Devonport could be the next big dining destination for food lovers – all it has to do is showcase what local farmers do best.

This is the belief of Neil and Anna Davison and their son Will, who have officially opened the city’s newest restaurant, Bistro Camille, at the river end of North Fenton St.

It’s a new foray for the successful Melbourne businessman and his family – who are more than familiar with Tassie’s exceptional produce through their string of gourmet supermarkets, long-standing ties to friends in the north of the State and regular visits over many years.

But it was the Devonport Living City project, which aims to create new retail, business/service and waterfront precincts, that gave them the confidence to set their plan in motion.

Not only has the family spent a year transforming the Sunrise Devonport motel into quality accommodation, but they’ve found the right chef to be the conduit for the best and freshest local produce at its adjoining eatery.

Bistro Camille's menu is written and prepared by executive chef Fabien Lefrancois who has cooked and trained in Europe and Australia.

In an amazing coincidence he previously cooked for Melbourne’s France-Soir Restaurant – the favourite dining place for Neil for the past 25 years.

Little wonder Bistro Camille is proving to be a match made in heaven – with simple French food – classics like terrine, onion soup and beef bourguignon, being taken to a new level using the best locally-grown produce.

“There is nothing pretentious or challenging for the palate here at Bistro Camille – we want to break the stereotypes and give locals and visitors the food they love with that touch of flair and extra flavour that the French do so well,” Neil said.

The menu is a simple yet sophisticated selection of popular food, and my new-found favourite for entree is the soupe a l'oignon (classic onion soup $14) – for anyone who, like me has not tried this French classic in the past please rectify immediately and support the local onion growers!

I’ve also tried the fresh and flavourful salade niçoise (char-grilled tuna steak with olives, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, egg, anchovy, balsamic dressing $24).

And apparently I’m not the only person who is guaranteed to return for the unsurpassed quality of Cape Grim beef, especially when it is cooked to perfection and enhanced with red wine sauce and bone marrow, a crisp pepper crust and herb butter or the brilliant bearnaise (from $31 and served with salad and fries or choice of sides).

For a sneak peek at divine desserts or more info go to www.bistrocamille.com.au