Published: Last Updated:
Readtime: 17 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
If you’re on the hunt for the best French restaurants in Melbourne, you’ll find yourself at spots like Reine & La Rue, the ever-popular France-Soir, or the iconic Bistro Thierry. Melbourne has a serious soft spot for steak frites, escargot, and a good soupe à l’oignon, so it was certainly hard to name a top 10 (we couldn’t, so we made it 11). To help you navigate the city’s best bistros and French-inspired restaurants, our team of editors (and dedicated Francophile diners) have done the hard work for you and pulled together this list of the best French dining spots Melbourne has to offer.
Best French Restaurants in Melbourne at a Glance
Our list of the best French restaurants goes like this.
- Best French restaurant in Melbourne overall: France-Soir
- Best value-for-money French bistro in Melbourne: The Recreation Bistro & Bottleshop
- Best premium French restaurant: Reine & La Rue
- Best French restaurant in Melbourne CBD: Bar Margaux
Top French Restaurants in Melbourne
1. Bar Margaux
If Paris and New York had a love child in Melbourne, Bar Margaux would be it. Hidden underground in the CBD, this late-night brasserie oozes old-school charm – dim lights, plush booths, and the kind of menu that begs for a martini (or three).
The food? Classic French, but with a little extra something something. Think buttery escargot, steak frites, duck with crispy skin, and a burger dripping in bordelaise sauce. It’s indulgent, it’s rich, and it’s exactly what you want when the night’s stretching long. Drinks are just as sharp – French wines, strong cocktails, and plenty of local beers to keep things interesting.
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it—you’re paying for quality, not just the vibe. Whether you’re kicking off the night, settling in for a long one, or wrapping things up with a negroni and fries, Margaux does French dining the way it should be – bold, a little bit messy, and always memorable.
- Address: Basement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: +61 3 9650 0088
- Opening hours: Tues & Wed 5pm-11pm, Thurs-Sat 5pm-1am
2. Bistro Gitan
Set in a stunning Victorian terrace on the edge of Fawkner Park, Bistro Gitan has plenty of French charm blended with a leafy green Melbourne backdrop. The name Gitan – French for gypsy – hints at its wandering European influences, but make no mistake: this is a proper French bistro, through and through. It’s got heritage, heart, and just the right amount of character.
The food is classic, comforting, and unapologetically French. Start with escargots swimming in garlic butter, steak tartare with a kick of horseradish, or a croque monsieur that beats a homemade toastie any day. Mains keep the indulgence coming – oven-baked rockling loaded with mushrooms and bacon, mustard-crusted spatchcock with devil sauce, and an Aurum duck breast that doesn’t hold back on the rich, bold flavours. And for the steak purists? Pick your cut, pick your sauce, and settle in.
The wine list is, of course, very French, but there’s plenty of local greatness in the mix too. Service is effortlessly polished, and the space itself – tiled floors, high ceilings, sun-drenched windows – is easily the kind of place where a “quick lunch” turns into a long afternoon and ordering another bottle just makes sense.
- Address: 52 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra VIC 3141
- Phone: +61 3 9867 5853
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 5.30pm-11pm
Bistro Gitan Bistro Gitan Menu
3. Bistro Thierry
Walk into Bistro Thierry, and you’re instantly transported to a buzzing Parisian bistro – white tablecloths, dark timber, and old-school French posters on the walls. It’s bustling, warm, and unapologetically French. This place has been a Hawksburn institution for years, and for good reason.
The menu is classic, rich, and indulgent – exactly what you want from a true French bistro. Start with silky foie gras, escargots in garlic butter, or steak tartare done the proper way. Mains keep things bold: boeuf bourguignon wrapped in golden puff pastry, duck breast with a pinot reduction, or a perfectly seared eye fillet with crisp frites and your choice of sauce. And if you’re in the mood to go all out? Oscietra caviar is right there on the menu.
Service is polished but not pretentious – they know their wine, they know their menu, and they’ll make sure you walk out happy. Speaking of wine, expect a heavily French-leaning list with plenty of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, plus some local gems in the mix.
It’s not a cheap eat, but if you want proper, French dining that nails the classics, Bistro Thierry is one of Melbourne’s best. And even better, they do BYO at lunch ($25 corkage) – so bring that bottle you’ve been saving.
