french restaurants

How Many French Restaurants In Melbourne?

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    The French made important contributions to our culinary terminology lexicon. Chefs, sommeliers, and maitre d's are all French. The same can be said about current restaurant layouts, both of which have their origins in seventeenth-century Paris.

    When one thinks of restaurants and dining, the cuisine of France is frequently the first thing that comes to mind. Almost all chefs began their careers by studying traditional French cuisine. Techniques originating in France's gastronomic legacy serve as the foundation for today's modern cuisine. There is no shortage of high-quality French restaurants in Melbourne that are worth your time. These restaurants provide everything from brasseries and bistros to cornerstones of both haute and nouvelle cuisine.

    It is not difficult to live a French and fashionable life in Melbourne. There are various bistros and bakeries in the style of boulangeries scattered across the city. It is no secret that Melbourne's burgeoning dining scene owes a debt of gratitude to some of the pioneers of modern cuisine; from degustation to a la carte, France has been the country that has led the way.

    Traditional French food can be sampled at a range of businesses found across the city. These establishments range from luxury fine dining restaurants to small patisseries.

    The following restaurants are among Melbourne's most well-known French eateries.

    Types of French Restaurants

    Before you go down to your neighbourhood French restaurant for a plate of snails, you should know what you're getting yourself into.

    From auberges to restaurants and everything in between, France provides a wide choice of dining options with varying products, pricing ranges, and atmospheres. This can cause some confusion if you're hungry and don't know whether you want a multi-course meal or simply a quick bite to eat.

    With that in mind, we're going to break down the different types of restaurants in France before taking you on a gastronomic tour of the greatest French restaurants in Melbourne.

    • Bistro - Excellent for a fast dinner. This style of French restaurant is typically owned and operated by families and foodies. Some of the best wines, coffees, cuisine, tobacco, lottery tickets, and even scratch-off games are generally served as part of the experience.
    • Brasserie - Similar to an upscale Australian pub, brasseries offer everything from traditional cuisine to coffee and booze at reasonable pricing (less than restaurants). They often serve a greater range of food than Bistros and are open from early morning until late at night.
    • Auberge - In France, these restaurants are attached to bed & breakfasts and are typically family-owned and operated. If you've ever stayed in France, you've probably had a wonderful home-cooked supper at one of these.
    • Cafés are typically casual neighbourhood hangouts, but they can also have trendier atmospheres. They mostly serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and light appetisers like toasted sandwiches. Cafes are often open from early morning (about 7 a.m.) till late evening. Cafés, unlike several other institutions in France, do not close at midday.

    french restaurants

    13 Best French Restaurants in Melbourne

    From quiche and croque monsieur, through soufflé and sweet, sweet camembert. We will never get sick of French cuisine since it is so delicious. When it comes to authentic French cuisine, we are spoiled for choice in Melbourne, which is a fortunate development for us.

    Noir

    Try your luck at the quaint little location known as Noir. It is a simple diner decorated in the style of a French bistro that takes its cues from the South of France. The excellent cuisine and lively atmosphere at Noir have helped to establish it as one of the city's most highly regarded French restaurants. The place is almost always packed with locals.

    After a light snack and glass of wine, a speedy dinner, or a long night's event, Noir covers all the bases by providing robust cuisine and an inviting ambience. They have included a little bit of everything on their menu so that it may cater to the preferences of all customers, from those who are new to French dining to those who are seasoned veterans.

    • Distinguished for its soufflé and rabbit gnocchi
    • Address: 175 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
    • The store is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:15 to 18:15 and again from 5:30 to 9:15.

    Bar Margaux

    Bar Margaux is the ideal late-night bar and brasserie for those who enjoy eating a little later in the evening. They serve cocktails, wine, and French comfort food until the early hours of the morning, making it the ideal spot for people who want to dine a little later in the evening.

    Bar Margaux is a bar, a diner, and an underground French paradise all rolled into one. The establishment, which is located in the Central Business District, exudes strong early 20th century vibes with its checkerboard floors, dark stained woods, and booth seating.

