From the culinary minds previously behind Sandringham’s Petit Bocal and Avondale’s Woodworks, comes Ambler, a relaxed eatery in Point Chevalier. Poised to become the area’s new, favourite local with its welcoming glass-window frontage and crisp interiors, this all-day spot will satiate brunch hunters, long-lunchers and sophisticated diners alike. Four years in the making, Ambler may have taken longer than expected to get off the ground, but the well-considered result has clearly made the wait worthwhile.
Owners Matthieu Gosset and Julien Albe — the latter is also the eatery’s head chef after helming the kitchen at Petit Bocal — wanted to create a space that facilitated a community feeling, with a large, dark-wood communal table taking up one side of the interior. With a clean colour palette of dark timber offset by bright, white walls and illuminated by a series of soft, spherical pendants, the fit-out is simple but versatile, making it perfect for purpose. Adding an idiosyncratic touch of texture, the front bar is crafted from patterned timber that acts as a dramatic focal point in a space that is eminently understated.
Along the bar, a delicious line-up awaits punters after a quick coffee and bite, including flaky, almond croissants and savoury baguettes. On the comprehensive menu, brunch and bistro fare collides with tasty dishes like the smashed avocado on five-grain toast with feta, lemon, chilli, coriander and a poached egg, and the French toast, with Valrhona crème anglaise, fresh seasonal fruits and crushed hazelnut, available until 3pm. The croque monsieur is an undeniable standout, covered in melted cheese and served with a side of rosemary-salted fries and a salad. After 11am the bistro menu kicks in, offering dishes like honey-baked goat’s cheese and lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle with fresh basil and parmegiano. If it’s late afternoon and all you need is somewhere to have a quiet wine, the sharing menu features platters with cheese, olives and cured meats, to tide you over in that 3pm lull.
With its welcoming atmosphere and menu to suit every proclivity, Ambler is positing itself as a place to drop into at any time of the day. Whether you want a calm place to enjoy a coffee and indulge in some reading, or you’re catching up with friends, this new locale is keeping it simple but doing it right.
Opening hours:
Monday, closed
Tuesday , 7am – 3pm
Wednesday until Friday, 7am – 10pm
Saturday, 8am – 10pm
Sunday, 8am – 3pm
