10 Best Bistros Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

Bistros Melbourne

Bistro eating is a restaurant type that is usually small and intimate. These establishments often have a relaxed environment and offer modest yet good meals. Bistros began in France and have gained in popularity in recent years. A bistro is an excellent option for a casual, inexpensive eating experience. A superb bistro menu has something for everyone, whether you want a simple appetizer or a hefty entrée. This is why you should be aware of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

1. Chez Olivier Le Bistro

Key Services	Traditional French Recipes, Seafood Bisque, Coq Au Vin, Foie Gras, Duck, Steak, Dessert, Gluten Free Options, Indoor Seating, Date Night, Vegetarian Friendly, Serves Cocktails
Website	https://www.chezolivier.com.au/
Address	268 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9525 2273
E-mail	olivier@chezolivier.com.au
Operating Hours	6PM – 9:30PM Sundays, Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 9:30PM Fridays – Saturdays

The menu at this little Parisian café is as extensive as it is wonderful, and it contains all of the traditional fare that one would expect from a French restaurant. Beef bourguignon, lamb ragout, confit duck, orange roasted duck, foie gras served with chutney, bisque soup, and chicken in wine sauce are just a few of the typical first courses and main meals offered at Chez Oliver. If you want something sweet, you can choose from crème brulee for two, chocolate fondue, or a classic and delicious chocolate mousse with orange marmalade. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Parisian-style bistro
• Traditional French fare

Customer Testimonial:

“6 March 2021: Professional wait staff, friendly and willing to please. Delicious French cuisine from entree to dessert. A night to remember.”

Kien

2.Bistrot d’Orsay

Key Services	Special Events, Conference, Airport, Jaguar, Volvo, BMW, Holden Caprice, Audi, Chrysler, Corporate Transfer, Lexus, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Tours & Wedding Cars
Website	http://www.bistrotdorsay.com.au/
Address	184 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9654 6498
Operating Hours	5PM – 10PM Tuesdays | 11:30AM–10PM Wednesdays – Saturdays

Bistrot d’Orsay, located in the “Paris End” on Collins Street, has been serving patrons for 26 years. The dining room’s trompe l’oeil ceiling and vintage French poster are both an ode to the city of love. Ambient lighting and dark wood paneling characterize this space. Provencal and Mediterranean staples like bouillabaisse and crème brûlée are served for lunch and dinner. The Mediterranean cuisine is improved with the addition of seafood linguini and risotto. Bistrot d’Orsay boasts one of the best views in all of Melbourne, as it looks out over the city’s grand Regent Theatre. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Long-standing bistro in Melbourne
• Provencal and Mediterranean cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Every time I come here I am impressed – we came to have dinner before the show and the food was off the charts delicious. Service was great and the atmosphere and the overall experience was fun and really a worthwhile evening of fun and great food”

Lisa Smyth

3. French Saloon Bar & Bistro

Key Services	French Saloon, Full Bar Available, Gluten Free Options, Table Booking Recommended, Indoor Seating, Available for Functions, Vegetarian Friendly
Website	https://frenchsaloon.com/
Address	First Floor, 46 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9600 2142
E-mail	info@frenchsaloon.com
Operating Hours	12PM – 11PM Mondays – Saturdays

For the time being, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro can’t function as a fully open restaurant due to the regulations in Victoria. It’s fantastic news that they’ve reinvented themselves as a place to have parties of all types, from weddings and engagements to birthdays and other milestones. We have a large variety of delicious foods and drinks ready for any special event, such as whipped cod roe, house cured meats, king salmon, roasted Cape Grim beef, cheeses, and a variety of beverages. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Open for private events
• Caters to large groups

Customer Testimonial:

“Chef’s menu was delicious- very reasonably priced and good service. Knowledgeable staff and lots of local produce (cheese & honeycomb) used which was fantastic! Shame they don’t open for dinners on weekends else I will be a regular diner for sure!”

