Bastille Day is upon us, and Melbourne has been taken over by the romance of France. There’s the delightful Picasso exhibit at NGV and a wonderful French festival happening at Fed Square this weekend. After you’ve taken in your fill of French culture, you’ll want to fill up with some delicious food and drink. From late night bars to beautiful patisseries, here are some wonderful French eateries to try around Melbourne.
1. Roule Galette
Tucked away in the corner of Flinders Lane and Scott Alley is traditional French creperie, Roule Galette. There, you will feel transported to Europe as you sample their authentic crepes. They also serve traditional galettes from Brittany, crepes made with buckwheat flour. Each sauce is home made and the majority of the cheeses come from France.
Find them at Shop 1/241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000.
2. France-Soir
This tiny restaurant in South Yarra has been around since 1986. Aging like a fine wine, France-Soir has a classic French menu, and an enormous cellar of over 4000 wines.
Check it out at 11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141.
3. Lune Croissanterie
Lune Croissanterie has built an insane following since opening in 2012. A review from the New York Times labelled their croissant as the “world’s best” in 2016, cementing it in the history of Melbourne’s food scene. Try their assortment of pastries, from their famous croissant to their Kouign Amann.
Find them in the CBD at Shop 16/161 Collins St by entering through Russell Street or see them in Fitzroy at 119 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
See the Lune specials for this month here.
4. Noir
This Richmond bistro is all about creative food and modern French dining. Inspired by the south of France, everything except for the bread is handmade. There’s also around 100 wines, French spirits, craft brews and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from.
See Noir for yourself at 175 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121.
5. Agathé Pâtisserie
Try some authentic French pastries from South Melbourne Market or from the Royal Arcade in the CBD. Pastry chef Agathé Kerr has a beautiful range of croissants, flans, cakes and more for you to try.
Find Agathé Pâtisserie in the South Melbourne Market at 322 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, or find her smaller store inside the Royal Arcade at 335 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3004.
6. Phillipe
For something upscale, try Phillipe, a restaurant by Normandy-born chef Phillipe Mouchel. Enjoy traditional yet innovative French cooking from seasonal produce. Oysters are shucked fresh to order, and a central rotisserie and charcoal oven provides signature dishes like roasted chicken and duck. Of course, there is an extensive list of wine to go with your meal.
Find Phillipe on 115 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
7. Smith St Bistrot
Smith St Bistrot is Scott Pickett’s take on a classic, French Bistrot, with influence from all around Europe. On the menu, you’ll find caviar, escargot, tarte tatin, filet de steak, cheese and much, much more. Pair it with a drink from an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Find it at 300 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066.
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8. La Belle Miette
Treat yourself with some small delights by visiting this macaron and chocolate store on Collins Street. La Belle Miette uses exquisite ingredients such as premium vanilla beans or French fruit purées to create their delicious bonbons.
Find them at 8 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. You can also find them at a kiosk in Chadstone, and for click and collect at 432 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121.
9. Entrecôte
Head to this beloved restaurant in Prahran for lunch, dinner, or a drink from the bar. Take a seat inside the main dining room, filled with velvet-lined banquettes, inside the brasserie, with classic wicker chairs, or out in the courtyard. Indulge in caviar and seafood from their caviar trolley, some light hors d’oeuvres, or a decadent two or three-course meal. Then, pop next door into Le Petit Marché by Entrecôte for some takeaway pastries.
Find Entrecôte at 142-144 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181.
10. Bistro Gitan
Winner of Best French Restaurant in the 2022 VIC & TAS Awards for Excellence, this intimate gem in South Yarra features contemporary French cuisine, with influences from Spain, Italy and around the Mediterranean.
Find Bistro Gitan at 52 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra VIC 3141. For something more casual, check out its sister restaurant, L’Hotel Gitan.
11. Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro
This French eatery in Fitzroy is part restaurant, part bar and part café. Bon Ap’ is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can start with a croissant, linger with a main, and end with a late night digestif.
Visit this cosy bistro at 193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
12. Laurent
This French artisan bakery has had over 25 years of success. Enjoy quality bread, cakes, sweets, pastries and more. Head over to South Yarra and grab a bite from their original store, or check out their many locations around Melbourne here.
13. The French Brasserie
Relax and dine at The French Brasserie. The chef produces innovative, modern French cuisine from local and seasonal ingredients. Wash it down with Australian or French wine prepared by their in-house sommelier.
Find them at 2 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Note: The French Brasserie is temporarily closed, but are taking bookings from Thursday July 28, 2022.
14. Bar Margaux
Having a late night? Bar Margaux is the perfect place for you. This late night bar in Melbourne has a menu built on French bistro classics, so you can expect some delicious food.
Discover Bar Margaux in the basement of 111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000.