A baguette, cheese and wine, can you name a better combo? And who do we have to thank for this humble, delicious concoction? The French, of course! They have plenty more where that came from, which is why French cuisine has held its position at the top of the food ranks for centuries. Luckily, you don’t have to go to France to get in on all the action; you can find delicious French food in most Australian cities. But beware, when it comes to the authentic flavours and festivities we’ve come to love, only the best French restaurants in Brisbane will do.
Best French Restaurants in Brisbane
With your French restaurant knowledge up to scratch, it’s time to take a culinary journey through the Sunshine State’s capital city. Here is a list of the best French restaurants in Brisbane, from bistro to brasserie and everything in between.
1. Montrachet
With a seasonal French menu, Montrachet is one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane. Keeping things very French, the interior is luxe and classy, which, accompanied by innovative interpretations and French classics, makes this fine restaurant a crowd favourite. If you thought it couldn’t get any better, they also have an extensive wine list.
Address: Shop 1/30 King St, Bowen Hills
Hours: Saturday, Tuesday – Thursday 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Friday 12 pm – 3 pm/ 5.30 pm – 10 pm
Contact: (07) 3367 0030
2. Greenglass
Tucked away in Brisbane’s CBD is this French gem, Greenglass. This is no ordinary French restaurant, expertly combining a seasonal French menu with Australian touches and a primarily Aussie wine list in a sleek, hip space. So, there’s no need to feel unpatriotic enjoying a meal here; just sit back, relax and relish in the beautiful harmony when Australian and French worlds collide.
Address: 336 George St, Brisbane City
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 5 pm – 10 pm, Thursday – Friday 12 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 5 pm – late
Contact: 0403 966 671
3. Boucher French Bistro
This cosy French bistro is one of the most-loved spots when in need of a French fix in Graceville. A delicious la carte menu awaits, complete with snails, confit and pomme fries that seamlessly injects modern twists and flavours. If you want to do it right, we recommend the five-course degustation menu showcasing exquisite French dishes matched with premium wines from their extensive cellar.
Address: 365 Honour Ave, Graceville
Hours: Saturday, Tuesday 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm, Wednesday – Friday 12 pm – 3.30 pm/ 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Contact: (07) 3716 0388
4. La Cache à Vín
La Cache à Vín is no ordinary French restaurant. Tucked away in a wine cellar, the cosy hideaway is equally as romantic as it is enticing. A meal here is simply incomplete without ordering a bottle of one of their fine wines to accompany it, with so many wines available, there’s bound to be one that you can’t resist. With the aroma of fermenting wine, fresh seafood and lemon thyme risotto, you’ll be transported straight to the subterranean cellars of Burgundy.
Address: 215 Wharf St, Spring Hill
Hours: Monday – Friday 12 pm – 5 pm/ 6 pm – 11.30 pm
Contact: (07) 3924 0501
5. Bisou Bisou
One of the best French restaurants in Brisbane for an elegant dining experience, head to Bisou Bisou. Fairly new on the scene, this doesn’t mean compromises when it comes to the menu. Their steak tartare or baked goat’s cheese in filo pastry is a great place to start, or, if you’re feeling fancy, there’s caviar on the menu for a measly $220. Don’t hold back when it comes to dessert, with a milk chocolate and hazelnut choux or extensive cheese lift to choose from, if you can fit more in!
Address: 458 Brunswick Street Ground Floor Hotel X, Fortitude Valley
Hours: Monday – Sunday 6.30 pm – 11 pm
Contact: (07) 3131 8900
6. AQUITAINE French Restaurant
After a visit to AQUITAINE, you’ll be wondering why on earth you don’t go out for French more often! Inspired by the L’Aquitaine prefecture of South-West France and its long-standing reputation for fine food and magnificent wines, the restaurant pays homage to traditional French cuisine in a beautiful setting along the river in South Bank. We can’t go past the baked camembert with black ciabatta and pickled and fossilized carrot- it’s just as delicious as it sounds!
