“With times tight, it’s great to seize offers that help you save while still living the life and dining out. More and more cafés and restaurants are taking up the charge”, writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON. 

I adore the outside terrace at Louis, especially in winter when the central fireplace is roaring. 

It’s a classy, enclosed lounge area, with stylish décor, comfy furniture, lush greenery and protection from the elements. 

We grabbed a vino, sat and relaxed before heading inside for dinner, deciding we’d try one of Louis’ ever-changing, mid-week specials.

With times tight, it’s great to seize offers that help you save while still living the life and dining out. More and more cafés and restaurants are taking up the charge.

In the heart of Barton’s Hotel Realm, Louis’ relatively extensive menu oozes European charm and draws inspiration from high-end bistros in France. The focus is on quality ingredients, sourced regionally.

We got off to a great start with engaging, smiling staff who promptly brought us a carafe of Petit Chablis by La Chablisienne, an elegant, uncomplicated wine ($52). Welcoming staff makes all the difference.

From the entrée section, we eyed the Escargots de Bourgogne, with the snails accompanied by garlic parsley butter ($20 for small; $30 for large). While tempting, we landed on the Tuna Crudo ($28). The blood plum dressing on the raw bluefin tuna was creamy and tangy and the mound of fresh greens on top was a welcome addition. Macadamia added texture.  

It was a Wednesday, and Louis was offering a steak frites special for $40, with a glass of Shaw wine included. 

The grain-fed steak was cooked to perfection, delicious and not too large (200 grams), which suited us. Choose a jus, pepper sauce or béarnaise sauce. The tri-tip (bottom sirloin) cut was treated with care and ranked a Marble 2 score. Piping hot, the frites were truly addictive. 

We both ordered the same special, noting that the amount of sauce was overly generous, and were happy campers with the result. My only comment is that my béarnaise was slightly too thick and lukewarm.

For a veggie hit, we ordered the side mixed-leaf salad, with eschalots and mustard vinaigrette ($14). The vinaigrette tasted fabulous, but the salad might have been sitting for a bit before being served because it was slightly limp. 

This time, we didn’t have room for Louis’ wonderful-sounding, oh-so-French desserts, with the line-up featuring mousse au chocolate ($18), a caramel choux ($18) and tarte tatin to share ($28). It’s no surprise that Louis offers quality fromage ($16 to $36).

Louis’ wine list is excellent and local wineries are featured, including Helm, Long Rail Gully and Mount Majura.

Service started with a bang, but slowly fizzled out as the restaurant filled up.

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