There’s a certain type of diner who likes to know exactly what they’re getting before they sit down. This isn’t for them.
At C’est Bon, the new Autumn/Winter tasting menu leans all the way into the unknown, and that’s kind of the point. You’re handed a set of illustrated icons at the start of the night, each one a vague clue, and that’s all you get. No scrolling ahead, no mental pre-ordering. Just a series of courses that arrive when they’re ready, revealing themselves one by one.
It sounds like a gimmick. It isn’t.
The experience shifts your attention in a way that’s hard to manufacture when you already know what’s coming. You’re more present. You notice things. You actually talk about what’s on the plate instead of cross-checking it against a menu description. By the time the full list of dishes lands at the end, it feels more like a debrief than a guide.
Chef Andy Ashby clearly has a lot of fun with this format. The combinations lean unexpected, sometimes a little left of centre, but they land. One course might arrive delicate and bright, something that feels almost playful on the palate, before the next shifts gears into deeper, slower flavours that linger a little longer. There’s a real sense of movement across the meal, like it’s building towards something rather than just presenting a collection of dishes.
Textures are part of the story too. You’ll get something silky alongside a sharp crunch, or a dish that looks restrained but opens up once you dig in. It keeps you engaged without overcomplicating things. Nothing feels like it’s there for show.
Even if you think you know your preferences, this might test them. I ate things I’d normally skip over without a second thought, and ended up wanting more. That’s probably the best endorsement you can give a tasting menu like this.
What also lingers after the last course is how considered the whole experience feels. There’s confidence in the pacing, in the way flavours are allowed to build without rushing to impress, and in the decision to hold back information rather than overwhelm with it.
Worth noting: if you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to check in before you book. The kitchen can make some adjustments, but the whole concept relies on a bit of creative freedom, so flexibility isn’t unlimited. I was able to have substitutions for my no seafood preference though, and they were delicious!
The room itself helps sell the whole thing. It’s intimate, a little dim, and feels like proper fine dining without the stiffness that sometimes comes with it. You can settle in, take your time, and let the night unfold at its own pace.
You can opt for five courses or go all in with seven, and the difference is more than just a couple of extra plates. The shorter menu starts at $125 per person, while the seven-course experience comes in at $155 and takes you further into those richer, more layered flavours as the evening stretches on. If you’re leaning into the full experience, wine pairings are available as well, starting at $69, with one option focused on Australian producers and another drawing from classic French regions.
The tasting menu is currently available Thursday through Saturday evenings, which gives it just enough exclusivity to feel like a plan rather than a last-minute booking.
If you’re the type who enjoys a bit of surprise with your dinner, this is one to lock in. Just don’t expect to know what you’re in for until it’s already happened, which turns out to be exactly the appeal.
C’est Bon, 609/611 Stanley St, Woolloongabba. (07) 3891 2008
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
