork intact, a few interesting renovation and long wooded table by the window. It split into 3 sections, my favourite is the open courtyard at the back or by the front window, not the mid section.
The Courtyard offers Outdoor Korean BBQ, simple, relax and not too smelly after, just perfect for Daylight Saving, just make sure it’s not a 35 degree evening, no BBQ. You can’t go wrong with their food, go Angus Scotch Fillet, Pork Belly, Bulgogi Beef and Chicken, we tried them all, been there 4 times now :-)
Short Beer and Wine List simple to navigate and enjoy, you can’t go wrong with Hite beers on a hot evening, followed by a glass of Pinot Noir.

Started with the gluten free mung bean pancakes, sensational. Followed by the gluten free seaweed risotto which was also fabulous. My colleagues meals looked great. The service was perfect — friendly and patient with our long night. Only complaint is the lack of GF pork belly on the menu. Totally recommend.

If you after a fine dining experience without the pretension Bistro K is the place to go! Beautiful stripped out interior and excellent Modern Australian Korean fusion cuisine. .
Highlights:
1. The presentation and quality of the produce used was excellent
2. Service was friendly and made our kids very welcome.
3. Mouth feel and texture well considered in all dishes. Melt in your mouth pork belly
4. Cold glasses and ice with all drinks ! Win.
Only thing I could pick out as improvements they could make :
1. Portion sizes? Could be a little larger. We had the banquet and did not walk away hungry though so this is a minor point.
2. The soju cocktail jugs to share are impossible to pour without spilling.
3. Could chop the veggies in the spicy octopus a bit finer and more baby octopus.
4. Bim Bim bap was in a cold plate not a hot stoneware bowl as the traditional manner.
We’ll be back to try everything on the menu.

Really nice place to eat.
Traditional Korean food can often be heavy and strong in terms of flavours for many, but Bistro K does a good job in presenting dishes with modernised Korean flavour.
Good selection of menu including seafood, vegetables and meat.
Well priced and convenient location so definitely worth checking out.

I must admit I am not the greatest fan of Korean food. As a vegetarian (most of the time) I miss out on all the good dishes involved in Koren BBQ. And my experience on Korean airline, Asiana, did not endear me to Korean food. But judging a nation cuisine by its airline food is probably a tad unfair, so when Bistro K replaced Foo Doo’s I duly made my way around the corner to give it a go.
What a revelation. Sure the judicous use of cabbage, aka Chinese greens, was still there but balanced in a spicy Kimchi or pancake it was a whole new experience for my tastebuds.
The owner, a striking Korean chef, has worked in several places around Brunswick Street before setting up shop on Smith Street. Having parred back the walls to the original brick, she has gone for a warm Industrial design. A big table upfront sits large family groups, with smaller tables in between it and the bar. For the solo dinner, you can sit up at the bar to eat or along the high tables for two along the far wall.
I particularly liked the extensive range of Korean alcohol. I’m a bit of a fan of plum wine and soda at Japanese bars, so I gave the Korean sour plum a try. A bit tart for my liking but mixed with some soda it was quite good. The black raspberry wine would make an excellent dessert wine. But if you don’t like Korean specialities, they have the usual Australian beer and wine brands.
I’d recommend the pork belly with kimchi chips for a starter. The kimchi is a very fiery version, be warned! But the main dishes on the whole are not overly spicy and are very pleasant.
The owner and staff really make the place work. The owner is your instant new best friend and her industry experience shines through. She clearly knows it isn’t just about the food or location but the service you provide that makes a restaurant a success.
A great new addition to Smith Street and hopefully a sign that the recent decline in shopfronts is on the wane.