A new neighbourhood bistro has opened its doors in the former Cecchi's building on Beaufort Street in Inglewood, offering a menu that celebrates shared plates and Mediterranean-inspired flavours. The site is owned by Mark and Kylee Cecchi, who continue to operate Cecchi's, now relocated just across the street from the new venue.
Inspired by Marseille
Bistro Massilia takes its name from Massilia, the ancient port city now known as Marseille — a place historically shaped by movement, culture, and a blend of cuisines. The venue aims to provide a space where locals can “eat well, settle in and feel part of something familiar.”
The bistro is led by hospitality veteran David Pille, a local resident who previously served as general manager at Besk and spent five years with the Clancy’s Fish Pub company. He said the opportunity to open at 965 Beaufort Street was about creating something lasting for the neighbourhood.
“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,” Mr Pille said. “It’s known as the city of 100 neighbourhoods and I feel this is reflective of what Inglewood is.”
A Genuine Local Hub
Mr Pille emphasised that the concept is to build a genuine local hub rather than follow short-term hospitality trends. “My dad grew up in a small village in the north of France and there was this one bistro which was the gathering place for the community,” he said. “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. What makes a bistro different for me is that it’s really approachable, where we will have something for everyone. It’s also a more personable space, we want to get to know the locals and not just treat them like a number.”
In the kitchen, head chef Matt Mills brings his experience from the UK, including time in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred venues such as Pensons and Foxhill Manor. Since moving to Perth, he has worked at Rose and Crown and Hillarys Beach Club. “I’m excited for the opportunity to put my own stamp on something in Perth and work with David with his extensive background and experience,” he said. “We also share the same vision of bringing the Euro bistro culture to the neighbourhood of Inglewood. The essence of the food will be European with refined techniques and Mediterranean influences, centred around seasonal, locally sourced WA produce. We want to be classic but with a wow factor.”
Menu Highlights
The menu is a blend of French technique and Mediterranean influence, with an emphasis on seasonal Western Australian produce and share-style dining. A signature dish is the swordfish cotoletta with bouillabaisse, poached mussels, and chervil butter. “It’s a classic European style dish, layered with a rich French bouillabaisse sauce and brought together with exceptional local swordfish and mussels. It speaks to that Marseille way of cooking, where different influences come together on the plate,” Mr Mills said.
“Everything is shareable,” Mr Pille said. “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.”
Drinks and Atmosphere
The drinks program has been shaped by industry specialists, with a wine list curated by sommelier Trent Everitt featuring both Western Australian producers and European classics. The venue offers multiple spaces, from a front bar to a dining room and courtyard centred around an established olive tree and grapevine. Bistro Massilia officially opened on Friday April 24.
