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A Bearnaise Burger for Two? Perth’s New Bistro Massilia Has Our Attention
This new Inglewood bistro is bringing European soul (and a standout béarnaise burger) to Beaufort Street.
Besk has community baked into its soul. Now, the much-loved pub’s former General Manager, David Pille, is bringing that same people-first approach to Inglewood — this time with Bistro Massilia, a a Euro-inspired neighbourhood bistro, where everything is designed to be shared… right down to a very indulgent bearnaise burger for two.
As an Inglewood local, the chance to introduce something to the Beaufort Street strip with lasting local love was too good to pass up. Relaxed and unfussy, with great food, good drinks and an easy-going vibe — the kind of place that welcomes you back time and time again.
“My dad grew up in a small village in the North of France,” says David, “and there was this one bistro which was the gathering place for the community. It was the spot to catch up with family and friends. A place with good food and drinks, where you could stay for a while.“
That same feeling carries through to Bistro Massilia, set in a space that already holds plenty of local memory. Formerly home to neighbourhood favourite Cecchi’s, the site remains in the hands of locals Mark and Kylee Cecchi — a fitting full-circle moment.
“What makes a bistro different for me is that it’s really approachable,” says David. “It’s also a more personable space, we want to get to know the locals and not just treat them like a number.”
Bistro Massilia also taps into what makes Inglewood tick: a community that embraces different cultures and cuisines with open arms. The name itself nods to Marseille, once known as Massilia, a historic port city shaped by migration and layered influences.
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“What I love about Marseille is that it has a real multicultural nature to it as a port city, bringing migrants from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. It’s known as the city of 100 neighbourhoods and I feel this is reflective of what Inglewood is,” says David.
Helping bring that vision to life in the kitchen is chef Matt Mills, whose experience spans Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, as well as stints at Rose and Crown and Hillary’s Beach Club here in Perth. His approach leans into European technique with Mediterranean influence, all backed by seasonal Western Australian produce.
“The essence of the food will be European with refined techniques and Mediterranean influences, centred around seasonal, locally sourced WA produce,” says Matt. “We want to be classic but with a wow factor.”
You’ll find that wow factor in dishes like the shareable burger. Halved and served atop a pool of bearnaise sauce, it’s pure pleasure, built for enjoying together.
“Everything is shareable,” says David, “including the burger which we are presenting in a way that hasn’t been seen in Perth. It will be served halved on top of a classic bearnaise sauce, giving it an extra dimension and an experience you want to share with someone.”
There’s also a signature swordfish cotoletta with bouillabaisse, poached mussels and chervil butter, which blends local seafood with traditional bistro style cooking. And who could go past the coquillettes jambon? A nostalgic French take on mac and cheese made with small elbow pasta, ham, mushroom, paprika, sage and Comté.
Rounding out the offering is a drinks list that mirrors the bistro’s European sensibility while staying grounded in local taste. Perth bartender Shirley Yeung brings a fresh take on aperitif-style cocktails, while sommelier Trent Everitt has curated a wine list that balances Western Australian favourites with classic European drops, with plenty available by the glass.
Bistro Massilia opens this Friday 24th April at 965 Beaufort Street, Inglewood.
Now that you’re up-to-date on Inglewood’s new bistro darling, check out more of the latest Perth food news. Then go ahead and work your way through the best new bars and restaurants in Perth.