Address: Sidon St, South Brisbane
Hours: Tuesday 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm, Wednesday – Friday 12 pm – 10.30 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11.30 am – 11 pm
Contact: (07) 3844 1888
7. Le COIN BISTRO
Le COIN BISTRO is one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane for those who love eating french cuisine morning and night. Also open for brunch, the relaxed bistro is about all things French, boasting traditional French dishes such as Croque Monsieur, Escargot, Poisson en Papillotes and Canard Roti and an impressive French-inspired wine list. Once you enjoy a cheesy bechamel covered Croque madame for brekky, there’s no going back.
Address: 5/1 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill
Hours: Monday – Tuesday 7 am – 12 pm, Wednesday – Sunday 7 am – 11 pm/ 12 pm – 3 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Contact: 0449 696 236
8. La Belle Vie
You could be fooled into thinking you were in the setting of a Bond movie, with the floor to ceiling glass windows, sunset views and glasses of champagne. Located on the top of Bardon, The La Belle Vie is the next best thing, offering some of the best French in Brisbane. Nab yourself a table by the window, order some French wine and feast on French classics like their duck in orange sauce with a side of french fries.
Address: 60 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11.30 am – 2.30 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Contact: 0435 200 282
9. Haig Rd. Bistro
Don’t be fooled, this cute, converted cottage is one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane. Serving classic French dishes with a subtle, modern twist, Haig Rd. Bistro is actually the elder sibling to Le Coin Bistro. To keep things traditional, we recommend the souffle for an entree, Canard roti duck for a main, and the crepes for dessert- the full French experience and flavours like no other.
Address: 111 Haig Rd, Auchenflower
Hours: Sunday, Wednesday – Thursday 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 12.30 pm – 3 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9 pm
Contact: 0452 522 770
10. C’est Bon Restaurant & Le Bon Bar
This expansive restaurant is the go-to French hub in Brisbane, with five different spaces for French food and drinks at any time of the day. There’s a rooftop bar, a garden patio and an intimate dining room, each decked out with modern French decor. Not only is this mini French Quartier in the historic heart of Woolloongabba the closest thing you’ll get to the real Paris, but C’est Bon also serves delicious French-inspired breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner so good you’ll be coming back in no time.
Address: 609/611 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 7 am – 11 am/ 5 pm – 11 pm, Friday 7 am – 11 pm, Saturday 8 am – 11 pm
Contact: (07) 3891 2008
C’est Bon Restaurant & Le Bon Bar
11. Two Small Rooms Restaurant
It doesn’t get more French than snails, and Two Small Rooms is one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane, serving up all your French staples. This local Milton bistro is quaint and traditional, with a five-course degustation menu for those wanting to try everything on offer.
Address: 517 Milton Rd, Toowong
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 6 am – 11.30 pm
Contact: (07) 3371 5251
Different Types of Restaurants in France
Before you dive into Brisbane’s best French food, it’s worth taking the time to understand what you’re in for. For example, are you after a bistro or brasserie? Here, we explain the types of restaurants in France, from Bouchon to Auberge. Here is what you need to know.
Bistro
Designed for a quick meal, bistros feature a warm casual atmosphere. Most of the time you’ll miss out on the white table cloths and extreme levels of service, but this style of restaurant ins common, particularly in family neighbourhoods. The experience is typically highlighted by some of the best wines, coffees, food, tobacco, lottery tickets and even scratch-off games.
Brasserie
Here in Australia, we’d refer to these as ‘Pubs’, but in reality, they’re a little more upmarket than your typical Australian watering hole. These types of French restaurants feature everything from traditional cuisine to coffee and alcohol at moderate prices (less than restaurants). You’ll find a wider variety of food choices on offer than Bistros, and they’re typically open from early morning until night.
Bouchon
Traditionally found in Lyon, you’ll stumble across these throughout your journeys around the city. Serving foundation French specialties, they tend to be fairly meat-heavy, so expect a serving or two of Duck à l’Orange and steak tartare. A mix between a brasserie and fully-fledged fine dining be prepared to experience a class or two of Burgundy’s best Grand Cru or maybe a Côtes-du-Rhône.
Auberge
These types of restaurants in France are attached to bed and breakfasts, usually family-owned and operated. If you’ve ever stayed in France, there’s a good chance you have experienced a good home-cooked meal at one of these.
General FAQs
Montrachet is the best authentic French restaurant in Brisbane.
Greenglass is the best French restaurant near Brisbane City.
Le Coin Bistro is one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane.
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