15 Best French Restaurant Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

French Restaurants Melbourne

If you are looking for some of the best French restaurants in Melbourne, you have come to the right place. From classic bistros to trendy eateries, Melbourne has something to offer everyone who is looking for a delicious French meal. In this blog post, we will list 8 of the best French restaurants in Melbourne, so that you can start planning your next dining experience!

1. Philippe

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://philipperestaurant.com.au/
Address	115-117 Collins St Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3000
Phone	(03) 8394 6625
Email	admin@philipperestaurant.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm Tuesday to Friday, 5:30pm-11pm Saturday

Philippe is one of Melbourne’s best French restaurants, and it’s mostly due to the fact that Philippe Mouchel, the multi-talented head chef, knows his way around a French kitchen. Philippe has been passionate about the kitchen since his days growing up in Normandy, through which he was mentored by Michelin-winning Paul Bocuse, and you will not be disappointed after trying these delectable and contemporary dishes.

2. Bar Margaux

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://barmargaux.com.au/
Address	Basement, 111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone	(03) 9650 0088
Email	info@barmargaux.com.au
Operating Hours	4pm-3am Sunday to Thursday, 4pm-5am Friday and Saturday

Bar Margaux has it all, with a bar, a diner, and a subterranean French paradise. With checkered floors, dark oak woods, and booth seating, the CBD-based attraction offers serious early 20th century vibes. The self-described bar and brasserie has a variety of high-quality French dishes and plates, such as king prawns with cafe dé Paris.

3. Noir

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://www.noirrestaurant.com.au/
Address	175 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Phone	(03) 9428 3585
Email	info@noirrestaurant.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-2:15pm Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 5:30pm-9:30pm Saturday

Noir Restaurant is a warm and comfortable atmosphere with award-winning cuisine that offers contemporary French food with a touch of je ne sais quoi. Their delectable menus are built around seasonal Australian ingredients and complemented with a carefully curated selection of French and local wines.

4. Chez Olivier

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://www.chezolivier.com.au/
Address	268 Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone	03 9525 2273
Email	olivier@chezolivier.com.au
Operating Hours	6pm-9:30pm Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm and 6pm-9:30pm Friday to Saturday

Chez Olivier is a well-known French restaurant in the Melbourne culinary scene, and it’s a must-visit for foodies. The stylish yet relaxing interiors allow the French cuisine to speak for itself. With a wide wine list and choice of lavish group degustations, their bistro-style cuisine is filled with traditional French dishes as well as rich desserts.

5. Bon Ap’

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://www.bonap.com.au/
Address	193 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
Phone	03 9415 9450
Email	info@bonap.com.au
Operating Hours	4pm to 10pm Monday, 10am-10pm Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday

For a morning croissant and coffee, a lengthy boozy lunch or a late night dinner, you’ll love the old-world ambience and French cuisine at Bon Ap’. Bon Ap’ is all about delivering outstanding cuisine to the neighborhood from morning chocolate croissant to exquisite three-course dinner.

6. France Soir

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
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

For foodies who don’t want to go all the way to France, France Soir offers a taste of French cuisine without leaving Melbourne. For expert service and even French-speaking waiters, this little Melbourne eatery serves some of the finest French cuisine available in town.

7. Bistro Gitan

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
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	5pm-11pm Monday and Saturday, 12pm-11pm Tuesday to Saturday

Bistro Gitan’s distinctive cuisine is influenced by the many tastes of Europe and focuses on France’s traditional tastes. Bistro Gitan, which exudes elegance and charm, is a warm and inviting restaurant with an outstanding selection of Australian and international wines. Casual French dining at its finest.

8. Hell of the North

Key Services	French Restaurant Melbourne
Website	https://www.hellofthenorth.com.au/
Address	135 Greeves Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone	(03) 9417 6660
Email	dine@hellofthenorth.com.au
Operating Hours	5pm-11:59pm Wednesday, 12pm-1pm and 5pm-11:59pm Thursday, 12pm-1pm and 5pm-1am Friday, 12pm-1am Saturday, 12pm-11pm Sunday

Hell of the North is ideal for a date night out in Melbourne, as it oozes with ambience and atmosphere that goes nicely with their French cuisine. Their moreish French onion soup, which is dressed to impress, is a must-try on the menu.

9. 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 serves classic French meals and recipes with special importance to him. Through Bistro Guillaume’s trademark dishes, diners may feel Guillaume’s emotional relationship to food. The restaurant’s elegant aesthetic, sophistication, and warmth make it ideal for a romantic lunch for two or a comfortable gathering with friends and family. Guillaume Brahimi brings his passion for French cooking to the table. Modern French cuisine by Guillaume Brahimi transports diners to Parisian bistros. Chat with friends on the Riverwalk patio over a twice-baked cheese souffle, Guillaume’s Paris Mash, or a vanilla bean crème brûlée. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• French fine dining
• French bistro fare
• Parisian Patio

Customer Testimonial:

“Absolutely fantastic dinner, every single dish was great, the combination of flavours were on point with every dish. you could see that everything was given attention to detail. Service was very good and professional. Highly Recommended.”