    The establishment calls itself both a bar and a brasserie, and it serves a variety of delicious French appetisers and plates, such as king prawns with café de Paris, in addition to premium cocktails and wines. In addition, it is open until 5 in the morning, which means that you can go there to save the night.

    • Known for its soufflé and their duck.
    • Address: Basement/111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
    • Wednesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

    Bistro Gitan

    One of the most highly regarded French dining establishments in Melbourne is the Bistro Gitan, which can be found housed in a stunning Victorian edifice. The contemporary dishes on the menu are given a touch of flavour from the Mediterranean. It has mouthwatering delicacies such as freshly shucked oysters, spanner crab, spatchcock with mustard crust, gratin dauphinoise, and oven-baked sea rockling with mushrooms. Also included are Tasmanian bush pepper berries with chicken liver parfait, gratin dauphinoise, and gratin dauphinoise.

    • Steak tartare, for which they are famous.
    • Toorak Road West, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia Address: 52 Toorak Road West
    • Trading Hours are Monday through Friday, 12pm-11pm, and Saturday, 6pm-11pm.

    Hell of the North

    Hell of the North is a Melbourne restaurant that emanates ambience and ambience, making it a great choice for a romantic evening out. This restaurant's menu is inspired by French cuisine.

    sophisticated, modern, and very French Three elements have contributed to Hell of the North becoming a popular destination for Francophile foodies. All of your favourite French meals, such as parfait, gratin, and tartare, are available on the refined menu of classic foods. The moreish French onion soup on the menu is a winter warmer that is dressed to impress. This is one dish that you must order.

    There is a great selection of beer and wine available, so ask the waiter which beverage will pair best with what you wish to eat. If you're a seasoned sommelier, you can bring your own wine (BYO) on Friday and Saturday nights.

    • Popular dishes include crème brûlée and gnocchi parisienne.
    • Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia, 135 Greeves Street
    • Trading hours are from 5.30 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays.

    Philippe

    From his childhood in Normandy to being mentored by Michelin-starred Paul Bocuse, you will not be disappointed after experiencing Philippe's exquisite and innovative meals.

    Chef Philippe Mouchel has built one of Melbourne's top French restaurants. Natural light shards, white linen, and walls sprouting leafy greens adorn the subterranean space. Philippe, the resulting restaurant, has a quintessentially French menu that includes crispy-skin roast chicken smeared with truffles (they require two days notice), escargot, and four types of steak if you count the new-fangled tartare.

    • Oysters and rotisserie chicken are popular.
    • 115 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
    • Tues-Fri: 12pm-2.30pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm, Sat: 5.30pm-9.30pm

    Bistro Guillaume

    Desserts include a cheese plate, profiterole, vanilla bean soufflé, and chocolate fondant.

    Bistro Guillaume is a hidden gem in Crown's restaurant district. Try some of Melbourne's best French food in the CBD, including Duck Confit and their signature Boeuf en Croute—a crispy pastry stuffed with the most tender meat.

    Their seafood is especially noteworthy, with the greatest Tasmanian crayfish and the freshest oysters. You'll return to Bistro Guillaume for a quality dining experience time and time again.

    • Well-known dishes include cheese soufflé and roasted bone marrow.
    • Southbank, VIC 3006, 8 Whiteman St
    • Trading hours are as follows: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-11pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm.

    France Soir

    Foodies may satisfy their cravings for French cuisine without having to travel all the way to France by dining at the popular restaurant France-Soir. This intimate eatery in Melbourne not only serves some of the city's finest French cuisine but also provides knowledgeable service and even employs wait staff fluent in French. How does that sound for genuine?

    France Soir, which has been there for as long as Melbourne itself, is considered the most prestigious French establishment in the city. Since it first opened its doors in 1986, this jewel on Toorak Road has been providing patrons with traditional-style cuisine that is presented in an authentic yet irreverent manner.

    • Recogniasble for their escargot and tartare.
    • Location: 11 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia
    • Monday through Sunday, from 12 midnight to 12 noon

    Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro

    The café, the bar, and the restaurant are all rolled into one at Bon Ap'. You are guaranteed to like the old world atmosphere and the reassuring French fare, whether you are there for a late-night supper location, a long lunch filled with booze, or a breakfast spot in the morning.

