Only the finest French establishments in Melbourne will satisfy your need for escargot and a bowl of soup à l'oignon. Outside of the legendary European city most known for its rich and mouthwatering flavours, Melbourne is your best chance for true French food, and rightfully so. The UNESCO has recognised French food as an intangible cultural treasure because of its widespread popularity. French cuisine is a way of life. It's everywhere and has nothing to do with pretentiousness, but it has a reputation for that. The key is to get everyone on the same page and let the primary element shine. Yes, yes!
Many of our culinary expressions were borrowed from the French. How about some chefs, some sommeliers, and some maître d's? A unified French language system. Like the front- and returning layouts of modern cafés, which were developed in Paris in the seventeenth century.
When most people think of restaurants and dining, French cuisine is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Classical French cooking is where the careers of the vast majority of today's chefs begin, and with good reason: the methods developed in France's gastronomic golden age form the bedrock of international cuisine. Therefore, there is an abundance of high-quality French eateries in Melbourne. Here is our pick of the best places to eat in Paris, from casual cafés and brasseries to upscale restaurants serving Haute and Nouvelle cuisine.
Living a posh, Parisian lifestyle in Melbourne is simple. There are numerous bistros and bakeries in the Boulangerie tradition located all around the city. It's no secret that Melbourne's thriving restaurant sector owes a debt to the French, who pioneered everything from the degustation menu to a la carte eating. You may get a taste of genuine French cuisine at a number of different places all across the city, from fancy restaurants to casual patisseries.
Types Of French Restaurants
It's important to know what you're getting into before you head to your neighbourhood French market and get a plate of snails. If you're looking for the answer to the question, "What is the difference between a Bistro and a Brasserie?" There are a few basic sorts of restaurants that offer a varied array of delights, as described in Explore France, the official tourist guide of the country.
"There is a vast range of options for dining in France, from quaint auberges to sophisticated restaurants. However, if you're starving and have no idea where to go for a cross meal or a casual nice dinner, this can cause some uncertainty "the group penned an essay.
So, to prepare you for your culinary adventure through the finest French restaurants in Melbourne, we'll first explain the different categories of French restaurants.
- You can't beat a bistro for a fast bite. This style of French eatery is typically managed by a family or a group of foodies. The best wines, coffees, foods, tobacco, lottery tickets, and scratch off games are often included.
- Like a classier version of an Australian pub, a brasserie serves up traditional fare alongside coffee and alcohol at affordable costs (less than restaurants). You can discover more options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and most of them are open all day long, unlike bistros.
- You may find traditional Lyon eateries called "bouchon" all across the city. You might expect to see a few plates of steak tartare and duck à l'orange on the menu, as these are two of the meatier French classics that the restaurant specialises in. As this establishment straddles the line between a brasserie and an actual fine dining establishment, you should be prepared to taste some of the finest wines in the world, such as a Grand Cru from Burgundy or a Côtes-du-Rhône.
- French restaurants known as "auberges" are found in the same buildings as hotels and B&Bs throughout France. Any traveller to France who has been in a bed and breakfast can attest to the quality of the home-cooked meals served there.
- A café is a trendy eatery with the vibe of a laid-back neighbourhood joint. The menu consists primarily of caffeinated beverages, as well as hot and cold beverages, and simple appetisers like toasted sandwiches. Common cafe hours are early morning (about 7 a.m.) until late night. Cafés in France, in contrast to several other businesses, remain open throughout the day.
Best French Restaurants In Melbourne
We are always up for a taste of France in our meals, but we aren't sure where to find the greatest French restaurants in Melbourne. Read on for a list of the top French dining options in Melbourne.
Noir
Noir is a cosy small restaurant that's worth a visit. A simple cafe with a Southern France aesthetic. Noir, a French restaurant in Melbourne, is consistently crowded because of its high standard of cuisine and positive atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a light bite and a bottle of wine, a quick supper, or a late-night gathering, Noir has you covered with its hearty fare and cosy ambience. Their menu has something for everyone, from those who are new to French cuisine to those who have been eating there for years.
Food at this popular French bistro is always fresh and lively thanks to the high quality of the ingredients and the friendly service. If you're planning a night of wine tasting and feasting on delicious, opulent French fare like caramelised Atlantic scallops, roast duck with spice lentils, beef tartare with On use pear and wild sorrel, then Noir is the wine for you. Get a feel for the diversity of French cuisine by sampling a wide range of dishes.
Bar Margaux
Bar Margaux is not just a bar; it is also a diner and a hidden French paradise. The CBD hangout seems like it was transported straight out of the early 20th century, what with its chequered floors, dark timbers, and booth seating. The bar and brasserie bills itself as serving premium cocktails and wines in addition to a menu of authentic French bar nibbles and entrees, such as king prawns with café dé Paris. It's open till 5 AM, so you can go there if you need a last-minute rescue.