- Address: 511 Malvern Road, Toorak VIC 3142
- Phone: (03) 9824 0888
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12–3 pm, 6–10 pm
Bistro Thierry Bistro Thierry Menu
4. Philippe
Some chefs cook, and then there’s Philippe Mouchel – a man who lives and breathes French cuisine. Trained under Paul Bocuse – AKA the godfather of modern French cooking and the man behind Lyon’s legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant Restaurant Paul Bocuse. Mouchel’s cooking is as close as you’ll get to true French mastery in Melbourne.
His namesake restaurant, Philippe, is a tribute to French technique, quality produce, and old-school hospitality. The rôtisserie is the heart of the kitchen, turning out perfectly golden roast chicken, dry-aged duck, and wagyu rump cap. Starters like foie gras, Burgundy snails, and silky steak tartare set the tone, while classics like barramundi baked in a crisp puff pastry shell prove this place isn’t just about playing it safe.
Inside, you’ll find a long, sleek marble bar lined with wine bottles, moody lighting, and warm timber tones which give it a beautiful Melbourne-meets-Paris feel. If you grab a seat near the open kitchen, you’ll get a front-row view of the chefs at work, which is always fun.
And speaking of wine? Expect a heavy lean toward French bottles, from crisp Loire Valley whites to bold Rhône reds, alongside a thoughtful selection of local standouts. Service is solid – these guys are super friendly, know their food and wine, and they’re happy to steer you in the right direction.
Fine dining? Technically, yes. But Philippe doesn’t buckle to dining trends. Rather, it focuses on doing things properly, with respect for the craft. If you love French food done right, this is where you want to be.
- Address: 115 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: +61 3 8394 6625
- Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12–2:30 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm, Sat 5.30pm-9.30pm
5. France-Soir
Since 1986, France-Soir has been doing classic French food without the theatrics in the heart of South Yarra. The unassuming blue awning and neon sign out front might not scream fine dining, but inside, the place runs like a well-oiled machine. Tables are tight, the wine is flowing, and the energy is always high.
The menu sticks to the essentials: steak frites, duck à l’orange, boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and a proper rabbit casserole. The grill section is a standout, with premium cuts cooked to order and served with your pick of béarnaise, pepper, bordelaise, or mushroom sauce. The wine list? Extensive doesn’t even cover it – expect a serious lineup of French and Australian drops.
Service is efficient and direct; they know their food, they know which wine pairs perfectly with it, and they keep things moving (no long wait times for food, which we love to see). It’s not trying to impress you – it just does. It’s a Melbourne institution for a reason.
- Address: 11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
- Phone: +61 3 9866 8569
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-12am
6. Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro
Tucked away in Fitzroy, Bon Ap’ is lively (if not a little rowdy), and features wooden bistro chairs, blackboard menus, warm lighting, and an ambience that’ll make you happy to settle in for hours. It’s a café, bar, and bistro all in one, which means you can roll in for a morning croissant, a long lunch that turns into dinner, or a late-night steak frites with a bottle of something French and delish.
The menu sticks to comforting bistro classics – garlicky escargots, seven-hour lamb shoulder, confit pork belly, and a steak tartare so good you’ll wonder why you ever bothered ordering it anywhere else. And yes, the crème brûlée is as you may have heard.
Now, let’s talk about wine, because Bon Ap’ takes its drinking just as seriously as its eating. The list is heavy on French drops – expect Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Rhône Valley reds, plenty of Champagne, and some killer Muscadet and Sancerre for those who like their whites crisp and mineral-driven. Oh, and cocktails? Covered. A French Negroni, an Armagnac Old Fashioned, or an Espresso Martini spiked with Frangelico – pick your poison.
- Address: 193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Phone: +61 3 9415 9450
- Opening hours: Tues-Sun 11:30 am–11 pm, Mon 4pm-11pm
Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro Menu
7. Chancery Lane
With Chancery Lane, Scott Pickett adds another standout to his already impressive lineup (Matilda, Estelle, Audrey’s). Housed in the heritage-listed Normandy Chambers, it’s a polished take on classic French dining, with a space that’s dark, moody, and refined – leather booths, textured stone, and soft candlelight really set the tone.