Chandana Abey

10. 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

Bon Ap’s tiny restaurant was opened in 2016 by Damien, Francoise, and Sebastien. Inspired by French classics, each element conveys a feeling of narrative, location, and joy. Part restaurant, part bar, part café, Bon Ap’ mixes elegance with casualness. It’s a bright location for a morning croissant, lunch, supper, or late-night digestif. Bon Ap celebrates wonderful cuisine. In a landmark building on Brunswick St., Bon Ap is open from sunrise to candlelight for breakfast, lunch, and supper, serving French wine and the season’s finest meat and fruit. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Authentic French cuisine
• Friendly and casual atmosphere
• Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Customer Testimonial:

“We had a terrific time! The place is so charming. Very much in the style of good Parisian bistros. The menu is either 2-course or 3-course and all the dishes are very classic and well made. The wine list is heavily French and has some absolute deals in it. I’ll be back for sure.”

Mike R.

11. 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

Because of the restrictions in Victoria, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro is no longer able to operate as a regular, publicly accessible restaurant at this time. The good news is that they have remade themselves into a venue for celebrations of many kinds, including weddings, engagements, birthdays, and more. The event menu is stocked with a wide choice of tasty selections for your special occasion, including whipped cod roe, house cured meats, king salmon, roasted Cape Grim beef, a selection of cheeses, and a comprehensive beverage list. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Private events only
• French-inspired menu
• Weddings, engagements, birthdays, and more

Customer Testimonial:

“Beautiful and charming restaurant in an upstairs space. Delicious artfully presented food, delicate flavors, and all around good. Very attentive service. We went for lunch and had the stake frites, burrata, and a veggie dish. We were not super hungry and it was the perfect amount of food.”

Charlie Margaritis

12. Entrecote

Key Services	Elegant French Inspired Cuisine, Steak, Outdoor Seating, Gluten Free Options
Address	https://www.entrecote.com.au/
Address	142—144 Greville Street, Prahran, 3181
Phone	03 9804 5468
Email	dine@entrecote.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 11PM Sundays – Thursdays | 12PM – 12AM Fridays – Saturdays

The first le relais de l’entrecôte, a steakhouse serving just one kind of meat, debuted in 1959 in the Parisian district of Porte Maillot. Prahran’s Entrecôte Melbourne has been dubbed the French party palace. Participate in the F.A.F.F. by becoming a member. You can eat some of the finest French food in Melbourne at any meal of the day. Indulge in scallops poached in butter, steak tartare, angus porterhouse steak with frites, poached chicken, confit pig, and many more delectable options. Put together a drink or bottle of wine, and you have a meal fit for a French king. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Specializes in one dish – steak
• French-inspired menu
• Chef-hatted restaurant

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing visit, the service, food and venue were incredible. Highly recommended, if possible try and book the main dining room or courtyard.”

Mark Whiteman

13. The French Brasserie

Key Services	Special Events, Airport Transfers, Bride and Groom Entry at Weddings, Winery Tours, Funerals, Formal School, Corporate Events, Bucks & Hens Parties
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 warm ambience and convenient location, the French Brasserie is a welcome retreat in the heart of the city. High glass walls and ceilings provide an air of modern sophistication, and the helpful staff is always hand to see to your every need. The finest of French and Australian ingredients are included in their contemporary take on traditional French cuisine. The perfect place to experience the spirit of their roots and culture. You may choose to enjoy the view from the patio, the inside tables, or the upper mezzanine. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• High glass walls and ceilings
• French and Australian ingredients
• Multiple dining areas

Customer Testimonial:

“Date night goals! We celebrated our 10 year wedding anni here and it was amazing from start to finish. Outstanding service, tasty food and cocktails and the perfect date night vibe. Yum! We’ll be back .”

Melbournelops

14. 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 has operated on Collins Street for 26 years in the “Paris End”. A trompe l’oeil ceiling and an antique French poster in the dining room evoke the French capital. The room has dark wood paneling and mellow lighting. Lunch and supper dishes include provençal Mediterranean favorites like bouillabaisse and crème brûlée. Seafood linguini and risotto enhance Mediterranean meals. With a view of the majestic Regent Theatre, Bistrot d’Orsay has one of the nicest vistas in Melbourne. The bistro’s award-winning wine list features the greatest international and Australian/NZ wines. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• French-inspired menu
• Located in the “Paris End”
• 26 years of experience

Customer Testimonial:

“This is my second visit. Absolutely love this little French bistro. Cozy, friendly and funny staff. Food is delicious!! The soup is something to die for!”

bibi wong

15. 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 | 12P – 2:30PM, 6PM – 9:30PM Fridays – Saturdays

The menu at this little Parisian café is as vast as it is delicious, and it includes all the standard fare that one would expect from French restaurants. Beef bourguignon, lamb ragout, confit duck, orange roasted duck, foie gras served with chutney, bisque soup, and chicken in wine sauce are just some of the traditional first courses and main dishes available at Chez Oliver. For those with a sweet tooth, crème brulee for two, chocolate fondue, and a traditional and delectable chocolate mousse flavored with orange marmalade are all available for those with a sweet tooth. This is why they are one of the finest French restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• French-inspired menu
• Vast menu
• Traditional French dishes

Customer Testimonial:

“I’d say it’s probably the best French cuisine I’ve ever had in Melbourne. Every single dish I had was simply amazing and I was so stuffed that night. The most delicious one is mussel.”

Adam Wang

French Restaurants Melbourne

No matter what your taste in French cuisine may be, Melbourne has a French restaurant for you. With everything from classic French dishes to more modern takes on French food, these French restaurants will have you feeling like you’re right in the heart of Paris!

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