Adeline Oliver

4. Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro

Key Services	Rustic French Food, Extensive Wine List, Good Quality, Vibe, Portions, Great Service, Prices, Atmosphere, Breakfast, Full Bar Available, Shared Plates, Date Night
Website	https://www.bonap.com.au/
Address	193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9415 9450
E-mail	info@bonap.com.au
Operating Hours	8:30AM – 1PM Fridays – Saturdays

Damien, Francoise, and Sebastien established the little restaurant in Bon Ap in 2016. Each element, inspired by French classics, offers a sense of story, place, and happiness. Half restaurant, part bar, and part café, Bon Ap’ combines formality with informality. It is a cheerful spot to have a morning croissant, lunch, dinner, or late-night digestif. Bon Ap honors delicious food. In a historic structure on Brunswick Street, Bon Ap is open from daybreak to candlelight for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering French wine and the season’s best meat and fruit. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• French classics
• Cheerful atmosphere

Customer Testimonial:

“It isn’t often we can get the five boys together – so this was a perfect place to celebrate a graduation dinner. A French experience in the heart of Melbourne. Thank you for a lovely night”

Melita Currie

5. Bistro Guillaume

Key Services	Classic French Bistro, Steak Tartare, Barramundi, Gnocchi, Dessert, Wine, Cocktails, Full Bar Available, Waterfront, Outdoor Seating
Website	https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/restaurants/premium/bistro-guillaume/info-booking
Address	8, Riverside, Crown Melbourne, Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9292 5777
E-mail	bistroguillaume@crownmelbourne.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 10PM Sundays, Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Sundays

Chef Guillaume Brahimi delivers traditional French dishes and recipes that have a particular place in his heart. Through Bistro Guillaume’s signature dishes, customers may experience Guillaume’s emotional connection to food. Elegant aesthetics, elegance, and warmth make the restaurant suitable for a romantic lunch for two or a convivial gathering with friends. Guillaume Brahimi brings to the table his enthusiasm for French cuisine. Guillaume Brahimi’s contemporary French cuisine takes guests to Parisian bistros. On the Riverwalk terrace, you can eat twice-baked cheese souffle, Guillaume’s Paris mash, or vanilla bean crème brûlée while talking with friends. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Elegant aesthetics
• Convivial atmosphere

Customer Testimonial:

“I had the French onion soup and the beef cheeks with mash. Both the food and service was excellent! Highly recommend to anyone who’s a fan of French food. It is a little pricey but I’m happy to pay for such high quality food.”

Diane Nguyen

6. Bistro Gitan

Key Services	French Cuisine, Beef Tartare, Oysters, Wine, Steak, Dessert, Full Bar Available, Indoor Seating, Gluten Free Options
Website	https://bistrogitan.com.au/
Address	52 Toorak Road West, South Yarra 3141
Phone	+61 3 9867 5853
Email	info@bistrogitan.com.au
Operating Hours	6PM – 11PM Saturdays | 12PM – 11PM Mondays – Fridays

Gitan, named after the nomad gypsies that formerly roamed Europe, has a fusion menu that includes dishes from modern French bistros as well as Spain, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries. Bistro Gitan is one of the finest French restaurants in Melbourne, and it’s housed in a stunning Victorian edifice. Some of the delicious dishes on the modern menu, which is filled with Mediterranean flavors, are freshly shucked oysters, Tasmanian bush pepper berries with chicken liver parfait, spanner crab, spatchcock with mustard crust, gratin dauphinoise, and oven-baked sea rockling with mushrooms. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Fusion menu
• Stunning Victorian architecture

Customer Testimonial:

“Great French food selection with great selection of wine and champagne. Food is always good quality and is reasonably priced. Service is good as well.”

Muneesh

7. The French Brasserie

Key Services	French Cuisine, European Food, Eye Fillet, Wine, Desserts, Fish, Sauce, Meat, Outdoor Seating, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Website	https://thefrenchbrasserie.com.au/
Address	2 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9662 1632
E-mail	info@thefrenchbrasserie.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 10:30PM Wednesdays – Saturdays

With its cozy atmosphere and handy location, the French Brasserie is a pleasant refuge in the center of the city. High glass walls and ceilings provide an appearance of contemporary luxury, and the accommodating staff is always there to meet your every need. In their modern interpretation of classic French cuisine, only the best French and Australian ingredients are used. The ideal location for experiencing the essence of their heritage and origins. You can choose to watch the view from the patio, the tables inside, or the mezzanine. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Cozy atmosphere
• Contemporary luxury

Customer Testimonial:

“Fabulous service and wonderful food from the start to finish! We love the duck and beef cheek. The snail is also good. Price is reasonable – we spent less than $200 for two people.”

