Our Story
About BON MATIN
At Bon Matin, we’re committed to creating a warm and welcoming experience where you always feel like family. Learn more about our little Bon Matin family, and be sure to connect with us when you’re visiting.
Our Approach to Food
The Croque Monsieur serves as the muse for Chef Marco’s inviting approach to French cuisine. A delectable array of comforting sandwiches, all with a French flair, are the focal point of our menu. For those looking for local flavours to delight the palate and warm the soul, toasts, omelettes, entrees, and sweet treats are also guest favourites.
Our Atmosphere
Inspired by the French-Canadian greeting Bon Matin, meaning good morning, we strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere both in the look of our café and the friendliness of our staff no matter what time of day you join us.
Our seasonal outdoor terrace overlooks the Yarra River, giving our guests a serene location to meet with friends and family over the finest French comfort food Melbourne has to offer, while the soft, neutral tones inside and out reflect the Australian nature aesthetic.
Whether you join us for breakfast, lunch, or an event, we strive to help you savour every moment of your good day.
Chef Marc-Antoine Gondry
Born and raised in France and later working in Canada and Australia, Chef Marco boasts over 13 years of experience in the restaurant industry with a specialty in French cuisine. Today, he is putting his years of education, experience, and world travels to use in bringing his Abbotsford café Bon Matin to life.
Throughout his career, Chef Marco honed his craft working in some of the world’s finest French kitchens, starting as a cook early on and then rising to demi-chef de partie, chef de partie, sous chef, and head chef.
Chef Marco is trained in classical French cuisine and has been afforded the opportunity to work in several Michelin-star restaurants throughout his career. They include France’s 2-star Michelin establishments Hotel Restaurant La Reserve Beaulieu and Hotel Restaurant Le Chabichou, and 3-star Michelin Hotel Restaurant La Pinède.
After spending five years working in France, Chef Marco’s training and work interests took him to Canada. There, he trained under renowned French chefs Daniel Boulud and Joël Robuchon at Restaurant La Maison Boulud and Atelier Joël Robuchon, respectively. He continued to work in Canada for four years before a desire for new adventures took him to Australia.
In December 2018, Chef Marco arrived in Australia with the intent of only staying for a year. But instead, he fell in love both with his girlfriend and now business partner Olivia and the Australian people, landscape, culture and food.
Since arriving in Australia nearly three years ago, Chef Marco has made a name for himself on the Melbourne French food scene, working in several notable kitchens.
Now, equipped with what he has discovered about Australian tastes and interests, he and Olivia are embarking on a new journey to bring Chef Marco’s unique approach to French comfort food to those living in and visiting Melbourne at café Bon Matin.
Outside the kitchen, you can find Chef Marco surfing, hiking, connecting with nature, reading, and exploring with Olivia and their dog, a Groodle named Baguette.