The menu keeps things traditional but elevated. Think Moreton Bay bug vol-au-vent, Wagyu flank, dry-aged duck à l’orange, and a strong lineup of charcuterie and steaks. The wine list leans French, with plenty of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhône, plus a solid mix of Australian standouts.
Service is impeccable (almost too good), the atmosphere is elegant, and while it’s on the pricier side, it’s well worth it. Whether you’re sealing a deal, celebrating, or just after a great French meal, Chancery Lane delivers on all fronts.
- Address: 430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
- Phone: (03) 9089 7598
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12–10 pm, Sat 6pm-10pm
Chancery Lane Chancery Lane Menu
8. Entrecote
Inspired by the legendary Le Relais de l’Entrecôte in Paris, Entrecôte has built a name for itself as Melbourne’s go-to spot for steak frites. Yet since moving from South Yarra to Prahran, reviews have been mixed, with some calling it a tourist trap – but our experiences have been nothing but excellent.
The setting is classic French brasserie with a menu that sticks to French bistro staples – steak frites with its famous secret herb butter sauce, duck pithivier, caviar service, and classic desserts like tarte au citron and Paris-Brest. There’s even a vegan menu and a kids’ menu, so no one misses out. The wine list leans heavily French, with Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux well-represented, plus cocktails like the French 75 and Elderflower Gimlet to set the mood.
Entrecôte doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it is certainly a special French dining experience. Some love it, some don’t – but if you’re here for steak, Champagne, and a little Parisian flair, it’s hard to go wrong.
- Address: 142-144 Greville Street, Prahran VIC 3181
- Phone: +61 3 9804 5468
- Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm
9. Bistrot d’Orsay
If you’re after classic French dining with a bit of theatrics, Bistrot d’Orsay delivers. It’s been a Melbourne favourite for over 25 years, and walking in, you can see why. Rich red leather booths, dark wood, flickering lamps, and a hand-painted ceiling that looks like it belongs in a Parisian opera house.
The menu sticks to the French greatest hits, like goat cheese soufflé, steak tartare, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, and their famous bouillabaisse loaded with fresh seafood. The steaks come perfectly charred with bordelaise sauce, and if you’re here for something rich, the confit duck leg is a winner.
As for the wine list? It’s extensive, but honestly, you don’t even need to read the list – just ask, and they’ll pour you something spot-on. Whatever the occasion, Bistrot d’Orsay is a serious French dining winner (I mean, it hasn’t lasted this long by accident).
- Address: 184 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: +61 3 9654 6498
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Bistrot d’Orsay Bistrot d’Orsay Menu
10. The Recreation Bistro & Bottleshop
When it comes to nailing the local neighbourhood French bistro vibe, The Recreation in Fitzroy North plays the game better than most. Owners Joe Durrant, Mark Protheroe, and Steven Nelson have taken this corner pub and turned it into a local North Fitzroy institution. With exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and plenty of character, it’s a restaurant (or more of a gastro pub) that manages to be both refined and inviting. Plus, it’s got a great al fresco section out front for those warm summer days (or if you want to bring your pooch along). The Age calls it “casual excellence”, and it’s honestly the best way to describe this underrated gem.
The menu is French-inspired, but perhaps a little more approachable than your classic French fare. You’ll find snacks like chicken liver parfait tartlets, or cheese croquettes. For bigger plates, you’ve got options like baked zucchini flowers stuffed with bug tail, a dry-aged duck breast with sour cherry and duck sausage, or the MB5 flank steak, served with fries and café de Paris butter because, well, perfection.
One of the best perks of The Recreation is the in-house bottleshop. Stocked with a carefully curated selection by co-owner and sommelier Mark Protheroe, it’s packed with standout wines from Australia and abroad. Even better, you can pick a bottle and bring it straight to your table for just $30 corkage.
- Address: 162-170 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
- Phone: +61 3 9042 2707
- Opening hours: Mon-Tues 5pm-11pm, Wed-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 1pm – 9pm
11. Reine & La Rue
When it comes to French food in Melbourne, Reine & La Rue (Nomad Group) is in a league of its own. Set inside the stunning Cathedral Room of the old Melbourne Stock Exchange, it’s hard not to instantly be impressed as soon as you step inside. With stained glass windows, Gothic vaulted ceilings, solid granite columns, and limestone walls, the space is grand, but not over the top.
