As the spiritual homeland of diet staples like bread, cheese, and Chardonnay, it’s easy to see how France has retained a steady perch as the food capital of planet Earth for a couple of centuries. Here at Urban List, we appreciate their culinary gifts to the world more than the rise of the sun, and that’s why we’re delving into the sweet and fragrant world of French dining in Brisbane/Meanjin.
We might be a lengthy flight or three away from the homeland, but you don't have to go far to find a classic French feed in Brisbane. Read on for the definitive guide to the best French restaurants in Brisbane. Bon app the teeth...
C'est Bon
609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Not just a restaurant, C'est Bon is practically a whole French precinct after a recent epic makeover, with five unique spaces for drinking and dining at every time of day. From brunching on the garden patio to enjoying a wine on the rooftop bar before tucking into a full French feast in the intimate dining room, it doesn't get more Parisian than this.
Bisou Bisou
458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Bisou Bisou | Instagram
Bisou Bisou comes to us from the crew behind Donna Chang, Blackbird and Iris Rooftop right upstairs—so you know it’s got to be good. Bisou Bisou totally backs up the Ghanem Group’s stellar rep in the hospo world with stunning interiors, a bangin’ drinks list and eats that will leave you wondering why you don’t go out for French fare more often.
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Everything about Montrachet keeps the embers of the belle époque burning. The luxurious interior with sumptuous furnishings and soft gold globe lighting will charm the life out of you before the amuse bouche even hits the table. And while there may be a new chef-owner at the helm, French-born Clément Chauvin has the iconic spot well in hand, and is continuing to dish up the classics that have cemented Montrachet position as one of Brisbane’s best French restaurants since 2004.
Mademoiselle
39 Hercules Streeet, Hamilton
Mademoiselle is the love child of two French friends (who are also behind Rise Bakery) so you know you’re getting authentic, delicious French fare made with love here. French Chef Laurent Hoffarth brings Michelin-starred experience and a dedication to bringing Brisbane a true Parisian bistro experience. If you’re on the hunt for classic French eats done well, you can trust Chef Laurent. The steak frites and poulet rotisserie are truly top notch and will have you dreaming of them for months to come.
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Herve's
1/31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion
Image Credit: Herve's | Instagram
If you’re searching for authentic and inspired artisanal French food experiences, look no further than Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar. Delivering a moody atmosphere with ceilings clad in rich wood and black metal accents throughout, Hervé’s is all about the sophisticated French-inspired vibes. They’ve captured the sleek Euro feel perfectly and created a menu to match.
Haig Road Bistro
111 Haig Road, Auchenflower
Looking oh so cute in a white cottage on Haig Road in Auchenflower, Haig Road Bistro is the elder sibling to Le Coin Bistro, and just like its sister, dishes up rich and comforting classic French dishes. The tarte flambee here is a must try—a thin rolled dough base is spread with soft cheese and scattered with toppings like onion, bacon and gruyere cheese, or mushrooms, parmesan and truffled, before being baked to perfection.
La Cache À Vín
215 Wharf Street, Spring Hill
Tucked away in an old wine cellar, La Cache à Vín is definitely one of the most romantic French restaurants in Brisbane. Once you’ve taken in the subterranean surroundings (and ordered a bottle of wine—you are in a wine cellar, after all), start your luxe dinner with oysters coated with finger lime mignonette dressing, before moving onto the tender eye fillet with home-made french fries. Just be sure to save room for creme brulee for dessert.
Petite
Corner East And Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Petite | Instagram
From the brilliant minds of the crew behind Happy Boy and Snack Man comes Petite. These guys know that the best part of any trip to Paris is following delicious smells down cobblestone streets until you find a beloved local bistro. They love it so much, they decided to bring a place that encapsulates that exact feeling to Brisbane. The onion tarte tatin here is death row meal worthy, trust us. It wouldn’t be a French bistro without a glassy, crackling crème brûlée; finishing off your visit to Petite without one is just rude.
Le Coin Bistro
5/1 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill
Whether you want Parisian chic or St Tropez vibes, Le Coin Bistro has got you covered, with both an alfresco patio and an enclosed upstairs dining area to choose from. The best part, though, is that you can head in for brunch as well as dinner. Start your day with cheesy bechamel-covered croque madame, then finish it with twice-baked cheese souffle and French onion soup with fluffy bread.
La Belle Vie
1/60 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon
Perched at the top of Bardon, La Belle Vie’s glass-walled dining room offers up pretty spesh views of the lush green burbs below—so you may want to drop in for lunch to make the most of it. Once you’ve talked your way into nabbing a table by the window, prepare to feast on classic dishes like foie gras with brioche toast, duck in orange sauce with roast mushrooms and potatoes, and a Black Angus sirloin with French fries and red wine jus.
Duck Fat
3B\63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Image Credit: Duck Fat | Instagram
Newly landed in Newstead, Duck Fat is here to challenge everything you know about French food. The minds behind La Belle Vie are turning the classic French dining experience on its head, ditching the white tablecloths and making the cuisine more approachable. Starting with the egg yolk-topped tartare is a must, then you have to try the rich beef cheek bourguignon for a main. To finish it off, we hear the crème brûlée espresso martini is a must-try.
Boucher Bistro
365 Honour Avenue, Graceville
Besides making maybe the best pomme frites in the city, Boucher gets tens across the board for every one of their dishes. Their menu delicately treads the cross-section where classic meets modern, striking a nice balance between the reverence of French tradition and the temptation to go completely off-piste. I can’t rate the bouillabaisse highly enough.
Two Small Rooms
517 Milton Road, Toowong
That’s literally all there is to this local Milton bistro. Having served classic French cuisine to the people of Brisbane for just over 30 years, Two Small Rooms is as traditional as they come. Fresh from a recent revamping, their new look is still as minimal and fuss-free as ever, siphoning all effort into providing a delectable French feed.
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Image credit: C'est Bon | Mitch Lowe
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