Pub Margaux is the ideal late-night bar / brasserie for individuals who enjoy dining in the small hours of the morning, providing cocktails, wine, and French comfort food. All the staples of a traditional French restaurant are here, including braised meats, steamed broccoli, pomme fries, tartare, escargot, and more. Try it with something from the broad choice of French wines, sparkling wine, cocktails, and spirits.
Bistro Gitan
Bistro Gitan, housed in a stunning Victorian structure, is widely regarded as one of Melbourne's finest French restaurants. Modern dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Freshly shucked oysters, Tasmanian shrub pepper blackberries with chicken liver pudding, razor lobster, spatchcock in a mustard crust, gratin dauphinoise, and oven-baked coastal rockling with mushrooms are just a few of the mouthwatering dishes featured.
Hell Of The North
Hell of the North is a romantic French restaurant in Melbourne with an atmosphere that will make any couple feel like they're on a date. From Wednesday through Friday, you can order off the a la carte menu, and on Saturday, you can treat your taste buds to the four-course Feed Me' feast. Dive into rich options like cured ocean fish, mussels in Pernod and fennel cream, and ox ear with bordelaise sauce.
Philippe
Philippe, one of Melbourne's top French restaurants, is led by Philippe Mouchel, a man who knows his way around for a French kitchen thanks to his many talents. You won't be let down by Philippe's current takes on classics thanks to his upbringing in Normandy and training under Paul Bocuse, winner of three Michelin stars.
One of Melbourne's finest French restaurants is the brainchild of Chef Philippe Mouchel. There are slivers of window light, crisp white linen, and lush greenery blooming from the walls in the basement. Classic French fare like as roast chicken with truffle oil (two days notice required), escargot, and four kinds of steak can be found on the menu at Philippe's renowned restaurant.
Bistro Guillaume
The restaurant district at Crown includes the hidden gem that is Bistro Guillaume. Duck Confit and the signature Boeuf en Croute (crisp pastry stuffed with the tenderest beef) are just two of the many crowd-pleasing French dishes offered at this Central Business District restaurant. It's also worth mentioning that they have some of the best oysters and Tasmanian crayfish in the world. You won't forget your first visit to Bistro Guillaume, a superb dining establishment that lives up to its reputation.
Bistro Guillaume is a no-brainer if you're craving a traditional, opulent French meal. Enjoy luxurious delicacies like blue eye trevalla in Grenobloise, Bannockburn chicken with black bread, or a classic steak fries with béarnaise sauce in the Crown Melbourne's famed French restaurant. The dessert menu include a variety of cheeses, profiteroles, vanilla bean soufflé, and chocolate fondue.
France Soir
France Soir, Melbourne's preeminent French institution, is a restaurant that has matured as gracefully as the city itself. Since opening in 1986, this Toorak Road institution has been serving up traditional dishes with an honest, sarcastic twist. This non-gentrified wonder has kept its very cool image by not changing a thing: serving a wide variety of regional dishes and plats de Résistance, with the exception of, among other things, frog legs, house-made terrine, snails in garlic butter, and more. So, if you're looking for the best French restaurant, you may have found it.
France-Soir is a popular restaurant where those who love French food may eat it without really travelling to France. The modest Melbourne restaurant has some of Australia's greatest French cuisine, not to mention knowledgeable, friendly service from staff who are fluent in French. Wow, talk about genuine. Pork chops with creamy porcini mushroom sauce, rabbit casserole with red sauce, French onion soup, escargot, and more are just a few of the traditional French dishes available.
Bon Ap' Petit Bistro
Here at Bon Ap', we combine the best features of a cafe, bar, and restaurant into one convenient establishment. If you're looking for a place to have a morning baguette and coffee, a leisurely alcoholic lunch, or a late-night dinner, go no farther than this cosy French bistro. On the menu, you may expect to see old standards like spaghetti bolognese, chicken liver pate, coq au vin, and indeed the soup of the day. Try a crème brulée or, like the French, finish the meal with a selection of cheeses and a sweet wine.
French Saloon Bar & Bistro
For the time being, French Saloon Bar & Bistro is closed to the public as a normal restaurant due to regulations in Victoria. Thankfully, they have repositioned themselves as a venue for important life events like weddings, engagements, birthdays, and other celebrations. Dishes like creamed cod egg, house-cured ham, king salmon, grilled Cape Grim beef, varied cheeses, and a comprehensive drinks list can be found on the events menu, along with many other tasty options perfect for your special occasion.
Entrecote South Yarra
Since opening seven years ago, South Yarra's Entrecote has flourished to the point that it will soon move to a larger premises in Prahran. You can eat some of the finest French food in Melbourne at any of these restaurants, and they're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Scallops in butter, steak tartare, Scotch porterhouse with fries, stewed chicken, confit pig, and a lot more are just some of the delicacies that will be on the menu. You may make a meal worthy for a French king by adding a few cocktails or bottles of wine.
French fries are all you can eat. If that isn't enough of an enticement, the fact that Entrecote has just moved into a prime position on Greville Street should seal the deal. This redesigned Melbourne staple was apparently influenced by the French steakhouse Le Relais De L'Entrecôte, and the resulting steak Frites are out of this world. Not only is the food superb, but the restaurant itself is adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers, glowing gold candelabra, and a colour scheme reminiscent of the French tricolour. Respected as one of Melbourne's finest French dining establishments.
The French Brasserie
You can forget you're at Melbourne at The French Brasserie, one of the city's finest French restaurants. The restaurant is elegantly furnished, and the menu and service are also top-notch. Escargot, French cassoulet, coq au jus, boeuf bourguignon, pommes frites, and decadent desserts like cream brulee and vanilla fondue are just a few of the iconic French dishes you must try.
The French Brasserie serves some of the city's best authentic French fare. The staff is committed to catering to your every need, and the modern decor makes for a relaxing stay. Delight in rich, delicious treats like chocolate fondue and traditional entrees like Coq au Vin. At The French Brasserie, we strive to provide Melburnians a taste of France and a dining experience that is authentic and representative of our culture. Congratulations; you did an excellent job.
Bistrot D'orsay
Bistrot d'Orsay, located in Melbourne, has been one of the top French restaurants for the past 25 years. Dark stained wood panelling, painted ceilings, and low lighting give the interior the feel of a Parisian café. The goat cheese mousse, steak tartare, cured Speckled trout, roasted lamb joint, and the famed Marseille soap, Bouillabaisse, filled with fresh seafood, are just a few examples of the delicious fare that will have you coming back for more.
Chez Oliver Le Bistro
Small in size but huge on flavour, this Parisian-style bistro serves you all the classics of French cuisine. Boeuf bourguignon, lamb tortellini soup, confit duck, orange roasting duck, gras gras served with relish, bisque soup, coq au vin, and many more classic entrees and mains are available at Chez Oliver. And if you're still hungry for dessert, they offer crème Brulee to two, chocolate fondant, and a classic and rich chocolate mousse with orange marmalade.
Bistro Thierry
The Bistro Thierry has all the charm, intimacy, and friendly service of a Parisian cafe. Regulars and newcomers alike are welcomed by owner Thierry Cornevin, who, along with Kitchen Fredric Naud, strives to serve the finest in contemporary French cuisine. There's a variety of tasty steaks to choose from, and they also have specials that change regularly and are written on the chalkboard. One of the top French restaurant in Melbourne's outlying areas may be found over there.
L'hôtel Gitan
The epitome of reliability, timelessness, and classic style. If you're looking for authentic French cuisine, you must visit L'Hôtel Gitan. L'Hôtel Gitan, run by Jacques Repeat 3 times and his family, is a stylish, up-to-date gastropub in the Melbourne area. Cassoulets, steak Frites, and Gratins, together with a well curated range of French wines, support the classic bistro vibe created by the restaurant's art deco decor and open kitchen.
Chancery Lane Bistro
Imagine something sassy, audacious, and stunning. Melbourne's central business district is home to Scott Pickett's European-style cafe, Chancery Lane. This is not a classic French restaurant, but the menu is greatly influenced by French cooking, both in terms of ingredients and style. The food makes an even bolder statement than the restaurant's striking monochrome charcoal decor.
Conclusion
French food is an integral part of Melbourne culture, so much so that it has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset. Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne, is home to a wide variety of excellent French restaurants. With so many Boulangerie-style bakeries and bistros spread around the city, it's easy to adopt a chic Parisian lifestyle in Melbourne. Before ordering a dish of snails at your friendly neighbourhood French market, it's best to know what you're getting yourself into. Explore France explains that there are a few main categories of restaurants that serve a wide variety of delicious dishes.
The main focus of this material is on the various types of French restaurants that can be found in Melbourne. A bistro is a casual restaurant where you can grab a quick bite, whereas a brasserie is a more formal establishment that serves classic dishes along with coffee and alcohol at reasonable prices. You may grab a bite to eat at a café any time of day because it is a hip establishment with the feel of a casual neighbourhood hangout. French "auberges," or restaurants, serve traditional fare and are often located in the same structures as hotels and B&Bs. Some of the most popular items are high-quality beverages, meals, tobacco products, lottery tickets, and instant win games.
There is always a wait at Noir, a French restaurant in Melbourne known for its excellent fare and upbeat vibe. The pub and restaurant known as Bar Margaux specialises in classic cocktails, fine wines, and regional specialities from France. Pub Margaux is the go-to bar/brasserie for those who like to stay out late and eat since they serve drinks, wine, and French comfort food. Modern French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist can be found at Bistro Gitan, often considered one of Melbourne's best restaurants. When in Melbourne, book a reservation at Hell of the North, a French restaurant with an ambience sure to make any pair feel like they're on a date.
Philippe Mouchel, who was raised in Normandy and trained under Paul Bocuse, presides over one of Melbourne's finest French restaurants, Philippe. Crown's hidden treasure, Bistro Guillaume, serves up opulent fare including blue eye trevalla in Grenobloise, Bannockburn chicken with black bread, and a classic steak fries with béarnaise sauce. Among the many desserts available at France Soir are profiteroles, vanilla bean soufflé, and chocolate fondue. One of Melbourne's most beloved restaurants, France Soir is a staple for French cuisine with a modern, irreverent spin. The Bon Ap' Petit Bistro is an innovative hybrid of a cafe, bar, and restaurant.
Due to legal restrictions, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro has had to close its doors to the general public, but it has reopened as a celebration place for life's most momentous occasions. The menu at Entrecote South Yarra features an array of classic French dishes, such as creamed cod egg, house-cured ham, king salmon, grilled Cape Grim beef, a selection of cheeses, and an extensive wine and beer list. Both the French Brasserie and the Bistrot D'orsay serve some of the best French cuisine in Melbourne. The French Brasserie has some of the best traditional French cuisine in the city, and the wait staff is dedicated to meeting all of your needs. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, and the food and service are also excellent. The menu features classic French fare like escargot, cassoulet, coq au jus, boeuf bourguignon, pommes frites, and rich desserts like crème brûlée and vanilla fondue.
Both establishments provide patrons with a genuine and representative eating experience, as well as a flavour of France. Top French restaurants in Melbourne include Bistrot d'Orsay, Chez Oliver Le Bistro, Bistro Thierry, L'Hôtel Gitan, and Chancery Lane Bistro, all of which provide classic appetisers, entrées, and desserts as well as a variety of French wines. All of these eateries have a dimly lit, Parisian ambience with dark wood panelling, painted ceilings, and French cuisine.
Content Summary
- Traditional French cooking is more than just a meal.
- We've compiled a list of our favourite restaurants in Paris, from cosy bistros to fine dining establishments serving Haute and Nouvelle cuisine.
- It's easy to maintain an elegant Parisian lifestyle in Melbourne.
- In France, you can dine anywhere from cosy auberges to fine dining establishments.
- The best way to get ready for a tour of the best French restaurants in Melbourne is to learn what each type of French restaurant is.
- For a date night in Melbourne, book reservations at Hell of the North, a French restaurant with a sultry ambience perfect for a couple.
- Chef Philippe Mouchel created one of Melbourne's best French restaurants.
- The French restaurant France Soir has been a Melbourne institution for as long as the city has existed, and it has aged just as elegantly as the city itself.
- Here at Bon Ap, we've tried to incorporate the greatest qualities of cafes, bars, and restaurants into one easy-to-use establishment.
- Restaurant and Bar with a French Flair
- Due to current Victoria legislation, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro is currently closed to the public as a functioning restaurant.
- South Yarra's Entrecote has been a success since it first opened seven years ago, and it will shortly relocate to a larger location in Prahran.
- The French Brasserie is one of the best French restaurants in Melbourne, and you won't even feel like you're in Australia.
- For over twenty-five years, Bistrot d'Orsay in Melbourne has been regarded as one of Australia's finest French dining establishments.
- We recommend Chez Oliver, the French bistro.
- This Parisian-style bistro serves up all the traditional dishes of France, despite its modest size.
- L'Hôtel Gitan is the place to go if you want genuine French food.
FAQs About French Restaurant
Some of Melbourne's most highly rated French Restaurants are The French Brasserie, Philippe, Noir and Bistrot d'Orsay.
French food can be found all over Melbourne, especially in the CBD, but the best place is probably South Yarra which is considered Melbourne's French pocket. It boasts many French-inspired cafes, bars, delicatessens and restaurants.
Brasserie la Banque is a French restaurant nestled in historic downtown Charleston, SC.
A restaurant or Bistro /ˈbiːstroʊ/is, in its original Parisian incarnation, a small restaurant, serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. French home-style cooking, and slow-cooked foods like cassoulet a bean stew, are typical.
French restaurants today are usually in one of three categories:
- The restaurant, or brasserie, is a simple, informal, and inexpensive establishment.
- The medium-priced restaurant.
- The more elegant grand restaurant, where the most intricate dishes are executed and served in luxurious surroundings.
