ODÉ, one of the newest restaurants to open in North Adelaide, is bringing a new take on the classic dining experience to O’Connell Street, combining the elegance of fine dining with the fun spirit of a bistro.
ODÉ’s style is described as ‘fine bistro’ rather than ‘fine dining’, fusing two philosophies. Head Chef and Restaurant Owner Simon Ming explains it best: “There’s two factors: the first is “fine” and the second is “bistro”, which is to give people a sense that our restaurant is flexible, a little bit more fun, less formal in terms of atmosphere, but we are maintaining the high quality on food and drinks in the same time.”
At ODÉ, the “fine” represents their high standards – exceptional food, quality produce, a curated wine list and warm service. While the “bistro” part makes it clear: this is a place where you can feel relaxed, have fun, and choose between a fine dining degustation experience or a casual à la carte menu.
One of the standout features of ODÉ is its ability to deliver outstanding food at a price that’s typically not associated with fine dining. “We still want to maintain the best quality, the highest standard that you can find at a restaurant, but we’re not going to overly hype up prices on the menu,” Simon says.
ODÉ’s menu is a contemporary Australian fusion, bringing together Simon’s Asian heritage with modern western cooking techniques. By using locally sourced ingredients from South Australia, he creates a multi-layered dining experience that blends different cultures and flavours in a way that’s unique to ODÉ. To add on to the notes, the wine list at ODÉ is evolving seasonally together with the food menu, featuring a selection of high-end wines from France, South Australia, and beyond, such as Cabernet Sauvignon from Mountadam, Shiraz from Izway, Domaine Pinson Chablis, Domaine Olga Raffault and Bera Barbaresco.
“I imagine a plain canvas in front of myself. I use different colours to paint the canvas. It’s the same theory when using different cooking techniques and playing with different ingredients from different cultures and curating them into my own fusion,” Simon says.
A standout dish on the menu, and a crowd favourite, is the flamed shallot pancake with spiced yogurt and Sichuan peppercorn. It’s a dish that perfectly showcases the fusion of Western and Asian influences that define ODÉ’s style. Inspired by the traditional Chinese shallot pancake, Simon took it up a notch by merging it with an Italian focaccia recipe to create something crunchy and smokey on the outside, yet light and fluffy with layers of seasoning and spring onions inside. To top it off, the pancake is served with a rich labneh yoghurt dip, seasoned with a spice mix and infused with Sichuan peppercorn oil for a savoury finish.
“For me, it’s super important to have the bread outstanding on the menu running a Western-style restaurant,” Simon says. “Bread is important in dining culture, and having good bread in a restaurant helps create a strong first impression.”
The service at ODÉ is just as important as the food, and the “fine” aspect of their fine bistro philosophy truly shines here. With just 30 seats, the restaurant maintains an intimate vibe, allowing the small team to engage with every guest personally. The staff takes the time to explain the menu, the cooking techniques, and the story behind each dish, so that every guest feels like they’re part of something special.
The restaurant’s sleek, modern interior features charcoal walls and shelves filled with wine bottles. The minimalist design creates a comfortable, stylish vibe, which is perfect for everything from a casual date night to a special celebration.
ODÉ is truly a place where fine dining meets flexibility and fun. You can enjoy a refined degustation experience or a casual à la carte meal, with fantastic food in a fun, intimate setting.
What: ODÉ Bistro
Where: 151 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
When: Lunch: Friday to Sunday from 12pm
Dinner: Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm
Instagram: @ode_bistro
For more information, click here.
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