Gerard’s Bistro, the most prestigious of the Moubarak family’s many venues (which include The Defiant Duck and the adjacent Gerard's Bar), occupies Gerard’s Lane on elegant James Street.

The restaurant has been flying the flag for innovative Middle Eastern food since 2012. It’s always been a stunner in terms of looks, and after a 2023 refit led by designer Jared Webb (formerly of Richards & Spence) it emerged with the majesty of an ancient tomb. The texture-rich room features rammed earth slabs, concrete, white fabric and stainless steel. 

The menu has featured the likes of savoury Lebanese awamat (doughnuts); calamari tartlets with hawaij (a Yemeni spice mix); and coal-grilled barbari bread (a Persian flatbread). Larger dishes have included baba ganoush with blackened eggplant and parsley oil; Brisbane Valley quail mombar (an Egyptian sausage); and Bangalow pork tomahawk served with garlic chive dagga (a spicy salsa).

The drinks list has no particular direction, but it is just as comprehensive and thought-out. There’s a playful mix of classic and contemporary cocktails, aperitifs and beers, but it’s the wine list that really shines. The modern approach includes a range of skin-contact wines from young Australian winemakers, along with exciting selections from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon (paying homage to the renowned wings).