Jing X

8. Bar Margaux

Key Services	French Cuisine, Serves Cocktails, Date Night, Full Bar Available, Happy Hours
Website	https://barmargaux.com.au/
Address	Basement, 111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone	+61 3 9650 0088
Email	info@barmargaux.com.au
Operating Hours	4PM – 3AM Sunday – Thursday | 4PM – 5AM Fridays, Saturdays

Pub Margaux is a late-night bar and brasserie offering drinks, wine, and French comfort cuisine till dawn. With a menu comprised of French bistro classics and daily specials, an extensive wine and cocktail list, and a comprehensive late-night menu, Bar Margaux is Melbourne’s new late-night crush. Bar Margaux offers everything: a bar, a restaurant, and a French paradise under the ground. The attraction in the central business district evokes the early 20th century with its checkerboard flooring, dark oak timbers, and booth seating. The self-described pub and brasserie serves a selection of high-quality French meals. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Late-night bar
• French comfort cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Margaux rhymes with escargot and let me tell you it was nothing short of French bistro vibes.. The underground vibe means time flies and before you know it, it’s closing. Beautiful bar!”

Laurene Colin

9. Noir

Key Services	French Cuisine, Australian Food, Rabbit Pie, Beef Tartare, Duck, Dessert, Wine, Salmon, Dairy Free, Serves Cocktails, Indoor Seating
Website	https://www.noirrestaurant.com.au/
Address	175 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9428 3585
Email	info@noirrestaurant.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 2:15PM Tuesday – Sundays | 5:30PM – 9:30PM Saturdays

Creative cuisine influenced by the lively bistros of the South of France; wines that complement the bright dishes; and friendly, unhurried service. Noir is a Richmond bistro that hums with quality, vitality, and comfort; they are designed for Melbourne residents; a snack and a glass of wine, a quick supper, or a night out. The deliciously rich cuisine of France like caramelized Atlantic scallops, confit duck with spiced lentils, beef tartare with Packham pear and wild sorrel is ideal for a night of wine tasting and savoring. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Creative cuisine
• Wines that complement the dishes

Customer Testimonial:

“Delicious. Staff were very friendly. The food was delicious and beautifully plated. Not too pricey and a great experience all round. I recommend 1000000%”

Yasmine Patel

10. France Soir

Key Services	French Cuisine, Steak Tartare, Rabbit, Eye Fillet, Scallops, Duck, Wine, Full Bar Available, Outdoor Seating, Pre-theatre Menu, Vegetarian Friendly
Website	https://www.france-soir.com.au/
Address	11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9866 8569
Email	mail@france-soir.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 12AM Daily

It’s full on most evenings, crowded throughout lunch, and a must-visit in certain local circles for supper; it’s lively and boisterous. France-Soir has the allure of a restaurant in Paris. This modest Melbourne eatery serves some of the finest French cuisine, skilled service, and even French-speaking staff. How real is that? On the menu, you’ll find traditional French dishes such as pork chops in creamy porcini mushroom sauce or rabbit casserole with mustard sauce, as well as classic French onion soup, escargot, and more. France-Soir is a popular restaurant where foodies can enjoy French cuisine without traveling to France. This is why they are one of the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Traditional French dishes
• Skilled service
• French-speaking staff

Customer Testimonial:

“Oh my god! This is one of the best dinners I have had in Melbourne! The service was impeccable and the food so tasty and traditional! Thank you again garçons for an amazing night, I will be back very soon.”

Isabella Frezza

Bistros Melbourne

Overall, The Perfect Bistro blends a welcoming atmosphere with excellent service and delectable cuisine. When you go into a cafe, you should feel comfortable sitting down and staying for a long. The environment should be welcoming, with comfortable seats and a welcoming attitude. Staff members should be attentive and helpful without being too formal. A superb bistro menu has something for everyone, whether you want a simple appetizer or a hefty entrée. We hope this information assists you in locating the finest bistros Melbourne has to offer.

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