Marque is fine-dining heaven with few seats and an incredible degustation. Pei, on the other hand, is a bistro, serving French classics to up to 150 punters from breakfast right through until late. There is one distinct similarity you’ll notice though: the produce used is local, seasonal and of the best quality available.
Situated in the porte-cochère of the Sofitel, the bistro – named after world-famous architect IM Pei, who designed the Collins Place development in the early 80s as well as the Louvre’s glass pyramid – fills a gap for guests at the hotel as well as cinemagoers and shoppers.
You can enjoy croissants and coffee in the morning; more substantial dishes – almond gazpacho with blue swimmer crab or dry-aged rump steak with carrots and beetroot, for example – through lunch and dinner, as well as a bar for those who prefer to relaxing over a shared plate or two.
The staff has an outstanding pedigree with Matt Germanchis, previously at Pandora’s Box and MoVida, as head chef, and Ainslee Lubbock (ex-Attica and the Royal Mail) running front of house.
Pei Modern
Collins Place, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
T: (03) 9654 8545