    • Distinguished for its mussels cooked in cider and its croissants.
    • Address: 193 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
    • Trading Hours are from 10am to 11.30pm, Monday through Sunday.

    French Saloon Bar & Bistro

    Regrettably, because of the limits that have been imposed in Victoria, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro has been forced to cease functioning, at least for the time being, as a regular restaurant that is open to the general public. Fortunately, though, they have reinvented themselves as a location for hosting special events such as weddings, engagement parties, birthday parties, and so on.

    • Distinguished for serving steak fries with caviar.
    • Address: 46 Hardware Lane, First Floor, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
    • The store is open from 12 pm to 11 pm, Monday through Saturday, although reservations are required.

    Entrecote South Yarra

    Since it first opened its doors seven years ago, Entrecote in South Yarra has gone from strength to strength, to the point where they will soon be transferring to a larger premises in Prahran. They offer some of the most delectable French food in all of Melbourne, and they'll take care of you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    Only French fries are included in the meal. Even if that isn't enough to get you to come in, Entrecote's brand new location on Greville Street should be enough to seal the deal. This revamped Melbourne classic serves a steak frites (steak and chips) dish that is simply out of this world. The dish was inspired by the French steakhouse Le Relais De L'Entrecôte.

    • renowned for its steak frites and crème brulee
    • Location: 131-133 Domain Road, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia
    • Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

    The French Brasserie

    The French Brasserie is one of the few restaurants in Melbourne that can live up to its name by successfully disabusing diners of the notion that they are even in the city of Melbourne. The restaurant boasts a stunningly modern design and serves some of the finest examples of French cuisine, all while providing outstanding and welcoming service.

    The French Brasserie takes great pleasure in serving genuine cuisine and is home to some of the city's most authentic examples of traditional French fare. The contemporary ambience is warm and welcoming, and the staff is committed to attending to all of your requirements.

    Delight in time-honored delicacies such as chicken in wine sauce and delectable sweets such as chocolate fondant. At The French Brasserie, our mission is to offer the people of Melbourne cuisine as well as an experience that is evocative of the tradition and culture of France. A work well done.

    • Escargot and French onion soup are two of their most famous dishes.
    • Malthouse Lane, Number 2, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
    • Wednesday through Friday, 12pm-3pm and 5pm-10:30pm, and Saturday, 5pm-10:30pm

    Bistrot d’Orsay

    Bistrot d'Orsay has been one of the top French restaurants in Melbourne for the past 25 years, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy both food and French cuisine. When you go inside, you will feel as though you have entered a Parisian restaurant due to the low lighting, dark wood panelling, and painted ceilings.

    • Distinguished for their bouillabaisse and pear tatin
    • 184 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
    • Tuesdays from 5pm to 11pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11.30am to 11pm

    Chez Oliver Le Bistro

    For those with a craving for something sweet, they offer crème Brulee for two, chocolate fondant, and a traditional and rich chocolate mousse topped with orange marmalade.

    • Distinguished for their smoked foie gras and confit duck.
    • Location: 268 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Australia
    • Business Hours are as follows: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 6pm-9.30pm; Fridays through Saturdays, 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm; and Saturdays, 9am-9pm.

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    Conclusion

    Several pioneers of modern cuisine are to be commended for their contributions to Melbourne's dining scene. France has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, from brasseries to bistros. The restaurants listed below are some of the most well-known French eateries in Melbourne. Family-owned and operated restaurants are commonplace in France. Early morning (around 7 a.m.) until late at night, cafés are open.

    As a bar, diner, and hidden French paradise, Bar Margaux has it all. Soufflé and duck are two of their most well-known specialities. When it comes to a romantic night out, there are few better options in Melbourne than Hell of the North. The Mediterranean flavour enhances the contemporary dishes on the menu. Located in the heart of Crown's dining scene, Bistro Guillaume is a little-known gem.

