Gigi Opens in Prahran with Velvet, Cocktails, and Late-Night Eats
In Prahran’s hidden laneways, Gigi has officially opened its French-inspired doors, bringing a chic touch of turn-of-the-century Paris to Melbourne’s nightlife scene. The brainchild of Jason M. Jones and Brahman Perera—the same creative minds behind Melbourne’s iconic Entrecôte—Gigi is designed to seduce, amuse, and transport guests into a luxe dreamscape with a cheeky edge. Drawing on Jones and Perera’s love for the lavish 1958 musical Gigi, the space combines the elegance of Belle Époque with playful modernity, creating a unique nightlife destination where nothing is quite as it seems.
Gigi
Jones and Perera have created a spot where everything from the walls to the wine list tells a story. This is more than a bar; it’s a hideaway that lets you slip into the glamour and grit of old-world Paris, but with a distinctly Melbourne attitude. Velvet banquettes, hand-painted murals by artist Melissa Macfarlane, and opulent crystal chandeliers set the tone, while lush Persian carpets add to the intrigue. The Galerie, an intimate salon space, is perfect for winding down with friends, while the terrasse offers a fresh-air view overlooking Grattan Gardens, lending the place a secret-garden vibe. And yes, for those midday celebrations, Gigi offers private, standing canapé parties from noon to 3 pm, complete with flowing wines.
Once inside, Gigi’s bar offers an invitation to indulge in a carefully curated Eurocentric wine list, courtesy of the Entrecôte sommeliers, which ranges from Grower Champagnes and Burgundy classics to the new wave of Australian pet nats. If you’re seeking something a bit punchier, their signature cocktail is a daring blend of gin, elderflower, lemon, and sweet pea syrup—a drink that’s as vibrant as it sounds and perfectly captures Gigi’s mix of elegance and eccentricity.
But Gigi’s appeal doesn’t stop at drinks. For night owls and snack aficionados, the menu serves up late-night bites that range from Barilla Bay oysters to the “best toasted chicken sandwich” (a bold claim from Jones himself). There’s also a bite-sized version of the famous Entrecôte cheeseburger and house-made sausage rolls, making it an ideal spot to wrap up your night—or keep it rolling well into the early hours.
Jones, who celebrated his 21st birthday upstairs when the venue was Greville Bar, has poured his heart into Gigi, wanting guests to experience the same blend of nostalgia and adventure that he did. “We wanted a place where people could escape, indulge, and just forget about the outside world,” he explains. With walk-ins only, Gigi keeps things refreshingly spontaneous. Just show up, step inside, and let the night take you somewhere extraordinary.
In Prahran’s hidden laneways, Gigi has officially opened its French-inspired doors, bringing a chic touch of turn-of-the-century Paris to Melbourne’s nightlife scene. The brainchild of Jason M. Jones and Brahman Perera—the same creative minds behind Melbourne’s iconic Entrecôte—Gigi is designed to seduce, amuse, and transport guests into a luxe dreamscape with a cheeky edge. Drawing on Jones and Perera’s love for the lavish 1958 musical Gigi, the space combines the elegance of Belle Époque with playful modernity, creating a unique nightlife destination where nothing is quite as it seems.