Reine is the fine-dining side, and it’s got all the heavy hitters. You’ve got dishes like southern rock lobster cocktail, duck liver and foie gras parfait, and a 1kg O’Connor dry-aged T-bone that’s built for sharing (or not). Even the sides, like the pomme purée with bone marrow, are pure indulgence. On the drinks side of things, you’ll find a meticulously curated wine list that heavily features French wines, including Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, alongside a solid selection of standout Australian drops.
Over at La Rue, things are bit more casual. It’s a bistro-style, 8-seater wine bar just out the back of the main dining room. Here, you’ll find loaded hash browns dripping in truffle honey, a Wagyu cheeseburger slathered in smoked beef fat mayo, and a Skull Island tiger prawn Po’ Boy that might ruin all other sandwiches for you. Pair it with onion rings, pomme frites, and a Bananas Foster sundae, and you’re set.
It’s got the two-hat pedigree but remains approachable, making it the perfect French dining spot for everything from big celebrations to date nights or even just a midweek spoil. It’s really no surprise Reine & La Rue has become a Melbourne French dining icon.
- Address: 380 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: +61 3 9042 2707
- Opening hours: Mon-Wed 12–9:30 pm, Thurs-Sun 12pm-10pm
How Man of Many Chose the Best French Restaurants In Melbourne
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man Of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly sample and experience French food from the best spots in Melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating Man of Many’s selections. Our editors have taken into account location, service and the quality of food while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few spots outside of the CBD. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
Updates to this article
- 28 January 2025: We’ve swapped out Bistro Guillaume, Chez Oliver Le Bistro and the French Brasserie to spotlight some new favourites: The Recreation Bistro & Bottleshop, a neighbourhood spot with great food and wine, and Reine & La Rue, offering an elevated French dining spot in the CBD. Plus, we’ve expanded our reviews with up to date information, and added opening hours to make things easier for your planning.
Alternatives to Top French Restaurants in Melbourne
Interested in more to do in Melbourne? Here’s what we recommend:
Melbourne’s Best Restaurants
- Best Fine Dining in Melbourne
- Best Korean BBQ in Melbourne
- Best Steak in Melbourne
- Best Italian in Melbourne
- Best Greek in Melbourne
- Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
Other Things to Do in Melbourne
- Fun Things to Do in Melbourne
- Best Live Music Venues in Melbourne
- Best Paintball in Melbourne
- Date Night Ideas Melbourne
French Dining Melbourne FAQS
It’s not just about buttery croissants, escargot (snails) and wine, if that’s what you’re thinking. Also think coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), crème brûlée, beef bourguignon, tarte Tatin, and a good cheese platter.
It can be! While French cuisine often uses ingredients like butter, cream and wheat, most Melbourne French restaurants are pretty accommodating. However, it’s worth calling ahead to check before you book. When in France, however, now that’s a different story. Finding restaurants that cater to vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free diets can be a challenge!
Melbourne’s CBD is packed with incredible French spots. Philippe, Bar Margauxare and France-Soir are just a few favourites serving up everything from buttery escargot to perfectly cooked steak frites. You’re spoilt for choice, really.
What’s the difference between a bistro and a brasserie? Good question. According to Explore France, the country’s official tourist guide, there are a few main types of French restaurants, each offering a varying assortment of goodies.
Bistro – Ideal for a quick meal. Families and foodies usually run this type of French restaurant. The experience is typically highlighted by some of the best wines, food and coffees.
Brasserie – Similar to an upmarket Aussie pub, brasseries feature everything from traditional cuisine to coffee and alcohol at moderate prices (less than restaurants).
Bouchon – Traditionally found in Lyon, you’ll stumble across these throughout your journeys around the city. Serving French foundation specialties, they tend to be pretty 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.
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 an excellent home-cooked meal at one of these.
Café – Often casual neighbourhood hangouts but can also have trendier atmospheres. They mainly serve coffee, of course, as well as tea, hot chocolate and light snacks such as toasted sandwiches.
