We didn't make any lunch reservation today in Osaka. So we flipped through the Michelin guide and most of them are full. Then we decided to target those "Michelin Recommends" restaurants where they don't have any stars, but are singled out for great food and great value.
And that is how we arrived at the doorstep of Bistro Nid d'Oiseau, very near to Shinsaibashi train station. Of course, we didn't make any reservation. But by a stroke of luck, they managed to squeeze us in for an early lunch.
This is such a small but warm restaurant. Run by a dedicated husband and wife team. Wife comes out to serve the food, while the husband is hard at work in the kitchen.
Started off our lunch with champagne
The Amuse bouche for our set lunch: grilled chicken and mini soup. We were blown way by how delicious the soup was.
Fail-proof appetizer: Escargot with garlic. Yummy
A look at this cosy restaurant
Another appetizer we had: Foie gras terrine with mustard. The Foie gras wasn't heavy, and had a Japanese touch to it. Very light and slightly creamy.
Freshly baked breads from the bistro
We also ordered something sweet to drink: Late harvest Riesling sweet wine
Here is our main course: Mince beef covered with creamy mashed potato and baked. It's very very hot! But so yummy. It had a slightly crisp outer crust with a creamy meaty filling.
For me, I very much prefer this Pork loin and cabbage and pea. The pork loin is marinated in brine, and then roasted in oven till perfection. The stewed cabbage complimented the savoury pork. I will come back again just for this dish.
Dessert was the same for everyone: Brownie.
This was quite an unexpected discovery. And we were very impressed with the price, and also the quality and taste of the food here. Reservations highly recommended!
心斎橋フレンチ Bistro Nid d'Oiseau
1-13-33 Higashishinsaibashi,
Chuo-ku,
Osaka
Japan
http://gm.gnavi.co.jp/shop/0220140361/
