Pompette

Behind a dark green exterior on Portsea’s main drag, you’ll find Pompette—a French-style wine bar serving up small plates, glasses, and a little bit of banter. The recently renovated space looks and feels like a European bistro, with glass stacker doors that roll back in the summertime to let the sea breeze in.

Kirsty and Loïc Duchet—the husband-and-wife duo behind Pompette—are no strangers to Portsea Village. The pair own and operate Le Capucin just a few doors down.

The pair had always dreamed of hosting monthly French dinners at Le Capucin, so when a space became available up the street, they saw the opportunity to create a more permanent offering for their community. To the delight of locals, they took over the vacant shopfront and transformed it into a laid-back spot for a bite or a bottle.

As you might expect, the food is elegant and decadent without being too fussy. A simple, seasonal menu caters to solo diners and larger groups, with French staples including escargot in buttery garlic sauce, foie gras with toasted brioche and figs, and of course, frites.

The daily specials might include crumbed camembert with apple and quince or locally caught fish with broad bean salad and peppery nasturtium. For dessert, you can crack into a crème brûlée or perhaps try a delicate tartelette with chocolate and red fruit coulis.

A 50-strong wine list balances classic French wines with local drops from the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and Macedon Ranges, with a reserve list featuring boutique producers from Burgundy, Alsace, and Champagne. Non-wine drinkers will find a tight cocktail list featuring the usual suspects and local beers from St Andrews Beach Brewery on tap.

Inside, the space is outfitted with timber tables, bentwood chairs, and vintage posters on the walls. You can choose a spot in the window or park yourself on a high stool at the backlit bar. In winter, a cosy fireplace is flanked by leather chairs, with a spacious back booth perfect for raucous dinner parties or special occasions. It’s the kind of place you can visit with friends or in your own company, with playful staff chatting as they pour you a glass.

Those searching for a talking point can look to the gallery of vintage corkscrews which spans an entire wall of the venue. These were donated by a local family whose father amassed the largest collection in the southern hemisphere. He’d often chat to Loïc about their history, with the oldest dating back to 1877. When he passed, the family offered a portion of the collection to Loïc and Kirsty for safekeeping. A box behind the counter houses hundreds of carefully handwritten notes outlining the era and origin of every piece.

As for the name? It’s an ode to Loïc’s late grandmother, who often used the phrase after a few champagnes. “Pompette”means “merry,” which is exactly how you feel when you walk through the doors.

Pompette’s doors are open Thursday to Saturday, with extended opening hours during the summer months. Walk-ins are cheerfully welcomed, with bookings available for private functions and groups of eight or more.