Nichols food and wine bar is a small place divided into two sections: it has a sunken level upon entry that houses comfy couches and mini tables to enjoy wine with friends and a dining section a few stairs up. Exposed red brick walls, dim lighting, black and white photographs, and soft lounge music give the place a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance. Even after a high-paced week, I couldn't help but feel calm in such a space. The service is the same: laid back, but knowledgeable — about both the food and wine.

For a place that seems to be balancing quality in-house made food with choice, the menu is a decent size: there are about five entrees and mains each, around 10 grazing plates, a handful of specials, including 5 desserts. About a third of the dishes are gluten free and any of the pasta dishes can be accommodated upon request (with rice and corn flour pasta).  I was also informed by the waitress that the chef, at times, makes some of the savoury tarts on the menu with gluten-free flour, but there weren’t any available on the night.

After a bit of a wait, my entrée of chicken and prosciutto salad ($12.50) arrived. Graced with spinach leaves, tomatoes and just the right amount of French dressing — it was both generous and yummy. My main meal was exceptional: I had the duck leg confit ($27); it was how it should be — soft, moist and ‘fall off the bone’ type of meat. The dish came with a potato and rosemary rosti, roasted parsnip and plenty of jus — yummy! I also had a side of perfectly cooked green beans ($8) with butter and crunchy toasted almond slithers. A flourless orange cake, served with lemon infused quince and ice cream, sealed off my evening nicely. I left happy and extremely full — and vouched to be back for more.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Nichols food and wine bar,
375 Nicholson St,
Carlton
03 9347 1007

Surprisingly, though, there’s no indication on the menu that you can expect this. None of the menu items are labelled gluten-free and although he’s a member of the Coeliac Society, that’s not prominently displayed.

That said, the food is terrific and the service is excellent. I had the risotto gorgonzola, which was rich and a touch heavy until I started adding tiny pieces of the delectable mushroom it was served with to each bite. Delicious. The creme caramel was superb too and the owner assured me without prompting that the ice-cream was gluten-free too.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Chianti Bistro
376 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill 3068
Melbourne, Australia
+61 3 9481 3262