The best French restaurants in Melbourne

What is it? France-Soir is truly one of Melbourne's most iconic French institutions. Established in 1986 by owner Jean-Paul Prunetti, the bistro was an instant success, and in the fickle world of hospitality, that success has endured.

Why we love it: It could be the French bistro of cliché, but well into its fifth decade, France-Soir still feels like the real smoky-mirrored deal. Expect closely packed, linen-clad tables, wildly French-accented waiters, a hubbub that goes on until the witching hour (they close at midnight seven days, bless) and the very real chance of seeing captains of industry and visiting rock stars do their thing. They're not reinventing the envelope, but why should they? This is your go-to joint for steak frites, for freshly opened oysters, for pork terrine and leek tart and sea perch in a saffron-stained prawn bisque. 

Time Out tip: Got a dusty bottle of Bordeaux waiting to be drunk? BYO is available for lunch service from Monday to Wednesday – with zero corkage charge.

Address: ​​11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Expect to pay: Entrées and salads $23-39, steaks $50-60, mains $46-54, desserts around $19

What is it? A laidback yet classy French bistro and wine bar in Brunswick.

Why we love it: You’d be forgiven for thinking Bar Magnolia is a lot stuffier than what it actually is, with its pressed white linen tablecloths and fastidiously attentive service. The more-than-a-year-old wine bar has retained the bones of the historical 1920s building it’s in – exposed red brick walls, stained-glass detailing in the upper windows. What you’ll find is a bistro fancy enough for a special date or notable occasion, but so warm and friendly it’s more akin to a neighbourhood wine bar. Bar Magnolia chef Mia Coady-Plumb is turning out some of the most inspired French fare around. 

Time Out tip: At $85 per person, the chef’s three-course seasonally rotating menu that includes nearly everything on the regular menu, bar dessert, is well worth the price tag.  

Address: ​​295 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056

Expect to pay: Set menu $85, plus wines

What is it? A classic French bistro delivering traditional Gallic comfort favourites with an elegant touch.

Why we love it: One word: snails. Baked in their shells, the snails (sorry, escargot) at this Toorak stalwart arrive in a bubbling green parsley-accented garlicky ooze so deliciously pungent they scream "must order" to every table in this gloriously decorated salon. Pretend you're in the eleventh arrondissement over a spread of pan-seared foie gras, onion soup crowned with a gruyere crouton, confit duck lug and a classic beef bourguignon. 

Time Out tip: The wine list similarly leans to France and deserves a special occasion splash-out. Also note: it's BYO seven days a week (lunch only) with corkage priced at $25 per bottle.

Address: ​​511 Malvern Road, Toorak VIC 3142

Expect to pay: Starters around $20-40, mains $45-70, plus dessert and drinks

What is it? This project from Nomad Group has transformed Melbourne’s hallowed old Stock Exchange building into a European-inspired restaurant as ritzy as it is regal, with a speakeasy bar (the Rue part) accessible through an adjoining courtyard. 

Why we love it: The kitchen has collaborated closely with Victorian producers to curate a menu that pays homage to the French classics with fresh Aussie flair. At a glance, you might eye Lakes Entrance calamari charcoal-grilled with café de Paris butter, a retro lobster cocktail, fruits de mer platter and a Great Ocean duck with red wine jus and sugarloaf cabbage.

Time Out tip: Add to your order a plate of the wood-roasted leeks and hazelnuts. Under a snowy dusting of grated cheese, they’re remarkably velvety in their subtle smoky sweetness; the humble vegetable never dazzled so bright. 

Address: ​​380 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Expect to pay: Chef's menu $175, plus drinks

What is it? A swanky new four-level restaurant on Bourke Street from the Lucas Group, famous for its aesthetic plating, glammed-up target audience and social media hype that swept over the city in 2024.

Why we love it: This ambitious French-inspired diner is chic, well-executed and surprisingly warm where it counts. Though you can – and should – settle in for a refined multi-course meal in the bustling dining room downstairs, next try a table on the sunlit, second-level terrace. As pretty as a scene from The Great Gatsby, this area provides a more casual Maison Batard offering – perfect for sundowner cocktails and one of the city's best cheeseburgers.

Time Out tip: Though the chocolate mousse is a hit, we reckon that astonishingly good-looking soft serve sundae with red berries and Chantilly cream is even better. 

Address: ​​23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Expect to pay: Starters $30-65, steak $65-250, share-style mains $110-185, plus drinks and a dessert

What is it? A refined French-leaning restaurant in the CBD from the Tipo 00 crew.

Why we love it: Harriot delivers on playfully executed dishes that make the most of classical French cooking techniques and Victorian produce, cleverly pairing them with sommelier Justin Howe’s picks from the outstanding wine list. Along with the rest of Melbourne, we’re sat – and we’ve been utterly seduced.

Time Out tip: Whatever you do at Harriot, don’t skip the lamb sweetbreads – buttery, softly cooked morsels that sing beautifully in their glistening, silken juices of sage and preserved lemon. 

Address: ​​555 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Expect to pay: Set menu $139, plus beverage pairing $120 (ordering from the a la carte is also available)