    France Soir, a French restaurant in Melbourne's CBD, serves up some of the city's best French cuisine. Staff at the French-themed eatery are fluent in both English and French, making it the perfect place for a romantic date night. It's no longer possible for the French Saloon Bar & Bistro to operate as a regular dining establishment. They've repurposed themselves as a venue for special occasions like weddings, engagement parties, and birthday celebrations, for example. They're doing well. The steakhouse Le Relais De L'Entrecôte in France served as an inspiration for this dish.

    Some of Melbourne's best examples of French cuisine can be found here. It's been 25 years since Melbourne's Bistrot d'Orsay was named one of the best French restaurants in the world. Those who enjoy both food and French cuisine flock to Chez Oliver Le Bistro.

    Content Summary

    • You won't be short on options for excellent French cuisine in Melbourne.
    • The restaurants listed below are some of the most well-known French eateries in Melbourne.
    • With that in mind, we're going to take you on a gastronomic tour of the best French restaurants in Melbourne by breaking down the various types of restaurants in France.
    • Inn - Restaurants that are attached to bed and breakfasts in France are typically owned and operated by members of the family.
    • Fortunately for us, we have a plethora of authentic French restaurants to choose from in Melbourne.
    • Noir is a quaint little spot where you can try your luck.
    • Noir has become one of the city's most popular French restaurants thanks to its excellent cuisine and lively atmosphere.
    • The North Pole of Hell
    • When it comes to a romantic night out, there are few better options in Melbourne than Hell of the North.
    • A top French restaurant in Melbourne has been built by Chef Philippe Mouchel.
    • Located in the heart of Crown's dining scene, Bistro Guillaume is a little-known gem.
    • Duck Confit and their signature Boeuf en Croute—a crispy pastry stuffed with tender meat—are among the best French dishes in Melbourne's CBD.
    • It's not necessary to travel to France to satisfy one's desire for French cuisine by dining at the well-known France-Soir.
    • In addition to serving some of Melbourne's best French cuisine, this small restaurant employs wait staff fluent in the language.
    • What do you think of that as genuine?
    • The most prestigious French establishment in Melbourne is France Soir, which has been around for as long as Melbourne has existed.
    • Unfortunately, the French Saloon Bar & Bistro has been forced to close as a regular restaurant for the time being due to restrictions placed on it by the city of Victoria.
    • Because of their rebranding as an event venue, they've been able to recoup some of the losses they've incurred over the years.
    • Steak fries with caviar are a signature dish at this establishment.
    • Entrecote in South Yarra, which first opened its doors seven years ago, has gone from strength to strength and is now moving to a larger location in Prahran.
    • You won't believe your eyes when you try the steak frites (steak and chips) at this reimagined Melbourne classic.
    • Only a handful of restaurants in Melbourne are able to live up to their name by convincing diners that they are actually in Melbourne.
    • The French Brasserie takes great pride in serving authentic French fare and has some of the best in the city.
    • As a French brasserie in Melbourne, our goal is to provide the city's residents with a taste of French tradition and culture through our food and service.

    FAQs About Melbourne French Restaurants

    Some of the most highly rated French Restaurants in Melbourne are The French Brasserie, Philippe, Noir and Bistrot d’Orsay.

    Traditional French foods include, escargot, coq au vin, foie gras, boeuf bourguignon, French onion soup, cassoulet, confit de canard, soufflé, crème brûlée, mousse, fondant.

    French food can be found all over Melbourne, especially in the CBD, but the best place is probably South Yarra which is considered Melbourne’s French pocket. It boasts many French-inspired cafes, bars, delicatessens and restaurants.

    A bistro is a small French restaurant, originally found in Paris, that serves simple local fare at moderate prices in a modest setting. They are often defined by their menu of French home-style cooking, cassoulet, bean stews, and dishes like coq au vin, potato-leek soup, and roasted chicken are typical.

    Sandwich boards outside a bistro may advertise the day's specials. French onion soup and mussels a la mariniere are typical examples of French bistro food. Coq au vin, which is chicken in wine, is a classic dish. American restaurants may also serve roast pork, Italian dishes made with portobello mushrooms and Asian duck.

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