À la Bonne Franquette

Say bye-bye to expensive French cuisine, and hello to this one-of-a-kind French takeaway spot in New Farm, serving up affordable, authentic French bites. À la Bonne Franquette, meaning  ‘simple, good, no fuss’, encapsulates this exact expression, providing food that is uncomplicated, yet delicious. The minimalist joint aims to make meals that will make you feel right at home, with family recipes passed down through generations, and nothing over $25. 

Step into the homely maroon interior, decorated with antique French cooking utensils, and you'll find just a handful of stools around the single table (which is carved in the shape of France, of course)—A la Bon Franquette is geared towards dining at home. You can build yourself a three-course meal from the selection of entrees, mains, sides and desserts, or just opt for a single course of dishes like slow-cooked bœuf bourguignon or braised duck Maryland in white wine sauce with a side of creamy potato bake topped with gruyère cheese.

Want to add on something extra? Try the salade de chèvre chaud with warm goat cheese croutons, speck lardons and roasted walnuts, or slurp down French onion soup with gruyère croutons. Naturally, dinner would not be complete without a sweet treat, so indulging in a flan pâtissier, a baked vanilla custard in sweet short pastry and raspberry sauce, is a must.

Not only can you get a delicious dinner or lunch, but you can also stock up on French groceries imported directly from France—some of which you won't find anywhere else in Australia. From gourmet cheeses, mustards and vinegars to typical French grocery items like biscuits, lollies, and sodas, many of which owner Hugo Wintzer grew up with in France, there is now no need to book the lengthy flight to Paris to get your French grocery fix. 

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine